COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW MASTER'S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
SYNOPSIS:
A new Masters Program in Special Education offers an exciting career path for Oregon's teachers while simultaneously addressing an urgent need for qualified Special Education teachers.
Published January 21, 2025
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In the summer of 2025, College of Education will be adding the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (MAT-SPED) to its degree offerings. With a growing demand for Special Education teachers in Oregon, the program is designed to provide a direct pathway to Special Education licensure and teaching.
The Special Education program prepares candidates to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in K-12 classrooms. Special Education provides individualized instruction, support, and services to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The MAT-SPED degree aims to help students earn a Special Education license in Oregon, with the ability to transfer that license to those outside of the state.
The program’s goals and curriculum are informed by a foundational value: treating disability as an aspect of identity rather than a deficit.
Dr. Nandita Golya, a Senior Instructor in the College of Education, says, “The program emphasizes inclusive practices and strength-based approaches, rather than rehabilitation-focused methods. By recognizing disability as part of human diversity, we shift the focus from 'fixing' students to removing barriers – both visible and invisible. This approach supports both academic growth and social-emotional well-being, ensuring every learner is valued and supported.”
Another key consideration in the development of the MAT-SPED program was flexibility. Considering that many potential students are working full-time, the program offers online instruction with a final year of in-person teaching experience. The program helps students coordinate their practicum in a Special Education classroom in their community.
This allows students the option to continue working while pursuing the degree and accommodates students outside of Oregon to participate without sacrificing the hands-on experience that is so crucial to the field.
Since a central goal of the MAT-SPED program was to meet the needs of local special education students, it was critical to involve Oregon teachers. College of Education faculty and staff checked in regularly with local teachers and surveyed local schools about their needs from teacher preparation — special education was a common theme.
Dr. Sara Schley, Chair and Professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Research for the College, emphasizes that as more Special Education students are being included in general education classrooms, “all teachers need to have an understanding of the Special Education landscape, as well as inclusive teaching practices.”
Developing special education teaching skills is beneficial to educators across disciplines.
The program is an exciting and necessary addition to the College of Education’s offerings, addressing both student interest in Special Education teaching and the demand for Special Education teachers in Oregon and beyond.
NOTE: The Master of Arts in Special Education Teaching program at Oregon State University is currently completing the review process by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission and is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2025.
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