Blind and Visually Impaired: Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired - Advanced Certificate

Blind and Visually Impaired Program Coordinator: Rosanne K. Silberman; 911 West Building; (212) 772-4740; rsilberm@hunter.cuny.edu, Ellen Trief; 921 West Building; (212) 772-4110; etrief@hunter.cuny.edu

The 22-credit advanced certificate pogram in teacher of the blind and visually impaired is designed to prepare special education teachers who have master’s degrees and New York State Certification in special education to serve as teachers of the blind and visually impaired in educational programs for infants, toddlers, children and youths, including those with multiple disabilities. The focus is on the development of specialized knowledge and skills through course work and practicum experiences in the field of blindness and visual impairment. Graduates of this program will be eligible for New York State Certification as teacher of the blind and visually impaired.

Admission Requirements

1. Teaching certificate in New York State: initial, professional or permanent certification in any area
    
2. Master’s degree in education or a related services field (speech and language pathology, physical therapy, nursing) with a GPA of 3.5 or better.
    
3. Completion of SPED 70000 (Issues and Practices in Educationg Students with Disabilities) or the equivalent with a grade of B or better for all applicants without a master’s degree in Special Education
    
4. Evidence of acceptable writing skills.
    
5. Three letters of recommendation.
    
6. Evidence of work, volunteer, or personal experience with individuals with visual impairments.
    
7. An interview with a special education faculty member.

Progress Standards

1. Students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in order to continue the program.
    
2. Students with more than one course grade below B in the first 12 credits will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    
3. Students who receive a grade of F in any course in the first 12 credits will not be allowed to continue in the program.
    
4. Students with one grade IN (Incomplete) within the first 12 credits are restricted from registering for more than one additional course. Those with two or more INs will not be allowed to register for any courses.

Note: It is recommended that students with two or more INs take an official leave of absence to complete their INs.