It is possible for them to work during the day. In the second summer and following fall and spring semester, the students are required to enroll in a full-time internship during the day and take classes in the evening, It is not possible to complete this part of the program while working. Many years ago, there was a part-time program for the preparation of special education teachers at The University at Albany. In order to insure the quality of our graduates, we eliminated the part-time program and require all students to complete the full year internship component. If any tuition scholarships remain, all students in the two year program would also receive some support.
Many students also finance the program through savings and student loans.
It is expected that by 2004 the 1 year program will be restricted to teachers with certification in either elementary education or a secondary subject area. The special education certification will most likely be an add-on to an existing general education certification and will be restricted to the grade level of that general education certificate. It is expected that the internship experiences will be required to be specific to the appropriate grade level. At present, it is unclear how students without prior certification will enter special education through our program since NY is eliminating the stand-alone special education teacher certification by 2004. This information will be updated as more details are known.