MASTER (INCLUSIVE EDUCATION) at Western Sydney University

Program Description

Delivered through a flexible online mode with limited on-campus teaching sessions, and founded in authentic learning experiences, the?Master of Inclusive Education offered by Western Sydney University?is well-suited to in-service teachers.?

The course includes a teaching practicum with students with additional needs, and the construction and completion of a research project. The University's Master of Inclusive Education is recognised as a post-initial teaching qualification in Inclusive/Special Education (for example, teachers who are qualified to teach in either primary or secondary and then complete the Master of Inclusive Education are recognised as Special Education teachers for K-12 by the NSW Department of Education and Communities).?

The Inclusive Education qualification of early childhood and adult education teachers working in the disability field is subject to recognition by their employers. This is a three-year part-time course, however, teachers with a postgraduate (Level 8) qualification in Education or a related discipline can apply for up to 4 units Advanced Standing, resulting in a two-year part-time completion time.

This part-time course is undertaken through a combination of face-to-face and online activities. A four-day intensive teaching session is held in January and July each year, with an additional mid-semester one day workshop. Students are then able to complete further learning activities online in a place and time that is convenient for them.

Career

Special Education teachers within primary and high schools:

• Special Education teachers work with students who have additional learning and support needs. They may work in specialised settings such as Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) for students with disabilities, or in Support Units where students with disabilities work together in the one class but are located within a regular school. Special education teachers can also work in a consultative role to foster the work of other teachers to meet the learning needs of students with additional needs.

Special Education teachers in other government and non-government agencies:

• Many special education teachers are employed outside of schools to work with children, young people, adults, families and communities, whether there is an identified disability or a potential for risk. Roles within this sector vary, however, typically special education teachers apply their expertise in education and disability to help build the capacity of families and communities to support individuals with additional needs. They also work closely with other professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

Special Education teachers in other government and non-government agencies

• Many special education teachers are employed outside of schools to work with children, young people, adults, families and communities, whether there is an identified disability or a potential for risk. Roles within this sector vary, however, typically special education teachers apply their expertise in education and disability to help build the capacity of families and communities to support individuals with additional needs. They also work closely with other professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists.

Early Childhood Intervention Specialists

• Early childhood teachers with qualifications in special education may work within the early childhood sector and government and not-for-profit sector to directly support young children with disabilities and their families to optimise outcomes for the child and family. They may also work as consultants to other early childhood educators to bolster their capacity to support and include young children with disabilities.