Teacher as Leader in Autism Concentration

The M.Ed. in Special Education Teacher as Leader in Autism (TALA) program provides innovative applied research and instructional experiences to understand the unique strengths and meet the needs of autistic students in education and community settings. The program is 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities.

Why Earn an M.Ed. in Teacher as Leader in Autism (TALA)?

Maryland, like the rest of the nation, is experiencing a severe shortage of teachers who have the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of students with autism. The TALA M.Ed. program offers advanced training for professionals with certification in special education or a related field, such as psychology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work.

The program offers you:

  • Knowledge and leadership skills to build relationships with autistic students, their families and school-based professionals to effectively address the unique strengths and needs of this population of students. 
  • Opportunities to engage in and apply evidence-based practices in instructional and classroom management strategies.
  • Support from a cohort of fellow Towson graduate students who are experienced teachers.
  • Mentorship from experienced faculty who are committed to your success.
  • Strategies for collaborating and engaging with families, communities, colleagues and public/private agencies.
  • Experience learning how to use innovative technology and training in the implementation of University Design for Learning to reach the varied learning profiles of students in today’s classroom.

Graduates are prepared to be leaders in their school communities, with expert knowledge in effective, collaborative and educational practices for autistic students and strategies to partner with and empower families.

View admission and degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog. 

Why towson?

Program Advantages

  • Towson’s extensive history and reputation for advanced teacher preparation
  • Program accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • Innovative faculty with extensive research and classroom experience in autism and a variety of special education settings
  • Late afternoon and evening classes one night each week to accommodate working professionals
  • Saturday sessions designed with innovative learning opportunities from autistic self-advocates and students, local and national guest speakers and collaboration with other professionals from different jurisdictions from across the state

Hands-on Approach

Each course in the Teacher as Leader in Autism program provides hands-on experience via an “application project” that provides implementation experience and reflection of teaching and leadership practices as related to autism.

100% Online

To meet the needs of working professionals, the program is offered completely online with both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The program is taught by faculty who are trained in online instruction and work tirelessly to ensure an effective and engaging online learning experience.

On-Campus Cohort

An on-campus cohort is available for professionals who are working in the school setting (public or non-public) with students with autism– when program enrollment is sufficient. Contact the program director for additional information.

Reduced Tuition for Maryland State School System Employees

This program is offered to school system employees through the Towson Learning Network (TLN) in the following counties: 

For more information, contact the Towson Learning Network at .

 

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Contact Information

Program Director

Katherine Holman
 
Dr. Katherine Holman
Location
Psychology Building
Room 311
Phone
410-704-3613
Email
tala@towson.edu