Southeastern Oklahoma State University Launches Master's Program in Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE) has launched a new Master of Education concentration in Special Education with a focus on Autism and Developmental Disabilities. This program is designed to address the critical shortage of special education teachers across the nation. With over half of school districts and 80 percent of states reporting shortages in 2023-2024, the program aims to equip teachers with the necessary expertise to support students with autism and developmental disabilities. The concentration emphasizes practical strategies and applied tools that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The program will welcome its first cohort in January 2026 and will be delivered in partnership with education technology provider Risepoint.
  • The concentration provides a pathway for educators who want to deepen their expertise in supporting students with autism and developmental disabilities.
  • The curriculum emphasizes practical strategies and applied tools that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms.
  • The program aims to address the national shortage of special education teachers, which saw over 46,000 teachers leave public schools and fewer than 30,000 new teachers enter the field in 2023.
  • Certified special education teachers in Oklahoma are in such short supply that the state is offering signing bonuses of up to $20,000 in 2025 and 2026 to attract and retain educators.
  • The program is designed to help meet workforce demand by preparing teachers who can serve students and communities with skill and compassion.
  • Dr. Kathleen Booth, Associate Professor and Special Education Program Area Coordinator at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, stated that the program "reflects Southeastern's dedication to preparing educators for the needs of today's classrooms."
  • Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint, said that the university has a long tradition of preparing effective educators and that this new concentration builds on that tradition by providing teachers with advanced skills.

Statistics:

  • Over 46,000 special education teachers leave public schools each year while fewer than 30,000 new teachers enter the field.
  • In Oklahoma, certified special education teachers are in such short supply that the state is offering signing bonuses of up to $20,000 in 2025 and 2026.
  • Half of school districts and 80 percent of states reported shortages of special education teachers in the 2023-2024 academic year.
  • The program provides a pathway for educators to deepen their expertise in supporting students with autism and developmental disabilities.
  • The concentration emphasizes practical strategies and applied tools that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms.

Sources:

  • Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  • Risepoint
  • Mental Health Weekly Digest
  • NewsRx LLC