Special Education/Literacy Specialist

The Power in Positive Ed

Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world.

That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.

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Program Distinctions

Ideal for students already certified in elementary or childhood education, our Special Education/Literacy Specialist degree will prepare you to work with students with reading difficulties and disabilities.

It will also prepare you to work as a consultant teacher, with students with disabilities in a regular classroom environment.

This education master’s program allows you to pursue New York State teaching certification in literacy and special education in less time than it would take to pursue the certifications individually.
This program, part of the Esteves School of Education, is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
Individuals without certification in Childhood Education may be interested in our Childhood Education/Literacy Specialist program or Childhood and Special Education program.
You’ll be more marketable and prepared to teach every type of student in your classroom, from at-risk students struggling with reading and writing to students with behavioral issues and barriers to learning.

Course Requirements

Our Childhood Education/Literacy Specialist master’s degree is 49 credits and can be completed in two years or less.

The dual masters in Literacy/Special Education (Childhood) is intended for teachers who are already certified in elementary education or childhood education. This degree prepares teachers to effectively serve students with disabilities and reading difficulties and is intended to prepare teachers to serve as consultant teachers.

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To develop Special Educators and Literacy Specialists who:

Are highly effective in collaborating with others
Evaluate, diagnose, interpret and teach students with significant difficulties in reading, writing, management and other areas that present as barriers to learners’ success
Are prepared to work closely with diverse families and other educators to provide targeted, excellent literacy instruction
Provide ongoing professional development to other educators and parents
Use data (including individual, classroom and school-wide data) to inform instructional decisions

Easily Apply

Rolling admission, so apply anytime, and begin in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Applicants should submit:

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
One letter of recommendation
A 1- to 2-page career goals essay: We want to hear your voice. Russell Sage College values authenticity, critical thinking, and personal expression. We ask that all application essays be written solely by the applicant with only ethical use of AI technology, such as tools that support but do not generate content.
GRE is not required

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Learn more about a MS in Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship

Explore a scholarship for students pursuing a master’s degree in education who agree to teach in New York State for five years after graduation.

Personal Advising, Experienced Faculty

Our master’s program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.

“Russell Sage College and the Esteves School of Education act as leaders in teacher education, not just in the Capital District but in New York State”

Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Education

student teacher reads to two elementary students

Careers with Dual Certification in Special Education/Literacy Specialist

After you earn your master’s degree you must pass the Content Specialty Tests for New York State teacher certification in special education and literacy to be certified in both areas.

Graduates become special educators and literacy specialists, working with general education teachers and a range of students. You’ll be able to co-teach with general education teachers, be a consultant teacher who provides support services or teach in a self-contained capacity with a small number of special education students.