American University Revamps Special Education Teaching Degree to Address National Shortage
Key Changes to the Program
The university has transitioned the degree from a Master of Arts to a Master of Arts in Teaching, and reduced tuition by 31%. The program now offers flexible completion options, allowing full-time students to graduate in one to two years, in-person, hybrid, or online, with part-time options available for those balancing other commitments.
Dr. Carolyn Parker, Director of Graduate Teacher Education at SOE, explained the rationale behind these changes: "The School of Education is at the forefront of filling the teacher shortage, especially in critical areas like special education. The tuition discount, which can be coupled with our many partnership discounts, and the new Residency for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (RETL) program, make these teaching certifications more accessible than ever."
Program Focus and Career Prospects
The MAT program continues to emphasize evidence-based reading and language interventions, preparing educators to work with students facing various challenges, including dyslexia, developmental language disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
Graduates of the program are certified to teach special education from preschool through high school in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with reciprocity agreements allowing immediate work placement in over forty additional states. According to recent data, graduates typically earn between $67,000 and $100,000 in nearby Montgomery County, MD.
The curriculum continues to ensure practical, individualized training in diagnostic-prescriptive teaching within a theoretical framework of the Sally L. Smith Methodology, resulting in 100% placementÌýfor graduates into employment or onto further graduate schooling.
New Residency Program Launched
In fall 2024, SOE introduced the Residency for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (RETL)Ìýprogram. This initiative, modeled after medical residencies, provides hands-on classroom experience under the guidance of mentor teachers. The program is a partnership between AU's School of Education, the AU College of Arts and Sciences, and Friendship Public Charter Schools.
Charles Dixon, one of the inaugural RETL residents, shared his experience after a life-threatening injury, when became a first-time teacher in 2023. He grew up witnessing family members’ experiences living with disabilities and learning in special education environments, which likely played into his choice to become a special education teacher. “The residency program is giving me the practical experience I need while I work towards my MAT in special education." Read more ofÌýhis story here.
Impact on Aspiring Educators
The program's updates are already attracting a diverse range of students. Isabelle Jeppsen, a neurodiverse special education major, commented on the program's significance: "I always dreamed of and advocated to make space for learning disabilities as a whole. This program is helping me accomplish my dreams of becoming a teacher and empowering students who learn differently."
Professor Sarah Irvine Belson, executive director of SOE's Institute for Innovation in Education and a professor in the program, emphasized the broader impact of these changes: "Our collaboration with the MAT program reflects our dedication to inclusive education and ensuring that we partner with educators to ensure that all students get the support they need when they need it."
As the demand for special education teachers continues to grow nationwide, American University's revamped MAT program represents a significant step towards addressing this critical need in the education sector. By making the degree more accessible and affordable, the university aims to put more well-trained special education teachers into classrooms across the country.
For more information about the program and available scholarships, interested individuals can visit the American University School of Education website.