Hofstra University’s School of Education offers a variety of Special Education focused Advanced Certificates prepares in-service and pre-service teachers to teach all students by expanding existing professional development and certifications. Hofstra University’s School of Education Special Education programs provide a comprehensive, integrated experience aimed at developing skills and competencies in educating the exceptional child and adolescent in inclusive and special education settings. The special education programs prepare students with broad-based experiences in all areas of special education with a strong developmental focus at all levels.
Special Education Extensions
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers post master’s advanced certificates programs to certified teachers seeking their Students with Disabilities extensions:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Hofstra University’s Special Education Assessment and Diagnosis program prepares professional personnel to serve as educational evaluators responsible for identifying students in need of special educational services. This program is intended to meet the extended professional needs of teachers certified in elementary, middle and/or secondary education, reading and special education preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and/or secondary school.
Admission to the advanced certificate program in applied behavior analysis is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:
- NYS Initial/Professional Certification in an area of teaching
Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities
Hofstra University’s Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities program is designed for teachers who are certified in special education who wish additional pedagogical knowledge, skills, and experiences for Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle and secondary school.
Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- Valid New York State classroom teaching certification in students with disabilities.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or it's equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
Gifted Education
Hofstra University’s Gifted Education program for teaching students of high ability/talents is designed for teachers who hold New York State teacher certification or for students completing an education master's program who seek a concentration in gifted education. This fully-online program leads to the New York extension for gifted education for classroom teaching certificates. Special education teachers wishing to teach students with gifts and talents at the preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle or secondary levels may find this advanced certificate necessary.
Admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- A master's degree and New York state classroom teaching certification at the childhood, middle childhood, or adolescent developmental level.
- A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's potential to succeed in the teaching of students with exceptional gifts and talents.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
- Interview with a faculty member in special education.
Meet our Program Director
Dr. Mary McDonald
P: 516-463-7149
Bio |
Email
Dr. Mary E. McDonald is an expert in autism and applied behavior analysis. Dr. McDonald is a Professor in the Special Education Department at Hofstra University. She directs the Applied Behavior Analysis including the Master of Science and Advanced Certificate. Dr. McDonald serves as the Associate Executive Director of Long Island Programs for Eden II/Genesis Programs. She has over 30 years’ experience directing programs for students with autism from early intervention through adulthood. She completed her Ph.D. in Learning Theory at the CUNY Graduate Center and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral Level and a licensed behavior analyst in NY and Connecticut. Dr. McDonald serves on a number of advisory boards and journal editorial boards.
Bio
