Teacher Leader MA – Moderate/Severe Disabilities

The basic tenet of the Teacher Leader Master of Arts Program at Georgetown College is to empower teachers to become educational leaders so that they can build capacity within their schools and districts. Teacher leaders gather and analyze information and data from multiple sources judiciously; identify and address students’ learning needs effectively; think critically about how to improve teaching and learning; and work cooperatively with others within and beyond the school to help all students achieve their fullest potential.

Issues and trends of teaching students who are diagnosed with moderate and severe disabilities are the focus of this program. Instruction, social, education, and transition needs are addressed from birth through adult life. Collaboration with regular education, families and community agencies in inclusive settings is included.

Georgetown College has responded to the need for excellent teachers in this field by extending teacher education for certified LBD teachers to include MSD in an add-on Certification and Master’s program. Teachers certified in other areas may need to take additional courses. Transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis.

The program is designed to provide teachers with knowledge and strategies to teach school-age children and young adults, as well as to plan for their transition into adult life.  Research-based practices are stressed. The MSD program meet s Council for Exceptional Children-Individualized Independent Curricula [IIC] National Standards for teachers of students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities; Kentucky Teacher Standards; and Georgetown College Conceptual Framework Standards.

Highlights of the Program

• Characteristics and Needs of MSD learners
• Specific instructional strategies for students in collaborative or resource classrooms and in the community
• Behavior management strategies for school, home and community settings
• Support for teachers interacting with regular classroom teachers as well as related service and community agency support personnel
• Hands-on experience in classrooms with certified teachers
• Alternate Assessments for MSD students for classrooms, community, and inclusion in state testing will be explored
• Opportunities to learn from experienced teacher educators who have worked with MSD students and adults
• Research into current practices in local, state, and national programs; demonstration of strategies that are research based and best practice.

This MSD specialty coursework can be combined with the Teacher Leader Master of Arts.

Program Directors

• Dr. Susan Hill
  502-863-8380
• Dr. Melody Deprez
  502-863-7963