M.Ed.: Teacher of Students with Moderate Special Needs, Grades Pre-K-9, and Grades 5-12
This program prepares teachers to work with students classified in some states as students with learning disabilities, students with mild/moderate intellectual disability, or students with emotional/behavioral disabilities. This program, however, is based on a non-categorical model focused on educational need rather than category of disabling condition. Students gain practical experience in inclusive schools. The ultimate goal is the preparation of teachers who function effectively in collaboration with regular educators, parents, and other professionals in creating successful experiences for all students. For this reason, students become certified in regular and special education. All program students complete an inquiry study that prepares them for the teacher-researcher role.
Moderate Special Needs Licensure requires a general license. Candidates can do the general and the special needs licensure programs simultaneously if they do not already possess a general license. Financial aid is available in the form of paid internship experiences in local school systems and in some private schools.
Faculty: Richard Jackson, Alec Peck, Claudia Rinaldi, David Scanlon.
M.Ed.: Teacher of Students with Severe Special Needs
The Boston College Program in Severe Disabilities prepares teachers to work with students who have moderate to severe intellectual disability, autism, and additional disabilities (such as visual impairment, deafness, cerebral palsy, and medical conditions). The program leads to eligibility for the Massachusetts teaching license in Severe Disabilities. An additional specialization in deafblindness is available. No prior teaching license is required for admission. The Program of Study is available leading to initial licensure and for these already licensed. The Severe Program is founded on close linkages between current research and best practices in teaching. All program students complete an inquiry study that prepares them for the teacher-researcher role.
Additional Specialization in Deafblindness
Boston College is the oldest and most established teacher preparation program in deafblindness in the United States. In addition to completing the requirements for the Severe Program (which includes content on deafblindness), students will either have the following competencies and/or take the following coursework:
Sign Language (basic competency or Sign I)
Braille (basic competency or Braille I)
Funding your studies
Teacher Preparation Grant funds may be available to support your study. The program has a long history of funding from the United States Department of Education. These funds are scholarships (e.g. no repayment is required) and may be available to those who are U.S. citizens and are committed to teaching two years for each full year of support.
Majors in Severe Disabilities are prioritized for paraprofessional positions at the Boston College Campus School. These positions provide 6 credits of tuition-free coursework each fall and spring semester.
Research funds may be available to augment your expenses. To learn more about current research in severe disabilities at Boston College contact Dr. Susan Bruce.
Students may be enrolled on a full or part-time basis.
Applying to the Lynch School of Education