Master of Arts in Teaching with Initial Teacher Certification in Special Education

Earn Initial Connecticut Licensure in Special Education

This program is a 39-credit track within Sacred Heart University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), leading to an institutional recommendation for initial Connecticut licensure in Special Education, PK-12 (165). The program is designed to exemplify the distinguishing features of SHU’s clinically rich teacher preparation, while simultaneously addressing special education-specific competencies so that graduates will be ready to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities on day one of their professional teaching career. Like SHU’s other teacher preparation programs, the Special Education track of the MAT is rooted in practice-based teacher education, including practice-based experiences provided in our residency program. Program content courses will be offered online with accompanying in-person clinical experiences designed to meet the needs of working professionals (i.e., paraeducators, long-term subs) seeking initial teaching licensure. Co-designed with partner districts, this program is streamlined to remove barriers and serve district personnel needs to attract and retain talent from diverse pools of candidates.

Why choose Sacred Heart?

Students passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs will thrive in the MAT in Special Education at Sacred Heart University's Farrington College of Education & Human Development. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. You'll benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from experienced faculty and hands-on learning opportunities in local schools. Additionally, our strong emphasis on practical experience and our robust network of school partnerships ensure you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in special education.

Certification Requirements

SHU students complete the following to earn Connecticut State Certification:

• Successfully complete our state-approved teacher preparation program.
• Achieve passing scores on the Praxis II test: for comprehensive special education. A passing score on the CT Foundations of Reading Exam is also required.

Earn free tuition and bring your education to the classroom through our School Based Experiences

The traditional teacher residency program is a year-long tuition-paid, full-time experience that allows candidates to gain valuable skills while working in a local public school environment, building professional relationships and applying coursework to practice. The "Prepare and Promise" Teacher Residency is a full-time, tuition paid placement in one of our partner school districts. Candidates receive a living stipend during their preparation and commit to working in the district after successful completion of the residency.

Both residency options take place while candidates are completing their MAT coursework.

More Information

If you are already a certified teacher seeking a master’s degree, visit our Master of Education program page.