Program Expectations & Advising Resources for the M.A.T. in Special Education: Early Childhood Special Education and General Curriculum Special Education

• Degree Plan
• Course Guides
• Practicum Courses (Field Experiences): EDLC 588, EDSP 588. and EDSP 688
• Professional Semester (Student Teaching): EDST 56X or 59X and 599 (two student teaching semesters are required in order to earn both licensure endorsements) and EDST 587
• 3.0 GPA

The Gate system is designed as a set of checkpoints to ensure you have completed the necessary requirements to successfully complete the program. The Gate system is an important part of maintaining a quality program as required by our licensing and accrediting bodies.

• Gate 1: Program Acknowledgement
• Gate 2: Program Status Check
  • Testing Requirements
    • VCLA
  • Additional Requirements
• Gate 3: Program Admission & Student Teaching Application
  • Testing Requirements
    • VCLA
    • Praxis Subject Assessment (Special Education)
    • Praxis: Teaching Reading – Elementary
  • Additional Requirements
• Gate 4: Program Exit & Licensure Application

Field Experiences

Early and ongoing field experiences are crucial for initial licensure preparation. The continuum of field experiences required in Liberty’s program includes practicums in PreK-6 settings and culminates in student teaching during the final semester. You should use the Field Experience Summary to track your diverse field experiences.

Background Checks

The School of Education strives to produce educators who model high standards before their peers. In keeping with this mission, you must complete a variety of field experiences in PreK-6 school systems. Background checks have become a requirement in our partnerships with these schools. Out of respect for this, you will be required to complete a background check through American DataBank that includes criminal clearance, fingerprint clearances, and VA child abuse clearance [VA child abuse clearance required for all online candidates completing a placement in VA]. Additional clearances may be required depending on the assigned school placement.

Student Teaching

Student teaching requires a full semester (16 weeks)* commitment to the classroom (all day, every day) in the last semester of the degree program. It is the culmination of all coursework and field experiences. It is important to prepare thoroughly and decrease outside responsibilities during this semester. You may choose to complete student teaching in the local area or in an external location, including international locations. Student teaching must be completed in an accredited school system.

*Two student teaching semesters are required in order to earn both licensure endorsements for this program.

View the graduate transfer policies.

To be eligible for a state teaching license, you must complete a Virginia Department of Education state-approved program. To be eligible for verification forms for other states, the licensure office must verify that you have completed one of our approved licensure programs.

Programs that lead to licensure will involve coursework, licensure tests, and student teaching. Review Licensure Information for additional details.

Social Security Number for Licensure

To apply for a Virginia license, candidates must submit proof of a social security number (SSN). If the candidate does not have a SSN, the candidate must apply for a SSN.

International Students

To be eligible for a VA teaching license, you must obtain a SSN. Typically, this is accomplished by obtaining a job within the United States. If you are an international student and do not have a SSN when registering for licensure tests, you will need to pay for an extra copy of your test scores with the SSN stated on them before applying for VA licensure.

For further assistance in obtaining a SSN, please contact the Office of International Student Services.

View additional information in the Licensure Resource Community.