The Master of Arts in Leadership in Special Education prepares educators to become transformational supervisors or administrators in diverse and inclusive schools. The curriculum includes advanced study in leadership, pedagogy, and literacy as they pertain to diverse learners.
Program Options
The Leadership in Special Education program has three distinct options depending on where you are in your teaching career:
- Master’s Degree for experienced teachers who already hold a K-12 state certification
- Exceptionalities Certificate for certified teachers and non-certified individuals who hold a master’s degree
- Post-Master’s Certification for certified teachers who already hold a master’s degree
Additional Study Options
- Cohort Programs
MA in Leadership in Special Education Concentrations
- Administration
- Exceptionalities
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
With award-winning teacher certification programs nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), you can expect to benefit from small class sizes, expert faculty, and practical field experiences.
Flexible Class Schedules
Work with an advisor to develop a personalized program plan:
- Courses offered in the evenings at times convenient for working adults.
- Occasional courses available on Saturdays or online.
Education Careers
Notre Dame is one of the state’s largest and most significant private providers of teacher education.
See Our Award-Winning Teachers
The knowledge, skills and competencies developed in the Master of Leadership in Special Education – Exceptionalities program prepares educators for leadership roles at the classroom, school and district level.
Career Opportunities
- Mentor
- Master Teacher
- Instructional Support Teacher
- Department Head
- Specialist
- Principal
Concentrations
Required Courses
EDU 543 – Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU 556 – Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU 557 – Leadership I Seminar (3)
EDU 560 – Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators (3)
EDU 563 – Curriculum Development (3)
EDU 567 – Learning Theory and Practice (3)
EDU 569 – Supervision: Empowering Teachers (3)
EDU 688 – Practicum: School Administration and Supervision Part I (3)
EDU 690 – Practicum: School Administration and Supervision Part II (3)
Elective Options
Select three of the following:
SPE 531 – Supporting Learners with Autism in Schools
SPE 533 – Belonging, Behavior, and Supportive School Communities
SPE 590 – Language, Literacy, and Dyslexia
SPE 591 – The Language of Mathematics: Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Evidence-Based Math Instruction
SPE 592 – Written Language Development and Intervention
SPE 593 – Executive Functioning in the Classroom
SPE 576 – Communication Skills for the School-Based Professional
Total Credits: 36
Required Courses
EDU 543 – Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU 557 – Leadership I Seminar (3)
EDU 567 – Learning Theory and Practice (3)
EDU 569 – Supervision: Empowering Teachers (3)
EDU 560 – Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators (3)
EDU 556 – Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU 563 – Curriculum Development (3)
Elective Options
Select five of the following:
SPE 531 – Supporting Learners with Autism in Schools
SPE 533 – Belonging, Behavior, and Supportive School Communities
SPE 590 – Language, Literacy, and Dyslexia
SPE 591 – The Language of Mathematics: Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, and Evidence-Based Math Instruction
SPE 592 – Written Language Development and Intervention
SPE 593 – Executive Functioning in the Classroom
SPE 576 – Communication Skills for the School-Based Professional
Total Credits: 36