Information for
Helpful Links
The Power in Positive Ed
Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.
That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.
Program Highlights
Many students with disabilities and barriers to educational learning struggle with literacy and math, often presenting with behavioral challenges. The Special Education master’s program focuses on specialized, evidence-based strategies for teaching concepts, as well as a tiered approach to academic and behavioral challenges.
Learning Experience
You’ll participate in practical experiences while studying theoretical research background in this program. The program also includes guest speakers — teachers, directors, principals and related service providers — so you can learn from the best in the field.
The program focuses on providing you with knowledge and best practices for whole-class academic and behavioral supports. Many classes include role playing to mimic experiences you’re likely to engage in within the school community.
As well as student teaching, there are opportunities to teach small groups of at-risk students in reading, writing, and mathematics within an urban school prior to student teaching.
You’ll also learn technology and best practices for educating students with disabilities. Assistive technology is addressed.
Student Teaching: You’ll work with faculty and the director of student teaching to figure out your best fit for your student teaching placement. Faculty will supervise and work collaboratively with you and your cooperating teacher. Most student teaching experiences are 50 hours across a five-week period.
Easily Apply
Rolling admission, so apply anytime, and begin fall, spring, or summer semester.
Application Requirements
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- One letter of recommendation
- A one- to two-page career goals essay
- GRE scores are not required
Personal advising, experienced faculty
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D. “We offer a variety of graduate programs to meet Special Education certification requirements in New York state.”
Assistant Professor of Education
Your Career with a Special Education Master’s Degree
With a Special Education master’s degree, you’ll be prepared to teach across the continuum of special education: in classrooms, resource rooms, and within specialized programs.
Recent graduates have been hired as special education teachers in the Albany, New York, area, in Queensbury, New York, and throughout New York state. They also work as education data consultants, as directors of student support services, and in other education administration roles.