Special Education (Grades 1-6) - M.S. Ed.
This program is designed for teachers certified in childhood education grades 1-6 who are interested in becoming certified in teaching students with disabilities. It meets the academic requirements for professional certification in childhood education as well as students with disabilities.
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Meet a Special Education Graduate Student: Daniel Russo
"I pursued my undergraduate, graduate, and advanced education degrees at Manhattan College. I just love Manhattan College.
"After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I went directly into the classroom and came back to Manhattan as a graduate student because I wanted to get my degree in special education. After earning a master’s degree, I transitioned to helping students with special disabilities. After several years of teaching, I returned to the program to do a leadership degree. These programs helped me see the diverse responsibilities of a leader, while at the same time staying rooted in your core values and doing what you believe is right.
"One of the things that sets Manhattan College apart from other institutions is the focus on practice. Manhattan makes sure that student teachers are placed in classrooms where they are exposed to the best practices in education. Early on, students work in schools under the guidance of their professors, then on their own with some classmates, and finally as an independent student teacher. It helps develop students’ skills to get out there and teach in the real world.
"The New York City school system is the most progressive in the country. Our schools are wonderful places to pilot new instructional practices and programs for families, teachers and community members. At Manhattan, you have the advantage of being on the front lines of what's new and exciting in the field of education.
"Manhattan also taught me about the Lasallian philosophy of compassion and understanding. That translates into my work right now as principal of PS 294, The Walton Avenue School in the Bronx. A large number of our students are homeless, many are from single parent households, and a lot of our students have been exposed to substance and physical abuse. Being a Lasallian means giving extra attention to our most vulnerable populations, and caring for the whole child and the whole family. The best thing about my work is making a difference in the community. My passion for teaching called me to think about how I could serve more widely, reach more families and change more lives. This is what continues to drive me every day.
"Any program is as special as the people in it, and I love that Manhattan is committed to curating a diverse student population that brings different perspectives to every class. If you walk into most schools in the Bronx, you’ll meet so many former Jaspers who share the Lasallian philosophy. The Manhattan alumni family also provides so many networking opportunities for us to continue our own learning and advance our careers.
"When it comes to the faculty, Manhattan College offers a small and caring cohort of education majors. They are your best friends on campus, and the one you stay in touch with five or even 10 years post graduation. Everyone crosses the finish line together.
"I would tell prospective students that if you're looking for a college that will feel like a family; a mission-driven organization committed to making a difference; as well as a place that will prepare you with the latest and greatest skills and approaches to teaching in the nation’s largest public school system, then, Manhattan is the place for you."
Daniel Russo '07, Principal of The Walton Avenue School PS 294In my first few years of teaching, this program allowed me to balance the demands of my new career with every teacher's inherent desire to be a lifelong learner. The ongoing cycle of learning, applying, and reflecting accelerated my professional growth far beyond any other teacher development model. In my current role as principal of PS 294, I am able to support my special education teachers' career ladder by meeting each of their individual needs and accessing the strategies of the graduate program to continually push them to be their best.