
Earn Dual Certification in Elementary and Special Education
With dual certification in elementary (grades 1–6) and special education (all grades), you’ll be ready to teach all learners—and stand out in the job market.
You’ll learn how to teach core subjects like reading, writing, science, math, and social studies to students in grades 1–6, including those who learn in different ways or face challenges in the classroom.
Tuition & Fees
48 credits
$645 per-credit
$2,935 Graduate Assistantships available per semester
(enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester)
Length & Format
2 years
to graduate
In Person
Program
About the School of Education
Professors at the Esteves School of Education include distinguished researchers, experienced classroom teachers, and respected program directors, principals, superintendents, and district administrators with connections to schools and school districts throughout New York state.
Program Distinctions
Russell Sage offers two student teaching options for Childhood and Special Education master’s degree candidates.
The Classroom Academy: A paid, full-time, two-year residency with an experienced teacher.
Traditional Student Teaching: Two seven-week experiences, one in grades 1-3 and another in grades 4-6. One placement will be in a general education classroom, and the other will be a special education-based experience.
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.
Learning Experience and Course Objectives
This master’s degree in education is very interactive, with many connections to local public schools. You’ll participate in practical experiences while also studying theory.
You’ll learn best practices for working with students of varying needs, including gifted students. Learn through foundational knowledge, advanced theories, and supervised practical experiences.

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.
Peter Stapleton, Ph.D., “Russell Sage College and the Esteves School of Education act as leaders in education not just in the Capital District, but in New York State.”
Assistant Professor of Education

Careers with an Elementary and Special Education Degree
Once you complete your master’s degree, the edTPA, and Content Specialty Tests, you’ll meet the requirements for dual certification in elementary and special education.
Dual certification in elementary and special education means you will be able to teach all learners, which increases employment options. Graduates become special education teachers in all grades as well as classroom teachers for grades 1-6. They also pursue other education-related opportunities, such as working for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.
M.S. in Education Spotlights
Meet the successful students and alumni in our graduate Educate programs.
It’s not often a person loves everything about an experience, but Jacqueline Longo ’21, a special education teacher in the …
“I was a weather journalist and I thought that’s what I wanted to do,” said Heather Rathbun, who joined the …
“Just a couple of weeks ago, I texted one of my [former] professors for guidance about a student I’m working with.”
“Throughout my life, I played lacrosse and had tons of role models to look up to and learn from,” says …