Manchester, NH (PRWEB) March 20, 2012

With the earlier diagnosis of learning disabilities in young children, the number of special education students has risen in recent years. This increase has stepped up the need for more educators certified in Special Education. Southern New Hampshire University is making it easier for educators to earn this certification with the option of taking all classes online as they work toward their M.Ed. in Special Education degree. The degree can also be taken at the Manchester, N.H., campus or through a combination of online and on campus courses.

As part of their Special Education degree course work at SNHU, students will learn how to identify specific learning disabilities, assess student needs and create individual educations plans (IEPs), design and implement behavior management plans, incorporate techniques for teaching in an inclusive classroom, use developmentally appropriate teaching methods, and help students with disabilities reach their potential.

Educators who are already certified in elementary or secondary education can earn an additional endorsement in Special Education following completion of a specially designed 39-credit masters degree program at SNHU. These Special Education degree candidates complete an internship and e-portfolio that demonstrates an understanding of effective special education practices. Completion of their M.Ed. Special Education degree allows them to support students with disabilities in regular classrooms or teach students with disabilities in a resource room. They might also become a special education integrated classroom curriculum developer or special education assessment coordinator.

Adults with a bachelors degree who are not state-certified in education can earn initial certification in General Special Education (K-12) by earning a masters in Special Education degree at SNHU. Following successful completion of the PRAXIS I exam, Special Education degree candidates take part in a 16-week student teaching practicum under the guidance of a Special Education teacher. This hands-on teaching experience is accompanied by a teaching seminar that provides support in working with special education students. Completion of the 42-credit program allows graduates with this initial licensure to teach special education students in a resource room setting.

The Special Education licensure granted in conjunction with the masters in Special Education degree from Southern New Hampshire University is approved by the state of New Hampshire. Students outside New Hampshire should check with their state for Special Education certification requirements. Certification is reciprocal in many states.

Visit the Southern New Hampshire University website for more information on the M.Ed. Special Education degree program.

About SNHU Southern New Hampshire University is a not-for-profit, regionally accredited university with an 80-year history of educating successful professionals. SNHU has a total enrollment of more than 13,000 students in more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, available online, at our main campus in Manchester, N.H., and at our regional centers in New Hampshire and Maine.

SNHU was the only university to make Fast Companys 2012 list of the Worlds 50 Most Innovative Companies; the university was ranked at No. 12, higher than LinkedIn, Starbucks and the NFL.

SNHU also is the proud recipient of several awards, including GetEducated.coms Best Buy award, Best of Business Awards for Best Online Degree and Best MBA, and G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools designation.

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M.Ed. Special Education Degree at SNHU Offers Flexibility of Online and On-Campus Courses