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Welcome!  We are so glad you are seeking information about a major in special education at the University of �˻�ֱ��.  This overview will provide you with basic information about our program. The Elementary/Middle Special Education Teacher Preparation Program leads to a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) degree with teacher certification. There are through two tracks of study available to students, both tracks prepare our candidates to meet varying learner needs in diverse classrooms through DUAL certification options.

• Track 1 - Special Education Certification:  Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8) and Severe Disability Certification (Birth-22)
• Track 2 - General and Special Education Certification: Elementary Education Certification and Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8)

The brochure below will provide you with more details about the mission and vision of the program and certification tracks:

TRACKS OF STUDY BROCHURE.PDF  

Certification Overview: What is Initial Certification?

Graduates are eligible for special education (Track I) or dual special and elementary education (Track II) initial teacher certification in the state of �˻�ֱ��, with reciprocity in 49 states. The four-year, 120-credit-hour course of study prepares teachers to assume the increasingly complex and sophisticated responsibilities of a teacher of students with and without disabilities. To ensure preparation for diverse classroom settings and needs, faculty embed self-reflection, advocacy, critical consciousness, and cultural competence throughout the program of study. Teacher candidates will be prepared to teach students withsupport students at-risk, students in need of intervention, and students with  mild (high incidence) to severe (low incidence) disabilities, across disability categories. Distinctive programmatic features include:

• Focus on Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behaviors Disorders, Physical Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Delays, and Physical and Other Health Impairments.
• Focus on collaboration in co-taught inclusive classrooms
• Rigorous and relevant coursework to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for successful teaching careers in special education 
• Focus on evidence based instructional practices and decision making
• Year Long Internship (Field Experience) in inclusive, diverse classrooms

What Skills are Highlighted in the Special Education and Dual Certification Program?  The Elementary/Middle Special Education Teacher Preparation is designed to prepare professionals to work with students in Grades 1 through 8 with varying needs, design inclusive classrooms, and to collaborate with their families and other educational personnel. Teacher candidates in the program develop skills to:

• Assess the academic and social strengths and limitations of elementary and middle school aged students with and without disabilities
• Plan individualized educational lessons/instruction and support services that promote inclusive experiences and independent performance
• Individualize, implement, and evaluate evidenced based instructional methods
• Organize learning environments designed to meet individual needs
• Enhance access, engagement, and participation in inclusive classroom settings.
• Use universal design for learning, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to support

Do you want a Masters Degree After Completing Initial Certification? Following completion of initial teacher certification all students are invited to apply to the “Double Count” Masters Degree program.  The “Double Count” program is an opportunity to obtain a Masters Degree in Special Education at a significantly reduced cost.  Specifically, 12 credits of your undergraduate coursework will count toward the graduate degree.  The application of the credits decreases both the cost and time required for the Special Education Masters Degree.

       Informational Video:

Please feel free to reach out to us for additional information, with questions you may have, or just to chat to learn more about what we offer future special and general education teachers. We are excited that you are considering �˻�ֱ�� and hope that we will hear from you soon regarding your interest in our program.  Please see “Program Contacts” section.