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

The Master of Arts in Education: Learning and Teaching Mild/Moderate Support Needs/Single Subject Track is a dual credential program that allows you to simultaneously earn a master's degree and two Preliminary Teaching Credentials: Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Single Subject. Designed to prepare educators for diverse learning environments, the program equips you to teach a specialized subject in middle or high school classrooms and provide special education support to students with mild to moderate support needs in transitional kindergarten to grade 12 through age 22.

With a curriculum grounded in research and practice, you'll gain skills in curriculum design and learn to incorporate new approaches that respond to the complexities of teaching in today's classrooms. Fieldwork opportunities, including student teaching, teacher residency, or an internship, allow you to tailor your practical training to your needs and career goals.

Why should you pursue this dual credential program at Redlands?

Rooted in social and educational justice principles, the dual credential program at Redlands prepares compassionate, equity-minded educators to serve diverse learners. The program is streamlined to enable you to earn two credentials and a master's degree in less time and with fewer credits than completing separate credential programs. You will benefit from small class sizes, a supportive cohort-based learning environment, and one-on-one mentorship from faculty dedicated to your success. Throughout the program, you'll engage in coursework and field experiences that seamlessly integrate theory with practical application, building the confidence and skills needed to excel as an educator.

Accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), the program ensures you graduate ready to begin your career and make a meaningful, lasting impact in both general and special education settings.

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.