Master of Arts in Teaching / Special Education (MAT/SPED) Program

   In collaboration with local school districts, the College of Education offers an intensive teacher education program for those seeking initial licensure in special education with authorizations at either the Early Childhood/Elementary levels, or the Middle School/High School levels. A more traditional approach is also offered. Candidates complete academic requirements for the Oregon Initial Teaching License while also completing requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

   The Internship program in Special Education is a unique licensure program offered on our Forest Grove and Eugene campuses in conjunction with a consortium of local school and educational service districts. The SPED program is designed for persons with two different backgrounds: those with a bachelor's degree and school experience related to persons with disabilities but no teaching certificate; and those with a bachelor's or master's degree in related fields serving the needs of individuals with disabilities but no school experience or teaching certificate. Depending upon previous educational and professional experience, students will enter an individualized program at either the Early Childhood/Elementary (age 3 - 8th grade) or Middle/High School (grade 5 - age 21) authorization level. Students will complete required coursework and practicum experiences during a 17-month graduate program. A special feature of the program is a year-long, paid internship in a participating school or educational service district at the selected authorization level. Intense mentoring from an experienced special educator and collegial support will be provided to interns. During the internship, each intern is a teacher of record.

   Two options are available for students admitted to the Traditional program: Option One is designed for special education paraeducators who will continue to work in the schools during the program. Option two allows students to pursue a traditional student teaching experience in a special education setting. Students admitted into the traditional program will complete all of the requirements of the special educator program and participate in a capstone student teaching experience for 12 - 18 weeks. Upon completion of the program students will receive a MAT degree and be eligible for the Initial Teaching License in Special Education at the selected authorization levels.

Required Tests

   Please note that the ORELA Multiple Subjects Exam is not required for licensure. However, the ORELA is required in order to be considered highly qualified.
   *The testing requirement changed on September 1, 2008.

   In order to qualify for licensure, candidates must pass all subject area tests required by TSPC.  In addition, as of September 1, 2010 all candidates for initial licensure will be required to pass Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Education Environment.

Handbook

Special Education Handbook 08-09pdf
Special Education Handbook 09-10pdf

Curriculum

Section Required Courses for All Authorizations Credit Hrs
SPED-500 Foundations of Special Education
2
SPED-505 Exceptionalities
2
SPED-510 Behavior Management for Special Educators
3
SPED-516 Classroom Management for Special Educators
1
SPED-520 Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education
3
SPED-530 Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Academic
or..
3
SPED-535 Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Functional
3
SPED-540 Technology in Special Education
1
EDUC-600 Orientation to Learning Communities
1
EDUC-561 Foundations of Human Development & Psychology
2
EDUC-501 Foundations of General Education
2
EDUC-601 Teachers as Consumers of Research
2
  Required Courses for Early Childhood and Elementary Authorizations  
EDUC-605 Advanced Applications of Human Development and Psychology: Early Childhood and Elementary
2
EDUC 550 Practicum: General Education Early Childhood/Elementary
2
EDUC 575 Student Teaching: Special Education Early Childhood/Elementary
15
  Required Courses for Middle and High School Authorizations  
SPED-536 Transition
1
EDUC-608 Advanced Applications of Human Development and Psychology: Middle and High School
2
EDUC 550 Practicum: General Education Middle and High School
2
EDUC 575 Student Teaching: Special Education Middle and High School
15

   Continuation in the Program

  1. Candidates must maintain good academic standing.
  2. Candidates must maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA in all professional education and special education coursework with no grade lower than a C; a C- is not acceptable

   Requirements for Program Completion

  1. Candidates must complete all coursework with satisfactory grades.
  2. Candidates must complete field experience, required practica, and full-time student teaching with a grade of Pass.
  3. Candidates must complete requirements for two work samples. Requirements include preparation, assessment, teaching, and a satisfactory evaluation.
Candidates must pass all applicable tests required by TSPC for licensure.

For More Information

Contact Person: Diana Watkins, Assistant Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions
Email: teach@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1435 or 877-722-8648 ext. 1435