Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12) focuses on teaching strategies, learning theories, and assessment practices in special education. Courses in this teacher preparation program address individualized curriculum development techniques, instructional and intervention methods, policies affecting special education, classroom management techniques, cultural diversity in the classroom, and the roles of professional teachers. It culminates with a research proposal and educational project development that utilize theories and practices taught throughout the curriculum.

What Are the Prerequisites?

A bachelor's degree and the desire to work in an education setting are important to have before entering Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with a M.A.T. with a specialization in Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12). Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To successfully complete the Teacher Preparation Program with an M.A.T. with a specialization in Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12) at Walden University, you must earn a total of 43 semester credits. The curriculum consists of 37 credits in the core and specialization courses and a two-part, six-credit proposal and research project. This research project satisfies Master of Arts in Teaching degree requirements.

Required Courses

• Teacher as Lifelong Learner and Professional Educator
• Today's Classroom and the Diverse Learner
• Effective Practices: Assessment, Teaching, and Learning
• Classroom Management
• Seminar: Professional, Ethics, Communication, and Collaboration: Special Education
• Foundations of Special Education
• Individualizing Education for Learners With Disabilities
• Current Issues in Assessment and Intervention
• Reading and Writing Instruction for Learners With Exceptionalities
• Planning Positive Behavior Support Strategies
• Instructional Strategies for Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Demonstration Teaching: Special Education: Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• Educational Research: Foundations
• Educational Research: Practical Applications

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with an M.A.T. with a specialization in Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (K-12), you could qualify to take state licensure examinations and pursue teaching positions. You could work with children with emotional or behavioral disorders in kindergarten, elementary, or high school classrooms. In addition to instruction, your responsibilities might include curriculum design, student assessments, or collaborative support program development.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.