Blind and Visually Impaired: NYS Teacher Certification - Advanced Certificate

Program

This post-master’s, advanced certificate program (Academic Plan: TBVI-AC) is designed to prepare NYS certified teachers to serve as teachers of the blind and visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities, in educational programs from birth to grade 12. Graduates of this program will be eligible for NYS professional certification in Blind and Visually Impaired.

Admission Requirements

1. New York State teaching 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 at least 3.5.
3. Completion of SPED 70000   (Issues and Practices in Educating 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.

International applicants who need an F-1 or J-1 Visa are not currently eligible for this program.

Progress Standards

1. Minimum GPA for Retention - Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain at Hunter College. Students whose grades fall below this standard are required to raise their GPAs to at least 3.0 within one semester.
2. No F in the first two semesters—students who receive a grade of F or WU in any course in the first two semesters will not be allowed to continue in the program.
3. Progress holds due to Incomplete Grades - Students with two or more INCs will not be allowed to register for any courses.
4. Key Course Performance Standards

   • Students must receive a grade of at least a B in key program courses. 

   • Students who receive a grade of F or WU in key program courses may not continue in the program. 

   • Key Program Courses are identified by the label (KC) in the course title.

Course of Study - 22 cr.

Academic Plan: TBVI-AC

• SPED 74000 - Medical Aspects and Educational Implications of Visual Impairments (KC)
• SPED 74100 - Education and Rehabilitation of Individuals with Visual Impairments (KC)
• SPED 74200 - Curriculum and Instructional Strategies for Learners with Visual Impairments
• SPED 74300 - Braille Literacy and Communication Skills for Learners with Visual Impairments (KC)
• SPED 74400 - Assistive Technology for Learners with Visual Impairments
• SPED 74500 - Mathematical Literacy and Nemeth Code for Learners with Visual Impairments
• SPED 74700 - Principles and Practices in Orientation and Mobility for Teachers of Learners with Visual Impairments
• SPED 71451 - Topics in Special Education: ITI Practicum in Visual Impairment (KC)
• Choose 1 of the following:  SPED 74850 - Student Teaching: Blindness and Visual Impairment, Preschool–Grade 6 (KC)   -or-  SPED 74851  -  Student Teaching: Blindness and Visual Impairment, Grades 7–12 (KC)   -or-  SPED 74852  -  Supervised Practicum: Blindness and Visual Impairment, Preschool–Grade 6 (KC)   -or-  SPED 74853  -  Supervised Practicum: Blindness and Visual Impairment, Grades 7–12 (KC)  

Exit Requirements

1. An overall GPA of 3.0.
2. Students must receive a grade of B or better in student teaching or practicum courses.
3. Must maintain a valid and appropriate NYS certification.
4. Complete the Dignity for All Student Act (DASA) workshop.

Program Adviser

L. Beth Brady 
(212) 772-4229
929 West
lbrady@hunter.cuny.edu