Special Education, Integrated General Education and Special Education Initial Teacher Certification, M.S.

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The Master of Science in Special Education Integrated concentration is designed for individuals seeking to become dually certified as both general and special education teachers. This concentration provides candidates with three outcomes:

USM Master of Science in Special Education degree,
Recommendation for the Maine (020) K-8 elementary or 7-12 content area teacher certification, and
Recommendation for the Maine (282) K-8 or 7-12 Teacher of Students with Disabilities.

The concentration integrates the requirements for both general and special education certification into one streamlined degree. Through partnerships with school districts, special purpose schools, and state approved agencies this program is accessible to education technicians and others employed in schools who would like to become certified. An Individual Internship Plan (IIP) is jointly designed by school district, university, and candidate to accommodate employment responsibilities, program requirements, and family needs.

Program Requirements

Prerequisites:

Maine-approved certification Exceptionality Course such as SED 540, SED 335, or a course approved by the Maine Department of Education Office of Certification.

K-8 Certification - 51 credits (all courses are three credits unless noted)

Secondary 7-12 - 48 credits (all courses are three credits unless noted)

Content Area Methods Courses:

One of the following (3 cr)

Tk20

Tk20 by Watermark is the comprehensive web-based, assessment management and reporting system used by all students in Educator Preparation programs at USM. All undergraduate and graduate students who matriculate into an Educator Preparation program at USM and are accepted as a candidate for their internship/student teaching year are required to subscribe to Tk20. Students use Tk20 to provide evidence they have mastered state and professional standards for their profession. The subscription fee of $103 covers some of the expenses related to the administration and assessment of the program. For loan purposes, Tk20 is eligible for consideration as part of educational costs. The subscription is a one-time payment and must be made by each student after they have passed their candidacy process and before the first semester of their internship year. Subscription instructions are posted on the Office of Educator Preparation website at http://usm.maine.edu/educator-preparation.

Please note Professional Education Council Policy: In order for USM’s Education Preparation Unit program completers to be recommended by the institution to the Maine Department of Education for certification or licensure, the candidate must provide evidence of meeting all certification requirements including proficiency on the standards relevant to her/his state-approved professional program and this evidence must be compiled and assessed within the context of the Unit’s data management system (i.e., Tk20).

Professional Licensure and Certification Notice

Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practica through their USM program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the University will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at USM does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.