How did the changes in New York State Teacher Certification affect the special education programs?
In the past, students with any teaching certification were eligible to complete our programs and receive special education teaching certification at the completion of the program. Now, however, only those students with certification to teach students at the childhood level (1-6) will be able to complete the new one year programs leading to certification as a teacher of students with disabilities at the childhood level. The new certification requirements are age level specific and a student must also hold certification in general education at the level of the special education credential. As a result, students with other certifications (art, music, physical education, secondary subject areas, etc.) would be eligible for only the 2 year master’s degree in Special Education and Literacy that is designed for individuals without certification, or without childhood certification. Upon completion of this program, students will have certification in three areas: childhood education (1-6), lite
