Teacher as Leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder Concentration

M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in ASD

The Teacher as Leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Program provides innovative applied research and instructional experiences to meet the unique needs of students with ASD.

Why Earn an M.Ed. in Teacher as Leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Maryland, like the rest of the nation, is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers of students with ASD. The Teacher as Leader in ASD M.Ed. program offers advanced training for professionals with certification in special education or a related field, such as psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work.

The program offers you:

  • knowledge and leadership skills you’ll need to understand core areas of impairment
  • opportunities to engage in and apply evidence-based practices in instructional and classroom management strategies
  • support from a cohort of fellow Towson graduate students who are experienced teachers
  • experienced faculty-mentors committed to your success
  • strategies for collaborating and engaging with families, communities and public/private agencies
  • experience learning how to use innovative technology and training in the implementation of University Design for Learning to reach all

Graduates are prepared to be leaders in their school communities, with expert knowledge in the area of effective educational practices for students with ASD and strategies to partner with and empower families.

View admission and degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog

Why towson?

Program Advantages

  • Towson’s extensive history and reputation for advanced teacher preparation
  • program accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • innovative faculty with extensive research and classroom experience in autism spectrum disorders and a variety of special education settings
  • late afternoon and evening classes on one night each week  to accommodate working professionals
  • Saturday sessions with local and national guest speakers in ASD and opportunities to meet and learn from other professionals in the program

Hands-on Approach

Each course in the Teacher as Leader in ASD program provides hands-on experience via an “application project” that provides implementation experience and reflection of teaching and leadership practices as related to ASD.

On-Campus Cohort

An on-campus cohort is available for professionals who are working in the school setting (public or non-public) with students with ASD– when program enrollment is sufficient. Contact the program director for additional information.

Reduced Tuition for Maryland State School System Employees

Convenient Off-Campus Locations

This program is offered to school system employees through the Towson Learning Network (TLN) in the following counties: 

  • Baltimore County
  • Carroll County
  • Harford County
  • Howard County

For more information, contact the Towson Learning Network at .

Online Multi-County Cohort

Beginning in the fall 2021, we are offering an online TLN multi-county cohort. For more information, contact the Towson Learning Network at

For information about an on-campus cohort or cohorts in additional counties, please contact the program director.

 

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Contact Information

Program Director

Katherine Holman
 
Dr. Katherine Holman
Location
Psychology Building
Room 311