Elementary Education, Concentration: Special Needs
Bachelor of Arts
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Program Intro
Improve the lives of all students by becoming a skilled, inspiring teacher through our Elementary Education – Special Needs dual-licensure program.
School of Education and Counseling
Through foundational and methodological courses, field placements and mentorship, this dynamic program trains you to become a innovative and effective teacher who is capable of working with all learners.
As a Special Needs concentration student, you’ll learn to help K-12 children reach their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic status, cultural background or severity of disability.
Curriculum Overview
Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) at PNW follow both inTASC and CAEP accreditation standards.
You can currently complete this program at PNW’s Hammond campus or Westville branch campus.
Start with an introduction to special needs and an overview of education throughout history.
Sample Courses
- EDST 20000 – History and Philosophy of Education
- EDPS 26000 – Introduction to Special Education
Interview for full admission to the Educator Preparation Program and expand your knowledge of pedagogy.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 28500 – Diversity and Education
- EDCI 35550 – Teaching and Learning in the K-12 Classroom
- EDPS 32800 – Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Needs I
Explore strategies for literacy instruction and teaching students with disabilities. This year, you’ll also complete three licensure assessments.
Sample Courses
- EDCI 32303 – Literacy Instruction in K-3
- EDPS 38000 – Special Education Law for Teachers
- EDPS 45000 – Teaching Students with Disabilities
Conclude your studies with hands-on teaching experience. In your seventh semester, you’ll spend three days each week in the classroom before going on to a full-time student teaching assignment during your final term.
Sample Courses
- EDPS 43000 – Creating and Managing Learning Environments
- EDPS 36100 – Assessment for Special Educators
- EDPS 41100 – Collaboration & Transition Practices for Individuals with Disabilities
Highlights
As an education major with a special needs focus, you’ll engage in immersive coursework that covers the fundamentals of teaching as well as communication strategies today’s teachers need. These include effective instruction, classroom and behavior management, assistive technology, assessment and collaboration.
You’ll also have extensive opportunities for field placement in urban, suburban and rural schools.
Outcomes
Upon graduation, you will obtain dual licensure in elementary education and special education.
Because of the high demand for teachers who are qualified to meet the individual needs of exceptional students, our graduates are offered a broad variety of career opportunities.
This degree enables you to choose where you want to teach –whether it’s in a general education classroom, a self-contained classroom or a resource room – in school districts across the country.
Scholarships
Funding opportunities available to Elementary Education students with a Special Needs concentration include:
- Diane Nicole Huntington Memorial Scholarship
- Thomas Ray Crowel Scholarship in Education (Hammond campus only
- School of Education (Hammond campus only)
Beyond the Classroom
We encourage you to get involved in activities like:
- PEL Fellows
- Student Ambassadors
- PNW Aspiring Educators
Career Paths
You’ll find many opportunities to make a difference for students in careers such as:
- Teacher (K-6)
- Consultant teacher
- Co-teacher in an inclusive setting
Employers
Our alumni are thriving in:
- School Town of Munster
- Lake Station Community Schools
- Portage Township Schools
Accreditation
All of the Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) at Purdue University Northwest are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The campus is a rather close network but with large opportunities attached. PNW wants you to succeed!
Meet the Faculty
Assistant Professor of Education
Patrick Keegan is an assistant professor in the School of Education and Counseling. He teaches courses in elementary social studies methods and multicultural education.
Professor of Psychology and Special Education
Geoff Schultz is a professor in undergraduate teacher preparation, SOEC program chair, special education, SOEC faculty senate and budget chair CAEP board examiner.
Professor of Education
LaVada Taylor is an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education and Counseling. Her teaching and research interest are grounded in post colonialism and culturally relevant pedagogy.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
