MA in Teaching, Preliminary Education Specialist with Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential

Even if you stay in your home state and have no intentions of moving, most teachers still have to renew their credentials every five years. One of the main criteria for renewal is showing proof of dedication to continuing education, whether through in-service training sessions or formal academic study.

Special education credentials are differentiated from each other by their focus. The Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential builds a specialized focus on students with mild to moderate disabilities in inclusive and general education environments. The other California special education credentials are for Early Childhood Special Education, Extensive Support Needs, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Standards Visual Impairments.

Earning a master's in teaching has numerous benefits for an educator. Here are a few key benefits:

• Expertise — You’ll expand your skills as an educator through the additional courses needed to earn your MAT, which all focus on broader issues in education.
• Increased salary potential — Most school districts offer higher pay tiers depending on the level of education.
• Career options — Having a master’s degree expands career options into areas such as curriculum coordinator, department head, assessment director, and various administrative roles.
• Expanded teaching — Should you choose at some point to broaden your teaching from the special education realm, an MAT can allow you to do so, although you may still have to gain subject matter expertise if you move into a completely new area. Still, your MAT would open possibilities teaching at community colleges, doing educational consulting, working at education nonprofits, and other options.

To earn the SPED credential portion, you will need to complete 36 credit hours of coursework — 18 introductory block credits (six courses) and 18 content area block credits (six courses), along with 10 or 12 credit hours of internship teaching or student teaching. From there, earning your Master of Arts in Teaching will require an additional nine credit hours (three courses).

The credential can be earned as quickly as 18 to 24 months, with the MAT adding two to four extra months. This timeframe assumes you take two courses per eight-week session, and it may vary depending upon the session in which you start.

Remember, should you choose the UMass Global Internship Pathway, you can begin intern teaching as the teacher of record in a classroom after only four courses. That way you can start earning a salary while finishing your credential and MAT courses.

Obtaining a Preliminary Special Education Credential, Mild to Moderate Support Needs offers numerous benefits for educators and their students:

1. Career Advancement Opportunities - Gaining your Preliminary Special Education Credential opens doors to a rewarding career in education, specifically tailored to supporting students with mild to moderate support needs.
2. Making a Difference - By working with students who have mild to moderate support needs, you will have the chance to create a significant impact on their educational journey. Your specialized skills and knowledge will help these students achieve their full potential.
3. Enhanced Teaching Skills - With this credential, you'll develop advanced teaching skills that are specifically aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by students with mild to moderate support needs. This expertise not only benefits your students but also enriches your overall teaching practice.
4. Job Security and Demand - There is a growing demand for qualified special education teachers who can provide tailored support to students with varying needs. Obtaining this credential ensures that you are well-prepared to meet this demand, providing you with job security and a multitude of career opportunities in the field of special education.
5. Personal Fulfillment - Working in special education is not just a job — it's a calling. The personal fulfillment and sense of accomplishment that come from making a positive difference in the lives of students and their families are immeasurable. This credential helps you embark on a career path that is both professionally and personally rewarding.

A Preliminary Education Specialist, Mild to Moderate Support Needs Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12 and through age 22 in California. This credential prepares educators to work in general and inclusive classrooms, focusing on behavior support, communication strategies, and adaptive skills. It is the initial credential required for those seeking to enter the field of special education with a focus on students who can participate in a general classroom environment but need accommodations to be able to keep pace with the class.

There are many characteristics that are essential for teachers who work with special needs students. Some examples include:

• They are active listeners
• They have strong social perception skills
• They understand how to support different learning styles
• They're adept at complex problem solving
• They are service oriented