Special Education and Adolescence (Grade 7 - Grade 12)

Program Overview

The Special Education and Adolescence program at Niagara University prepares students to teach adolescents with disabilities in grades 7-12. The program includes coursework in special education pedagogy, content-area instruction, and assessment, as well as field experiences in special education settings. Graduates are prepared for certification in special education in New York State and Ontario, and for careers as special education teachers, educational consultants, and child/family advocates.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Special Education and Adolescence program at Niagara University prepares students to teach adolescents with disabilities in grades 7-12. This program is recommended for those interested in working as a special education teacher for students with disabilities.

Objectives:

• Qualify students to teach adolescents with disabilities in grades 7-12.
• Provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach students with disabilities.
• Prepare students for certification in special education (grades 7-12) in New York State.

Description:

The Special Education and Adolescence program includes coursework in special education pedagogy, content-area instruction, and assessment. Students also complete field experiences in special education settings.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Special education pedagogy
• Content-area instruction
• Assessment

Program Structure:

• Bachelor of Arts degree
• 120 credit hours
• 40 credit hours in special education coursework
• 80 credit hours in general education coursework

Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered in a variety of formats, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework
• Field experiences

Faculty:

• Dr. Michelle R. Ciminelli, Associate Professor
• Dr. Elizabeth A. Falzone, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Karen Poland, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Caitlin E. Riegel, Assistant Professor
• Laura Sarchet, Faculty Fellow
• Dr. Thomas J. Sheeran, Professor
• Dr. Sylvia Valentin, Associate Professor
• Dr. Susan J. Whittaker, Assistant Professor

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Special education teacher
• Educational consultant
• Child/family advocate
• Childcare services
• In-home childcare

Opportunities:

• Certification in special education (grades 7-12) in New York State.
• With assistance from Niagara University, students can apply for certification in Ontario through the Ontario College of Teachers.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to work as special education teachers in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools.
• Graduates are also prepared to work as educational consultants, child/family advocates, and in-home childcare providers.