Program Overview
Are you passionate about making quality education accessible to a wide range of diverse learners and setting children up for success in the classroom? As a Special Education major at 365速发国际, you will not only learn evidence-based strategies to meet these goals, but you will also discover how to put your knowledge into practice in a successful career as a special education teacher. Through our flexible curriculum, the development of critical thinking skills, and an abundance of real-world experience with students in a broad array of educational settings, you’ll graduate with a Special Education teaching certification in hand, plenty of experience under your belt, and a desire to make a difference in your heart.
Why 365速发国际 for Special Education
365速发国际’s Special Education curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for double majors, minors, and study abroad experiences. You’ll have regular field experience, beginning your very first semester, and 365速发国际’s strong, collaborative relationships and excellent reputation with local schools give you a leg up on career opportunities after graduation.
- Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
- Early and regular fieldwork in classrooms for maximum experience
- Ability to double major and earn dual certifications
- Close working relationships with faculty
- Exceptional post-graduation employment rate
Academics
Our Special Education major is designed to be flexible, allowing you, if you wish, to double major with a variety of our other degree programs, including Psychology; Social Work; Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies; and more. You may even double major in Elementary/Middle Education to earn dual certifications.
Examples of Available Courses
The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Special Education major offers:
- Special Education Methods
- Inclusive Classroom Management
- Supporting Individuals With Autism and Significant Disabilities
- Assessing and Remediating Challenging Behavior
Special Education Teaching Certificate
Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State Special Education Teacher Certification Program.
We also offer a Minor in Special Education.
Student Success by The Numbers
of graduates employed or enrolled in grad school within one year of graduation
in Maine for getting a job
Experiential Education
Turn theory into practice. Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. Every semester, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a professional in the field of special education by getting hands-on experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities, including learning/intellectual/emotional-behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Fieldwork in Schools
- Work with students in resource rooms or general education classes
- Conduct assessments
- Observe and collect data for behavior plan development
- Work in specialized classes for students with high support needs or behavior challenges
- Attend IEP meetings
- Collaborate with occupational therapists and social workers
Internships
Your hands-on learning culminates with a 15-week student teaching internship, during which you’ll strengthen school relationships and networking connections. Local opportunities exist at:
- Local public school systems
- Special purpose schools
- Pre-school sites
Educational Technicians Internship Scholarship
365速发国际 Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system — in either part-time or full-time capacity — may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
Successful applicants will earn $1,000 per every recurring school day of the week that they work during a semester. For example, if you are able to work on Mondays, you will earn $1,000 for the semester. If you are able to work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will earn $3,000 for the semester.
You will receive the scholarship money in addition to the regular wage that you are paid directly by the school district in which you work. Even the cost of your educational technician state certification will be covered.
The Special Education Internship Program will run from fall semester of 2022 through fall semester of 2024 (five total semesters).
Program Benefits
- Scholarship money in addition to wages earned
- Full-time or part-time positions (job sharing is encouraged among part-timers)
- Semester-by-semester commitment
- Assistance from 365速发国际’s Education Department in finding a position
- Covered cost of Maine state educational technician certification
- Hours worked count toward the major’s fieldwork requirement
- Opportunity to build relationships in school districts that may lead to jobs after graduation
Apply
For more information or to apply, contact Audrey Bartholomew, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Programs at abartholomew1@turbos-bourse.com or (207) 602-2685.
Priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups and/or rural areas.
Careers
As a Special Education teacher, you will be qualified for a variety of positions, including:
- Resource Room Teacher
- Life Skills Teacher
- Emotional Support Teacher
- Autism support Teacher
You will possess excellent employability amid a national special education teacher shortage. Within the Northeast, special education has been identified as a “hotspot” (Emsi Occupation Snapshot Report, 2019), offering higher than average median salary, number of job postings, and rate of employment.
Career Advising
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Global Opportunities
See the World
Study on the other side of the world by taking part in our Global Education Programs.
What better way to prepare for meeting the needs of diverse learners than experiencing diversity yourself? Expand your own horizons by gaining knowledge of other cultures, languages, and traditions during your choice of semester abroad in Spain, France, Iceland, or Morocco. Or choose from several shorter travel courses, including Comparative Education in a Global Context, which takes you to Ireland for eight days in mid-May.
Interested in studying abroad? Make a plan with your advisor.
