The Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Exceptional Student Education (ESE) at UNF is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching related field or who have a temporary ESE teaching certificate who wish to teach students with disabilities. Upon successful completion of the program graduates will be eligible to apply for an initial professional teaching license with ESOL and Reading endorsements.
This program brings individuals with life experiences into the classroom and addresses the needs of ESE teacher candidates to ensure they have the skills necessary to work with students with disabilities (eligible under any of the 13 disability categories) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Critical ESE pedagogy addressed in coursework will include:
high leverage practices in special education,
universal design for learning,
special education law,
positive behavior supports, and
data driven instruction.
Course work will be scaffolded through field work (e.g., assignments designed in courses will be implemented in the field under the direction of mentors and field supervisors) to ensure students develop the knowledge and practices needed for educator certification in the state of Florida as measured by the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
This is NOT a program for individuals who already have their U.S. education/teaching state licensure or certification.