What is a Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching Mild/Moderate Support Needs/Multiple Subject Track degree?

The Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching Mild/Moderate Support Needs/Multiple Subject Track is a dual credential program that allows you to earn a master's degree while simultaneously completing the requirements for two Preliminary Teaching Credentials: Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Multiple Subject. Designed to prepare educators for diverse classroom settings, the program equips you to teach all subjects in self-contained classrooms, typically found at the preschool level and in grades K-8. It also prepares you to provide instruction and special education support to students with mild to moderate support needs in transitional kindergarten to grade 12 through age 22.

Firmly rooted in social and educational justice principles, this program develops your ability to design and implement effective instructional strategies tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English learners. With a curriculum that blends theory and practice, you'll gain expertise in instructional design, modern learning tools, and methodologies that address the complexities of today's classrooms.

Why should you pursue this dual credential program at Redlands?

The dual credential program at Redlands emphasizes preparing compassionate and skilled educators who are committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in education. The program's streamlined structure enables you to earn two credentials in less time and with fewer credits than completing separate credential programs. You'll receive support through small class sizes, a cohort-based learning environment, and personalized mentorship from dedicated faculty who are invested in your success.

From the very beginning, you'll engage in coursework and field experiences that integrate theory with real-world practice, building the confidence and skills to thrive in both general and special education settings. With options like student teaching, teacher residency, or an internship, the program lets you select a practical training pathway that meets your unique needs and career aspirations.

Accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), this dual credential program ensures you graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the teaching profession and advance into leadership roles.

Fieldwork options

You can choose from three options to fulfill the fieldwork requirement of the program: student teaching, a teaching internship, or a teacher residency. Each option offers hands-on experience and close support as you work toward your California teaching credentials.

Student teaching

Student teaching places you in one of our partner school districts, where you will work full time alongside a cooperating teacher for 14 weeks. You will receive guidance from University of Redlands as you develop your classroom management skills and instructional strategies.

Teaching internship

A teaching internship allows you to seek a paid, full-time teaching position at a public school district or charter school and assume primary responsibility for a classroom. You will work closely with a district-assigned mentor teacher and a university supervisor from Redlands for at least 14 weeks while in the position. You may be eligible for this immersive option if you have previous teaching experience.

Teacher residency

A teacher residency lets you build your teaching experience under the mentorship of an experienced educator for one full academic year. By working alongside your resident mentor teacher, you will apply theory to real-world situations and strengthen your instructional abilities in a supportive environment. Explore the Teacher Residency Program.