Exceptional Student Education
Stetson's Master's of Education in Exceptional Student Education will enhance your understanding of the unique challenges faced by students with special needs. You'll gain tools to address not only academic success but also the social and emotional needs of marginalized students. The program includes certification in restorative practices and trauma-informed care. You'll be prepared to embrace all children, fostering their educational and emotional growth. As a graduate, you can teach exceptional students in regular classrooms, instruct classes exclusively for exceptional students or work as a consultative coach.
Why Exceptional Student Education at Stetson University?
Earning a Master's Degree in Education from Stetson will establish you as an expert teacher, significantly impacting the lives of the children you teach. In our Exceptional Student Education program, you will develop innovative teaching methods tailored to support children who find traditional classrooms challenging. This program also prepares you for leadership roles in education, whether you choose to remain in the classroom or transition to administrative positions. You will be equipped to initiate changes and introduce new methods to help close the opportunity gap between students with diverse needs.
You will learn to meet the specific needs of struggling students, redesign your curriculum using effective scientific pedagogies, and enhance your understanding of research-based educational practices. Additionally, you will deepen your knowledge of exceptional student populations and become certified in restorative practices and trauma-informed care.
Our program features personalized instruction in small class settings within a cohort model, enhancing your ability to improve education for marginalized students. Completing this master’s degree not only qualifies you for district-level positions but also sets the stage for pursuing a doctoral degree in Exceptional Student Education, opening further doors to advanced professional opportunities.
Learn more about Stetson's Graduate Education Programs.
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Career Outcomes
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of teachers of exceptional students is projected to grow by 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, aligning with the average growth rate for all occupations. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for teachers of exceptional students stood at $61,820. Most of these teachers work in public schools, educating students from preschool to high school, typically following the traditional 10-month school year, although some positions are year-round.
By pursuing a master's degree, you can increase your potential for additional compensation and enhance your employment opportunities. This program is tailored to prepare you for professions where state-regulated professional licensure or certification is available, setting a solid foundation for a fulfilling career in education.
Our Department of Education faculty members are highly regarded in the educational community. They are always willing to engage with prospective students who are interested in the program. You may request an appointment with a graduate faculty member, and our Office of Graduate Admissions will help you confirm the appointment.
- Raisa Ankeny, PhD, New Mexico State University
- Elizabeth Heins, PhD, University of Virginia
- Kathy Jo Piechura-Couture, PhD, University of South Florida
- Amy Smith, PhD, University of Colorado
Field Faculty
- Deborah Bidwell, Seminole County Schools
- Catherine Gollitti, Volusia County Schools
- Lida Grillo, Volusia County Schools
- Lisa St. John, Volusia County School
Our program equips you to develop an action research project that challenges the individual intellectually and pedagogically. You will be prepared to take the certification examination and bolster your toolbox of pedagogical strategies.
The program offers in-depth, hands-on experience. Students use their classrooms as their laboratory. Those who are not currently teaching are placed in local schools. For their capstone experience, students can submit a presentation at a local or national conference, submit an article based on their research, submit a thesis if contemplating a PhD program or teach an in-service class to undergraduate students.
This graduate program begins once a year in the Summer (early May). To ensure adequate review time, it is recommended that all application materials be submitted by the final application date. This program is in high demand due to the limited number of spots offered each Summer. We recommend you begin the process as early as possible to obtain your application decision early. Your file will not be reviewed until the Office of Graduate Admission receives all application materials.
See Exceptional Student Education Admission for more details and guidance.
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