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Turn Ambition Into Achievement
As the Educator of Educators®, Walden proudly offers an MAT program nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Our program was reviewed and approved by the CEC as part of our College of Education’s CAEP accreditation process.
IMMERSIVE CONTENT
This full-time, online MAT program has virtual field experiences and avatar simulations to help you build actionable skills.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
Learn to address student needs from classroom, family, and community perspectives. Help each child grow and succeed.
DEDICATED TO YOUR JOURNEY
Our faculty and staff support you at each step, from information on financial aid options to guidance on the licensure process. For those who apply and qualify.
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This means the college has met rigorous standards for demonstrating excellence and continuous improvement in educator preparation.
Our program prepares you to address the instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with mild to moderate exceptionalities K–21. Build confidence in your skills with in-person and virtual field experiences.
Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, teacher candidates delve into the principles, practices, and policies that underpin special education services. Essential topics include legal and ethical considerations, the dynamic relationship between students with disabilities, families, and communities, positive support systems and inclusive practices, IDEA disability characteristics and categories, family engagement, and research-based practices. Each of these is woven together with an emphasis on collaborating with key professionals whose expertise and insights add to a fuller and richer understanding of each student’s strengths and challenges. Teacher-candidates in this course have an opportunity not only to gain insights into the complexities of the special education field but also how to make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities and their families.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of skills and practices needed to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with a focus on utilizing evidence-based practice, integrating appropriate assistive technology, and implementing effective progressive monitoring techniques. Emphasis is placed on fostering parent involvement, collaborating with all team members, and working with other professionals and paraprofessionals to provide targeted and supportive services. Candidates also study the implications of the legal, judicial, medical, and educational systems in serving students with disabilities and responding to diverse needs. Key components include completing a Child Study Project, which involves initial planning and evaluation, communication and data analysis, identifying and designing individualized IEP instructional strategies and educational supports, and developing transition plans. Throughout this project, candidates engage in reflection, honing their professional practice and ethical perspectives within the context of special education. By the end of the course, candidates have studied the knowledge and skills needed to collaboratively develop effective IEPs that address the unique needs of each student, promote inclusive practices, and facilitate successful transitions.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of special education evaluation and assessment processes with a focus on the pre-referral process, Child Find, and Resource to Intervention (RTI) strategies. Students explore screening techniques and intervention implementation to support students’ diverse needs. Emphasis is placed on understanding the value of multidisciplinary evaluation processes, utilizing unbiased assessment measures. Students are also challenged to consider the impact of various factors on development and learning, such as physical and mental health conditions, effects of medications, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural backgrounds, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental cognitive disabilities. During the course, students study how to determine appropriate assessments and assistive technologies as well as the levels of support required and continuum of services. The course underscores the importance of communication and collaboration skills necessary for working effectively with families, other educators, outside agencies, and medical professionals to ensure alignment and support for student needs and growth.
In this course, candidates delve into research-based theories of behavior, laws related to handling behavior issues, and ethical issues related to behavior management. In addition, candidates are challenged to consider throughout the course, how various factors such as disability, gender, familial background, socioeconomic status, culture, and language may impact the interpretation of student behaviors, particularly those with emotional and behavior issues. Included in the course, candidates evaluate school-wide behavior management systems and positive behavior interventions. A central component of the course is the Behavior Management Project. Collaborating with their host teachers in fieldwork settings, candidates analyze individual behavior needs, conduct limited versions of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, and implement intervention strategies to promote emotional well-being, positive social interactions, and self-determination. Based on the results of the Technical Adequacy Evaluation Tool (TATE), candidates reflect on how they will engage in meaningful ongoing professional development to increase their knowledge and skills in the areas of behavior assessment, management, and intervention.
This course delves into instructional strategies for special education teachers, emphasizing evidence-based approaches and effective methods for enhancing academic skills, social skills, and behavior management across diverse disabilities. Key topics include the relationship of special education to other aspects of the education system, Universal Design for Learning, integrating assistive technology, parent collaboration and teaming with specialists and paraprofessionals. The course offers a comprehensive understanding of how special education intersects with bilingual education, Section 504 accommodations, and diverse education services and service models. Fieldwork experiences are designed to build deeper understanding of effective special education practices as candidates design, implement, and reflect on their own lesson plans and interactions with students.
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Do you want to foster a deeper understanding of diverse learners and learn how to support their intellectual, social, and physical well-being? Your next step may be a Master of Arts in Teaching online program focused on special education. Walden paves the way with our simple admissions process.
Begin your journey with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No GRE requirement
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Walden helps bring our Master of Arts in Teaching online program within reach, thanks to partner and military savings, transfer of credit, and scholarships.
Manage your costs with:
Tuition Savings
Transfer of Credit
Scholarships
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 70 quarter credit hours | $335 per quarter hour | $23,450 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,260 |
$24,710** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,350 | ||
*Represents Fast Track option, minimum time to completion, no breaks during the program, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
**The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-1080.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to $350.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the need for special education teachers will continue. In 2023–2024, more than 40 states have reported shortages of special education teachers.2
Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten and Elementary School
Expected growth: -1% Decline1
Estimated annual wage: $47,100–$81,9901
Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
Expected growth: -1% Decline2
Estimated annual wage: $47,950–$84,4002
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MAT Special Education program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Graduates of Walden’s online Master of Arts in Teaching program with a specialization in Special Education will be prepared to:
Understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of the subject matter meaningful for students.
Understand how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support a child’s intellectual, social, and personal development.
Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
Plan instruction based upon knowledge of the subject matter, students, community, and curriculum goals.
Understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.
Be a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
Use knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
Foster relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.
Understand how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
Use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Benefit from the wisdom of seasoned educators—our faculty's real-world knowledge fuels your academic and personal growth.
Here’s a basic outline of the steps to follow if you’re considering becoming a special education educator:
Walden University provides support to guide you every step of the way toward your special education teaching license—including your first conversations with an Enrollment Specialist, assistance from student success advisors throughout your program, support from our field experience team to help set organize your demonstration teaching, and guidance from licensure experts on applying for your teaching certificate.
Professionals seeking a Master of Arts in teaching (MAT) online program are looking to earn their first teaching license in a specific field, and they often hold a bachelor’s in a discipline other than education. There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing the right program, but a few key factors should always be considered before deciding, including accreditation, flexibility, diversity, and support. First, look for an MAT program offered at an accredited university or college. CAEP accreditation signals the quality of a school’s educator preparation programs, as well as the school’s commitment to continuous assessment and improvement. Flexible scheduling is also important for working professionals, which is why online degree programs are such a popular choice. It’s also vital to be able to connect with other professionals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which can greatly enhance your MAT experience. Lastly, be sure you choose a university with a strong support team that is invested in helping you succeed.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is a recognized national accreditor for educator preparation and aims to promote excellence through quality assurance and continuous assessment and improvement. Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited by CAEP for a period of seven years, from April 2019 through June 2026. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs—including the MAT in Special Education program. The Riley College of Education and Human Sciences earned CAEP accreditation by meeting rigorous national standards and demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
If you have a passion for learning and the desire to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in life, choosing a teacher licensure preparation program like Walden’s Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education program is a good choice. Gain the competencies and knowledge you need to earn your license and begin to make a difference in the lives of students with exceptionalities.
An MAT degree program can provide you with the fundamentals of classroom management, the foundations of literacy, the skills to work with diverse learners, and best practices for being effective in the classroom and in your school. Walden University’s MAT – Special Education (K–Age 21) is designed to equip you with the skills to help effectively teach learners with exceptionalities.
