Saint Anselm College education majors and recent alumni may now continue their education on the Hilltop by earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education through the new, accelerated 4+1 graduate program.
Beginning on Dec. 6, the College will take applications. Courses for the program will begin in May 2022 with the first cohort of students graduating in May 2023.
Interested students must major in elementary education or double major in secondary education and a content area. This exciting opportunity means that students may earn both their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree plus teacher and special education teacher licenses in five years. Alumni of the college’s elementary or secondary undergraduate teacher education/licensure programs who have graduated in the last five years may also apply.
“This program supports an area of education that is critically needed today in our state and region and will build on Saint Anselm’s reputation for excellence in teacher preparation,” says Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, president of Saint Anselm College. “The M.ED program will offer teachers an important credential needed to design learning for all K-12 students regardless of ability. We look forward to the success of the M.ED and to the launching of other graduate programs that fit with the mission of Saint Anselm.”
Program Director Professor Laura Wasielewski, Ed.D., says the program is designed to prepare educators to meet the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings and the needs of all learners in the classroom. “Special education has been and continues to be a critical shortage. It’s also something our students are very interested in having,” says Professor Wasielewski.
Through the coursework, students will enhance educator skills to be better equipped to teach all learners. It will also broaden their post-graduate opportunities.
The M.Ed. program requires the completion of 44 credits through seven courses and a year-long internship involving one experience in an elementary setting (K-6) and one in secondary setting (7 – 12). Through two six-week summer sessions students take courses such as ED520 Differentiated Curriculum and Targeted Instruction and ED530 Positive Behavior Supports. In the fall, there are two courses, ED540 Consultation and Collaboration with Families, Schools, and Communities and ED560 Assessment for Instructional Design and Decision Making, in addition to the internship experience. The program will place students in their internship assignments based on student interests and professional goals. A couple of the courses will be offered online.
Interested students should discuss interest and academic standing with their advisor and/or the Director of the Graduate Program in Special Education throughout their undergraduate career.
To apply, students will need an online application, an official Saint Anselm College transcript, and score reports for Praxis Core Academic Skills (or equivalent tests e.g. MTELs). Content knowledge test (Praxis or MTEL) score reports must be submitted prior to start of coursework in mid-May. Applications to begin the program this academic year are due February 1.
Graduates of the program would be eligible for New Hampshire licensure in either Elementary Education (K-6) and General Special Education (K-12) or a specified content area in Secondary Education (K-12, 5-12, or 7-12) and General Special Education (K-12). The New Hampshire Department of Education participates in a reciprocal agreement, the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). The agreement facilitates the movement of licensed educators among the states that have signed the contract.
For questions or more information about the program, contact Professor Wasielewski at gradspecialed@anselm.edu.