Our Approach
Special educators serve a critical role in our nation’s public schools, yet a majority of schools report difficulty in hiring special education staff. Teaching shortages in the area of Special Education are especially challenging for students and schools. With well trained teachers, we know students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can thrive.
You may already be working with students with disabilities in some capacity. If you are ready to expand on that work and take it to a new level by training as a Teacher for Students with Moderate Disabilities, then our program can get you to that goal. We know how to prepare educators to meet the various needs of students on IEPs, and we pay particular attention to seeing learners as individuals with diverse strengths and backgrounds. CES has trained thousands of in-service and aspiring special education teachers, special education team leaders, and paraprofessionals. Our experienced instructors work in the field and bring evidence based practices and empathy into their courses.
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) (5-12) – Initial Licenses
Prepares candidates for:
- Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) Initial License
- Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (5-12) Initial License
Candidates may come from either inside or outside the field of public education.
Prerequisites
- A Bachelors Degree
Program Requirements
Enrollees of the Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities Program will:
- Meet MA Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and application requirements, including prerequisites.
- Complete required courses: Differentiating Instruction Through Word Study; Writing Best Practice IEPs: Measurable Goals; Positive Behavior Supports; Curriculum and Assessment for Teachers; Learning Disabilities and Instructional Techniques; Understanding Differences and Disabilities; Working with the Range of Students in Mathematics; Reflective Practicum Seminar; Working with the Struggling Reader; and Assessment for Reading Instruction. For more information about these courses, visit our Course Catalog.
- SEI Endorsement: In addition to the courses listed above, all enrollees are required to obtain the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement, either with CES or through their district. The CES SEI Endorsement course may be taken at any point in the program.
- Complete the Practicum.
Passing scores on the Communication and Literacy MTELs are required with application. Endorsement in the Licensure Program is contingent upon successful completion of all the MTELs.
MTEL Requirements
MTEL Requirements – All Candidates:
- Communication and Literacy Skills Test
- Foundations of Reading Test (taken upon completion of all or part of the program)
MTEL Requirements – PreK-8
- General Curriculum Test
MTEL Requirements – 5-12
- General Curriculum Test or
- Academic Subject Test: English, mathematics, science (biology, chemistry, earth science, general science or physics), history or political science/political philosophy at either the 5-8 or 8-12 level.
Practicum
PreK-8
- 300 hours in an inclusive general education setting or 225 hours in a separate or substantially separate setting for students with moderate disabilities plus 75 hours in an inclusive general education setting.
5-12
- 300 hours in an inclusive general education setting or 150 hours in a separate or substantially separate setting for students with moderate disabilities plus 150 hours in an inclusive general education setting.
Click here to learn more about the Practicum.
Graduate Credit
All courses may be taken for graduate credit. For those interested in obtaining a graduate degree, graduate credits may be applied toward a M.Ed. – Curriculum & Teaching or a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), through CES’ partnership with Fitchburg State University. Graduate credit registration forms are available at the first session of each course. For more information about the Graduate Options available, click here.
Liza Manchester
Liza Manchester joined CES Licensure Programs in 2016. She is the point of contact for inquiries about the Licensure program as well as coordinates admissions, advising, and the practicum semester for all teacher licensure candidates. Liza hosts regular online information sessions about CES Teacher Licensure Programs. Prior to CES, Liza worked in community-based organizations and higher education in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Position: Candidate Advising and Practicum Manager
Email: lmanchester@collaborative.org
Phone: (413) 239-2398