The Program Prerequisites for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Special Education typically include the following: 1. Educational Background: A 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree can be in any field, although a background in education or psychology may be preferred. Some programs may also consider applicants with a degree in other areas, provided they have the passion and commitment to pursue a career in teaching special education. 2. Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (approximately 75%) is generally required. Some programs may have a higher GPA requirement, especially for highly competitive fields. 3. Relevant Experience: Experience working with children or in educational settings is often preferred but not always required. This could include volunteering, tutoring, or working in roles like camp counselor, teaching assistant, or working with individuals with disabilities. This helps demonstrate the applicant's interest and understanding of working in educational environments. 4. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are typically required to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation. These should come from academic or professional references who can speak to the applicant’s ability to succeed in an educational program and their commitment to working with students with disabilities. 5. Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: A written personal statement or statement of purpose is often required. In this essay, candidates should explain why they are pursuing a career in special education, their goals for the program, and why they are passionate about working with students with disabilities. This is a crucial part of the application process as it helps the program assess the applicant’s motivation and fit for the field. 6. Resume or CV: A current resume or CV highlighting educational background, professional experience, and any relevant volunteer or teaching-related experience. This helps provide an overview of the applicant's qualifications and relevant skills. 7. Interview (Optional): Some programs may conduct an interview to assess the candidate's motivation, communication skills, and suitability for the program. The interview may be in person or conducted remotely. 8. English Proficiency (for Non-Native Speakers): For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores) may be required. 9. Basic Skills Assessment (Varies by Program): Some programs may require applicants to complete a basic skills assessment in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics to ensure they have the foundational knowledge needed for the program. 10. Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants may need to have completed specific coursework during their undergraduate studies, such as: Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology to understand how children develop. Foundations of Education or Classroom Management to understand basic teaching principles. Special Education Law or Disability Studies (if not already covered in prior coursework). 11. Subject Area Competency (Varies by Program): Some programs may require applicants to demonstrate subject-area knowledge, especially if they wish to focus on teaching specific subject areas within special education (e.g., math or reading for students with disabilities).