The market for highly qualified special education teachers remains unabated. The latest report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the need for special education teachers will increase by 17% percent between 2008 and 2018. This shortage of Special Education teachers has been identified regionally (i.e., Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and is particularly prevalent in urban centers in the immediate environs of Temple University. The Governor’s Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (2006) reported that in Pennsylvania, 52% of districts report challenges recruiting special education teachers.

Program Features

• Commitment to evidence-based, instructional practices and their implementation in the classroom.
• Commitment to recognizing and ameliorating the impact of socio-cultural factors on the education of children with disabilities.
• Emphasis on preventative approaches that de-emphasize labels and traditional diagnostic categories to support improved teaching and learning.
• Commitment to inclusive practices both within schools and within society as a whole.
• Beginning in Fall 2021, students can choose a fully online program option to complete the MEd in Special Education.

Academic Programs

Graduate Pathways to Teacher Certification

Temple University offers three distinct graduate-level options in Special Education to meet the needs of aspiring and current educators at different stages of their careers. Whether you're pursuing initial teacher certification or looking to expand your existing credentials, you’ll find a pathway designed for you:

• Option 1: MEd in Special Education (Initial Certification + Master’s Degree)
  For individuals who are not yet certified teachers and want to earn both Pennsylvania teacher certification in Special Education (PreK–12) and a Master of Education degree.

• Option 2: Non-Degree Teacher Certification in Special Education
  For individuals seeking initial teacher certification in Special Education (PreK–12) without completing a full master’s program. This streamlined, non-degree option leads to certification only.

• Option 3: Graduate Certificate in Special Education (Add-On Certification)
  For already certified teachers (e.g., certified in PreK–4, 4–8, or Secondary English) who want to add Special Education certification to their current Pennsylvania teaching license. This does not lead to a second degree.