Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Program in Visual Impairment

General Information

Our M.Ed. program for individuals who wish to earn Ohio's Intervention Specialist: Visual Impairments license is for students new to the field of blindness who want to be teachers of children with visual impairments in Ohio's public schools. The program leads to both the graduate degree and Ohio licensure and takes approximately five quarters of full-time study to complete.

After completing degree and certification/licensure requirements, our students are ready to take positions as special class teachers for low vision and blind children, resource room teachers for programs serving middle school and high school students, itinerant teachers who travel to several schools within one or more school districts to consult with general education teachers and related school personnel as well as work directly with students, or teachers in residential programs.

Praxis Examinations

Students will need to take the Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments Praxis Examination along with a Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam in any grade level.

http://www.ets.org/praxis/oh/requirements

Final Projects

Students in the Program in Visual Impairments have the option of completing either a final capstone paper or a final capstone portfolio. The paper option will allow students to research in-depth a topic of their choice related to the education of children with visual impairments. The portfolio option requires students to produce a series of lesson plans in both the academic core curriculum areas as well as the expanded core curriculum. A shorter paper which examines teaching theory, curriculum, assessment, or student learning is required. Reflections on each lesson plan also need to be included in the portfolio.

Student Testimonials

"The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Visual Impairments at The Ohio State University has proven to be exceptional. Having transitioned from a career outside the field of education, I found that this program was brilliantly structured to meet the individual needs of all students. The distinguished faculty and staff are knowledgeable, dedicated, and committed to insuring the success of all students. It is apparent that the professors, themselves, are huge proponents within the community of the visually impaired and are eager to stay current on today's research-backed trends in education for the visually impaired. I am confident that upon graduating from this program, I will be prepared to teach students with visual impairments the most current and best practices from birth-21 and beyond."

– Tara McCarthy

“The VI MED program at The Ohio State University is a unique program for new or experienced teachers to grow into this much needed field. Though there is a great demand for teacher's of the visually impaired, the number of programs specializing in this field are only available at a few select universities. I am impressed with the staff's professionalism, the flexibility of the program, and how quickly the program came together for me. The faculty was instrumental in creating an environment in which learning was enjoyable and I was able to put what I learned into practice immediately. Being a mother of two and a non-traditional student, the faculty made it easy for me to continue my education while still teaching and being a mother. Anyone who has an interest in this field should strongly consider The Ohio State University VI MED program.”

– Kathy Bell

"I thought I would never go back to school and I am SO GLAD I did! The Teacher for Visual Impairments Program has opened a number of doors for me! In my current position of employment working with children who have brain injuries, I have been able to apply everything I have learned. The program offered me the opportunity to explore in depth research about multiple disabilities, sensory impairments, and how to provide students with integrative and individualized active learning experiences. I feel great about what I can now do for the children I work with and love what I do!"

– Megan Rutschilling

FAQ

1. Whom do I contact for more information about the program?
   Dr. Tiffany Wild is the Visual Impairment Program coordinator.
   E-mail: twild@ehe.osu.edu
   Phone: 614-292-4783

2. Will I be highly qualified when I graduate?
   Yes, you will be highly qualified to teach in the area of reading. Our teachers take a group of courses in reading as well as in Braille instruction.

3. What type of courses will I take?
   A student in this program completes courses in Braille, core curriculum instruction and modifications for children with visual impairments, Nemeth Code, special education policies and laws for children with visual impairments, eye anatomy and diseases, assistive technology, and the expanded core curriculum.

4. What additional costs are required for the program?
   Students will need to have a BCI/FBI background check as well as a TB test in order to student teach. These costs are dependent upon the location where the tests are performed. In addition, students must register for a professional portfolio program. This program is $103.00 for each student and is mandatory for all OSU education students. Registration is required prior to beginning your first quarter. In addition, you will need to pay for your Praxis examinations and Ohio licensure fees. These fees vary depending upon the needs of the students. Students in this program are responsible for all university fees, books, transportation costs to student teaching locations, and materials associated with coursework.

5. Where will I be placed for my internship?
   You will have two placements for observation and one placement for your student teaching observations. Placements include the Ohio State School for the Blind, public school resource classroom, itinerant teaching, and early childhood intervention agencies. Students will work with early, middle, and high school aged students. Placements are made at schools across the city, so having reliable transportation is essential.

6. When will I be notified of my placements?
   This information is distributed to interns as soon as official confirmation is received from the school district. Typically, this happens in the Summer.