The United States Department of Education’s 2015-2016 Teacher Shortage Report identified Special Education teachers as an area of high need across the U.S. and in Massachusetts as well, particularly in low-income areas.
The Assumption education program provides students with a five-year program option where they earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in special education. Students are prepared to earn a Massachusetts Initial License as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12).
The graduate curriculum includes courses in teaching reading and math to diverse learners, educating students with behavioral disorders and more.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Department of Special Education employs 8,170 special education teachers.
While Massachusetts has one of the highest percentages of students with disabilities in the country, it also has one of the most successful special education programs — its ability to provide special education services has the highest rating possible.
The 2012 Review of Special Education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts found that “low-income students are considerably more likely than their counterparts to be deemed eligible for special education services,” highlighting the need for great Special Education teachers in these areas.
The Federal TEACH Grant Program provides funding of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing coursework in education and agree to serve for four years in a low-income school and in high need areas, such as Special Education.