Special Education

Special Education Teachers - In Great Demand

One of the teaching areas in highest demand throughout the country, Special Education teachers may work with children, adolescents, or adults with developmental delays, learning disabilities, severe emotional disturbance, physical disabilities, or multiple disabilities. Most graduates work initially in public-school-related programs where they plan and develop instructional programs, construct and use evaluative tools, and keep accurate records.

Part of a Team

Teachers serve students who, by law, participate in general education programs to the maximum possible degree. Thus, Special Education teachers must coordinate their efforts into a larger education program and work collaboratively with general education teachers, school psychologists, and others. In addition, they are expected to cooperate with community agencies, parent groups, and organizations concerned with the welfare of individuals with special needs.

Dual Certification Now Required

Effective 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires educators teaching students with special needs in Pennsylvania to hold two certification areas (e.g. Special Education plus another certificate).

The primary area of academic need for students with disabilities is in the area of reading, so PDE has included certification as a Reading Specialist (along with completion of a Special Education certificate) to qualify educators to teach Special Education in Pre-Kindergarten through high school and across exceptionalities.

The Degree Program

Pennsylvania is one of a few states currently requiring dual certification, so there are a number of options for students interested in pursuing a Special Education Degree at Penn State.

• Some current Special Education majors elect to stop at the B.S. because they intend to teach outside of Pennsylvania.
• Some current students complete the B.S. and then elect to pursue a second certification area in elementary or secondary education as a separate degree program.
• Some current students choose to complete an integrated undergraduate-graduate program (IUG) as a means to obtain the dual certification. The program currently offers a B.S. in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (LL ED) with dual certification in Special Education and Reading.

Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program (IUG)

The undergraduate degree in Special Education typically requires eight semesters of coursework combined with a series of related field experiences. Additional in-depth study of reading and literacy at the graduate level also would be highly valuable to Special Education majors and the learners they teach by providing additional skills, as well as PK – 12 certification in the high demand areas of Special Education and Reading.

Earning a Reading Specialist certificate typically requires a post-baccalaureate year of studies including summers. To reduce the cost of pursuing these dual certificates, Penn State offers an integrated undergraduate-graduate program (IUG) as a means to obtain the dual certification.

An IUG offers the advantage of earning two certifications at a reduced financial and temporal cost that may provide some relief to students while enhancing their overall professional skills. The integrated undergraduate-graduate program in Special Education and Language and Literacy Education (LL ED) leading to certification as a Reading Specialist is designed to enable qualified undergraduates enrolled in the Special Education program to graduate in five years with a B.S. in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (LL ED) with dual certification in Special Education and Reading.

Employment Opportunities

At the present time, there is a favorable employment picture in the field of Special Education. This open job market is expected to continue for several more years. Graduates with strong academic backgrounds, enthusiasm, and a commitment to teaching have been more successful in the job market than is commonly believed.

As school systems continue to seek top quality teachers, graduates should benefit from the reputation of Penn State's Special Education program.

In addition to public school teaching, graduates of this major may find employment in:

• state schools
• hospitals
• clinics
• centers that deal with individuals with special needs

Graduates may be employed as early intervention specialists working with very young children or as transition specialists working with students as they enter the world of work.