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Education

Teaching Students with Autism

Graduate Certificate or Endorsement, off-campus program

Realize your own potential while helping students with autism reach theirs.

At Lesley, we prepare educators who are strong advocates for their students, and who will teach them using a social justice and equity lens to inform their work.

For PreK-12 teachers who work with students with autism, this program aligns with the Massachusetts autism endorsement. With the appropriate prerequisite license, you can take this program for the autism endorsement. If you do not need the endorsement and have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university, you can take the program as a certificate.

The program begins with a foundation course that explains the physiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It continues with courses in socialization and communication, understanding complex behaviors, curriculum planning, and assessment. You'll immerse yourself in fieldwork in a field experience and seminar course, and end with a course in collaboration and ethics.

You’ll explore the scientific and medical theories of autism spectrum disorder, and get an overview of the law that impacts those with ASD. You’ll study social development and communication of those with autism. Learn about models that address behavior, including applied behavior analysis and positive behavior supports.

Not only will you engage in the kind of self-reflection that will lead you to become a more compassionate educator, you'll work with faculty to construct new knowledge. Examine assessment and curriculum design, including how to review the Individualized Education Program. And investigate collaboration and communication among members of educational teams and how to include your students in decision-making.

Come study with dedicated faculty at the place that educates more teachers than any other in New England. You'll benefit from the reputation of a school with exceptional programs in Massachusetts, where school principals prefer to hire Lesley alumni and believe they're the most prepared for the classroom. (Source: Radius Global Market Research, 2017)

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Part-time off-campus program

15 Credits
  • Prerequisites for Certificate
    • You need to hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or get permission from the program coordinator, to apply for this graduate certificate program.
  • Prerequisites for Endorsement
    • Prerequisite for Massachusetts Autism Endorsement:

      You need to hold one of the following Massachusetts initial or professional teaching licenses:
      - Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities
      - Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities
      - Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing or Teacher of the Visually Impaired.

      Other requirements may apply depending on the type of teaching license.
  • Required Courses 15 Credits
    • Required courses in foundational knowledge; socialization and communication; understanding complex behavior; assessment and curriculum planning; and collaboration, advocacy, and ethics. Some courses include field-based assignments.
  • Endorsement
    • This program aligns with the Massachusetts Autism Endorsement. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has approved this program, making graduates eligible for the endorsement from Lesley University once they've satisfied all licensure prerequisites.
  • Program Start
    • Each off-campus cohort starts on a specified date.
  • Approximate Time to Complete
    • Part-time example: 3-6 credits/semester for 3 semesters, including summer. Complete in about 1 year.
View Program of Study
Gain Skills and Expertise
Our Teaching Students with Autism certificate program prepares you to:
  • Understand medical/scientific theories, hallmarks, and identification of autism spectrum disorder.
  • Develop appropriate social and communication interventions and supports.
  • Use evidence- and practice-based models that include behavior analysis, art and music therapy, and sensory interventions.
  • Know how to use informal and formal assessments appropriate for students with ASD.
  • Collaborate with an educational team, advocate for students, and involve the student in decision making.
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student writing

See the Child First

The incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is growing, and educators need to be informed and responsive. How can we best support students? “See the child first,” says professor Beverley Cush Evans.
Read more about Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Graduate Education Programs
98%

5-year average employment rate for education graduates 2016-2020.

Alumni Satisfaction
Ranked #20

by alumni

According to a survey published in Forbes, Lesley ranks #20 nationwide for providing a high-quality education that is worth the cost.
View the survey results.
Linda Lengyel
Special Education
Linda Lengyel
Linda's work has focused on supporting persons with complex needs, considered to have severe disabilities in inclusive environments. Before entering higher education, she supported persons with severe disabilities and their families in school, work, employment, and home settings. Linda also has an extensive history of advocacy activities, supporting IEP teams, as well as advocating for systemic and policy changes.
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:
  • Putting theory into practice with an emphasis on instruction and assessment.
  • Reflecting on lesson effectiveness and sharing best practices to improve student learning. 
  • Applying innovative, progressive, cutting-edge approaches. 
  • Using varied practices to help each student meet or exceed state and local standards.
  • Recognizing technology as an integral component of the teaching and learning process.
  • Radius Global Market Research 2017.
Graduate Inclusive Special Education Programs
Master's Degrees with Initial License or Non-Licensure

 

Master's Degrees with Dual Initial Licensure
Initial License Only: Non-Degree
Certificates

Faculty

Beverley Evans
Associate Professor
Gail Cahill
Gail Cahill
Assistant Professor
Barbara Govendo
Barbara Govendo
Associate Professor, Program Director
Linda Lengyel
Linda Lengyel
Associate Professor

Beverley Evans

Associate Professor

Beverley Cush Evans teaches in the special education programs in the Graduate School of Education. She has worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder for over 30 years, and has been a consultant for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education for Inclusive Education. She has served in higher education for 18 years, first at Duquesne University and most recently at Lesley University. Prior to her entrance into higher education she worked in both segregated and inclusive settings as a special education teacher for 14 years.

Education

BA, Marquette University
MS in Education, Duquesne University
PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Read Full Bio
Selected Publications
Gail Cahill

Gail Cahill

Assistant Professor

Gail teaches in the special education programs in the Graduate School of Education. She joined the Lesley community after many years in the public education sector. She has taught at various grade levels as well as held several administrative positions, including special education administration and school based administration. She has also worked at private facilities such as McLean Hospital and the Protestant Guild for the Blind.

Throughout her career, Gail has been an adjunct instructor in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She has taught courses in special education, administration, reading, assessment, and curriculum. She recently served on the International Council of Exceptional Children, CEC Elections Standing Committee. 

Education: BS, Fitchburg State University; M.Ed., University of Massachusetts, Boston; M.Ed., Boston University; EdD, University of Massachusetts, Lowell (Educational Leadership)

Read Full Bio
Selected Presentations
Barbara Govendo

Barbara Govendo

Associate Professor, Program Director

Barbara is the program director for the Inclusive Special Education Programs in the Graduate School of Education at Lesley. She has had experience teaching, supervising, designing programs and teaching educators in both general and special education. She is interested in neuroscience research and the implications for education, effective learning strategies for students with disabilities, executive function, differentiated instruction practices, the development of inspiring mentoring skills, and the collaborative educational process.

Education: B.Ed., State University of New York, Buffalo; M.Ed., Lesley College; PhD, Boston College

Read Full Bio
Selected Publications,
Selected Presentations
Linda Lengyel

Linda Lengyel

Associate Professor

Linda teaches in the special education programs in the Graduate School of Education. Her work has focused on supporting persons with complex needs, considered to have severe disabilities in inclusive environments. Before entering higher education, she supported persons with severe disabilities and their families in school, work, employment, and home settings. Linda also has an extensive history of advocacy activities, supporting IEP teams, as well as advocating for systemic and policy changes. Previous to coming to Lesley, Linda was a faculty member in higher education for over 15 years.

Education

BS, Pennsylvania State University
M.Ed., University of Pittsburgh
PhD, University of Pittsburgh

Read Full Bio
Selected Publications
Total approximate cost for this certificate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Teaching Students with Autism
  • Tuition
    $650/credit x 15
    $9,750
  • Fees
    Registration Fees
    $100
    Materials Fees
    $50
  • Total
Estimated Cost

Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

This program is not enrolling students until the year 2022. We will post the application here in March of 2021.

View apply guide
View Full Program Cost
Graduate education 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.
Financial Aid
We'll help ensure your program 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

This program is not enrolling students until the year 2022. We will post the application here in March of 2021.

Apply Now
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