New master’s program addresses shortage of special education teachers in classrooms

The Minnesota Board of Teaching has approved a new master’s program, designed by the Department of Educational Psychology in partnership with Northeast Metro District 916, beginning in Fall 2014 that will allow education assistants to be trained in the classrooms while earning their degrees as special education teachers.

The shortage of special education teachers in Minnesota has been persistent, so this program is not only timely, but also extremely beneficial for schools lacking in special education teachers for students.

Professor Jennifer McComas believes that the candidates who have been accepted into the program are excellent and looks forward to working with candidates who are passionate and have experience working with students who have emotional behavior disorders. She said the candidates show great promise for becoming wonderful teachers in special education.

You can read more about this program in the Star Tribune: “Metro school districts try ‘grow your own’ approach to hiring special education teachers.”