The Collaborative Special Education/Elementary Education program is a unique program that prepares students for dual certification in Special Education grades PK-12 and Elementary Education grades PK-6. The program provides students with a competitive advantage when searching for jobs and more flexibility throughout their careers as they are prepared to work with a wide variety of students. Students have multiple fieldwork opportunities to interact and instruct learners with and without disabilities in individual, small group, and whole classroom educational settings.
Students in this program also complete two student teaching experiences, one in a special education setting and one in a general education setting. Students in this program are required to have a second major, usually Liberal Studies (LBS), to expand general education content knowledge and fulfill state teaching requirements for elementary education.
As a dual certification program, candidates are required to complete all licensure requirements for both Special Education and Elementary Education. For completers of this program, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) will not issue teaching endorsements for only one area. Candidates who wish to seek certification in only one area (special education or elementary education) need to switch their program and complete the required courses in that program.
Careers
The Department of Inclusive Education and Behavior Science prepares students for challenging and extremely rewarding careers as special education teachers, who will make a significant, life-long difference in the lives of individuals with exceptionalities.
The job outlook for graduates of our program is excellent. Our programs prepare students for certification as K-12 special education teachers or dually certified special and elementary education teachers. Southern students are in high demand because of their excellent preparation to instruct and support students with a wide range of strengths and challenges.
Currently, there is a shortage of qualified special education teachers in the state, and Connecticut teacher salaries are among the highest in the U.S.
Typical Job Titles
- Special Education Elementary Teacher
- Inclusion Specialist
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Behavior Specialist
Accreditation
Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.