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Education

Inclusive Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)

License-Only, Initial Licensure Program

Become an empowering teacher of students with disabilities.

Because we believe in the competence of every individual and equal access to quality education, we prepare teachers who become lifelong advocates for their students. If you have an active Initial or Professional teacher license with Sheltered English Immersion endorsement, you can take this license-only program to prepare to give students with moderate disabilities learning opportunities that will prepare them for success in life.

Explore issues in speech, language, and communication. Build Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Study the characteristics and effects of disabling conditions. Discover strategies for designing and adapting curriculum, and apply them during your immersive student teaching experience. And because evaluating students is a responsibility of all special educators, you’ll also focus on assessment issues. Through self-reflection and examination of multiple perspectives, you'll emerge as an effective and compassionate educator. 

With skills, knowledge, and practice in hand, you'll graduate from the university that educates more teachers than any place else in New England. In fact, more than 4,500 people have earned a teaching degree here in just the last five years. You'll leave knowing that you have the degree you need to land the career you're passionate about. That's because employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. 

You may be able to waive some courses based on previous coursework, which may reduce the total number of program credits (minimum=18). 

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

38 Credits
Gain Skills and Expertise
Our license-only moderate disabilities program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Gail Cahill
Special Education
Dr. Gail Cahill
Gail came to Lesley after many years in public education. She both taught at various class levels and held administrative positions, including special education and school-based administration. She teaches courses in designing instruction, designing Individualized Education Programs (IEP), perspectives in special education, and practicum seminars.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Graduate Inclusive Special Education Programs

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this license-only program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Inclusive Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8)
  • Tuition
    $925/credit x 38
    $35,150
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $950
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.