Program Overview

Introduction to the Special Education Program

The Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major is a comprehensive program designed to prepare graduates for positions in special education throughout the kindergarten, elementary, and high school systems.

College of Education and Human Development Fieldwork

All College of Education and Human Development majors must complete field experiences to practice working with children, adolescents, or adults in classrooms, training centers, or community organizations. Education majors will observe a professional teacher's instructional and classroom management methods. The Office of Field Placement helps students find appropriate classroom assignments.

Special Education Fieldwork

Students must complete fieldwork experiences in various stages of learningobservation through independent teachingand across mild-to-moderate disability student populations, as well as in prekindergarten through grade 12 classrooms. In addition, students must complete a 12-week, full-time student teaching assignment.

The College of Education and Human Development designates a fieldwork coordinator for students in the Special Education (Pre-K to 12) Major to supervise the ongoing management of their fieldwork placement and supervision. The fieldwork coordinator also:

• communicates with students to ensure their clearances are obtained within the required timeline and communicates the fieldwork requirements and placements;
• develops and maintains a network of coaches and mentor teachers in areas local to university students that will supervise fieldwork;
• ensures communication between course instructors and the successes and challenges experienced by students and coaches/mentor teachers in the fieldwork related to the courses taught by those instructors via an advising system; and
• supports the clearance process to ensure all students, coaches, and mentor teachers have the appropriate required clearances (e.g., Pennsylvania Background Checks, Federal Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and tuberculosis screen).

Fieldwork courses are scheduled such that courses with fieldwork components are typically taken at the same time as a practicum course.

Careers

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education (Pre-K to 12) prepares graduates for positions in special education throughout the kindergarten, elementary, and high school systems.

Career Services

School & Community Partnerships: As part of its mission to give back to the surrounding community and provide substantive fieldwork and professional experiences for its students, the College of Education and Human Development has formed partnerships with more than 25 institutions and organizations.

Graduate Career Services: The College of Education and Human Development offers a range of career development services to its students.

Outcomes

Career opportunities and mid-career salaries for this degree/program may include the following examples:

• Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten & Elementary School
• Special Education Teachers, Middle School
• Special Education Teachers, Secondary School