The need for special education teachers is expected to increase by 15 percent through 2016. Although student enrollment in general is expected to grow slowly, continued increases in the number of students with learning disabilities who require services will generate a greater demand for special education teachers, according to a statistics report released by the U.S. Department of Labor.

And workforce experts say the special educator profession is increasing faster than the average for all occupations. As a result of the projected demand, the Department of Special Education in the School of Education at Pfeiffer University will offer a Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education (MAT-SPED) degree beginning January 2010 on its Charlotte and Misenheimer campuses.

Developed by Dr. Marva Gavins, director of the special education program and assistant professor of education at Pfeiffer, and Dr. Joyce Edwards, dean of the School of Education, the new 45-semester hour program is designed to prepare special education teachers to effectively instruct students with mild disabilities and to serve as resources for general education teachers.

This unique program is one of only two offered in the Charlotte region. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. For those interested in special education - even individuals who are new to the field of education - program officials say the only other requirement is a genuine desire to teach students with disabilities or special learning populations.

"We are so excited to offer this program that has been designed to focus on developing the caring professional in special education," Gavins said. "We are looking to serve the college graduate who has the compassion, determination, and desire to teach students with special learning needs. This new degree program will help individuals attain the professional knowledge and skills required to help them to become successful in the field."

The new MAT-SPED curriculum will lead to recommendation for N.C. licensure in Special Education-General Curriculum. Students who complete Phase I and pass the required Praxis II tests will be recommended for the Standard Professional I license. With completion of Phase II of the MAT-SPED degree, and with two years of successful teaching, students will be recommended for the advanced ("M") license.

Teacher education programs at Pfeiffer are approved by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The School of Education offers several undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs designed to meet the needs of both the traditional day student as well as the non-traditional evening student.

Pfeiffer's spring 2010 semester starts Wednesday, Jan.13. To apply, visit www.pfeiffer.edu/info or request an application by calling (704) 945-7357. For additional information about the MAT-SPED, including add-on licensure and requirements for admission, contact Dr. Marva Gavins at (704) 463-3154 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Established in 1885, Pfeiffer University is a comprehensive United Methodist-related university, with multiple campuses, including Misenheimer, Charlotte and the Triangle, committed to educational excellence, service and scholarship. Visit Pfeiffer online at www.pfeiffer.edu.  

Media contact: Natasha A. Suber, (704) 463-3040 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .