MAT SpEd Adolescent Clinically Rich Residency Pathway
The MAT in Special Education Clinically Rich Residency pathway uses a blended model of delivery, with online, face-to-face and clinically based instructional modes and is designed as a three-year program. In addition, 100 hours of field experience are required throughout the first two years. In year three, residents begin a year-long placement in a 7-12 classroom with a critic teacher certified in special education. The Residency placement begins in late August and concludes in mid-May of the third year. As the school year progresses, residents incrementally assume more responsibility for the classroom, building to an immersion and lead instructional responsibility for the critic teacher’s classes for eight weeks during the spring term. During the residency, students complete relevant course work that links theory to classroom practice, while receiving intensive mentoring by faculty members and supervisors.
The program concludes with the Special Education Masters Capstone Project. In addition to completing the 45-credit program, students must pass the NYS certification exams (SWD CST, Multi-Subject 7-12 CST, EAS) in order to qualify for Initial certification.
MAT in Adolescent Special Education Clinically-Rich Residency Pathway Curriculum
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
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YEAR 1 - FALL
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YEAR 1 - SPRING
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YEAR 1 - SUMMER
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YEAR 2 - FALL
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YEAR 2 - SPRING
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YEAR 2 - SUMMER
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YEAR 3 - FALL
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YEAR 3 - SPRING
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* Each course integrates structured field experiences in NYS schools.
New York State Initial Teaching Certificate Requirements
To qualify for the New York State Initial teacher certification, the candidate must:
- complete all degree requirements, including one year in a clinically rich residency placement
- pass the required SWD CST exams
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need to apply to the residency if they already are accepted to the original MAT Transitional B certification program?
No, a formal application is not required, but students should notify their faculty advisor and the Clinical Experience Coordinator if they are interested in pursuing a residency placement.
How are students selected for a residency placement?
All MAT in Adolescent Special Education students interested in a placement will be interviewed by the administration at their potential host school. A student must be in good standing in their program in order to participate in the Residency. Partnering school districts have final approval of all residents to be placed in their schools.
How can teaching assistants complete the residency placement in conjunction with their school-based employment?
MAT in Adolescent Special Education students who are employed as teaching assistants (or paraprofessionals) in a middle or high school may complete their residency placement in their employing school. During the fall semester, one class period per day must be devoted solely to the residency placement. During the spring semester, an additional eight-week full immersion in the residency is required. This may necessitate an eight-week leave of absence from the teaching assistant's employment. Placement details will be negotiated between the MAT program administration and the employing school's administration.
How can substitute teachers complete the residency placement in conjunction with their school-based employment?
MAT students can integrate substitute teaching with the residency placement. In this model, Residents would spend three days a week with their Critic Teacher and can substitute teach for up to two days a week. The hosting district ensures that substitute teaching will only take place at the middle or high school level, in order to align with the developmental level of the Resident’s program. In addition, the district will prioritize subbing in special education settings, when possible. During the Residency’s most intensive period, the eight-week immersion in the Spring term, no substitute teaching would take place so that the Resident has uninterrupted time with the Critic Teacher.
Are there any funding opportunities in place for the residency pathway?
Yes! Residents are potentially eligible to receive work study funds for their time spent in their residency placement. Students would need to speak with the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility.
The Classroom Academy Program
The Classroom Academy residency model is a pathway option within our existing 3-year MAT program. After the first year of the program, Classroom Academy Residents are fully integrated into a host school for year 2 and 3. MAT students will teach alongside a Critic Teacher, under a gradual release of responsibility model. Over 2 years, the Resident will gradually take over the responsibilities of the teacher, including following curriculum, lesson planning, and classroom leadership. Residents will have the support and guidance of their Critic Teacher, Field Supervisor and course instructors over 2 years while working in their placement.
Residents are eligible for a living stipend through the Classroom Academy P-12 partners of $22,000 per year. In addition, students are welcome to apply for a Federal Works Study grant, which would be applied during the period of time the student is acting as the teacher in their residency placement. Completion of this program will give each Resident 1 year to count towards their professional certification.