Special Education
The Cross Categorical Special Education Program prepares teachers to support students with many different learning needs in both general and special education classrooms.
This program focuses on evidence-based teaching methods, teamwork, and respect for students’ cultural backgrounds. Its goal is to make sure every student has a fair chance to get a high-quality education.
Based on current research and professional standards, the program helps future teachers learn how to assess student needs, plan lessons, teach effectively, and review progress. It also prepares them to support students’ academic, behavior, and social-emotional growth.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates, but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
Special Education
The Cross Categorical Special Education Program prepares teachers to support students with many different learning needs in both general and special education classrooms.
This program focuses on evidence-based teaching methods, teamwork, and respect for students’ cultural backgrounds. Its goal is to make sure every student has a fair chance to get a high-quality education.
Based on current research and professional standards, the program helps future teachers learn how to assess student needs, plan lessons, teach effectively, and review progress. It also prepares them to support students’ academic, behavior, and social-emotional growth.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates, but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
Graduates of the Cross Categorical Special Education Program will be able to:
- Apply understanding of the academic content of the general and specialized curricula to inform programmatic and instructional decisions
- Identify and respond to diverse learner characteristics across disability categories
- Conduct and interpret assessments to inform individualized instruction
- Design learning environments that support learners’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth
- Collaborate effectively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams
- Advocate for inclusive practices and improved outcomes for students with disabilities
- Engage in professional learning and practice within ethical guidelines
This program prepares educators to serve as knowledgeable, reflective, and collaborative professionals committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
Special Education Courses
- EDE 345 Understanding Learning Diversity: Characteristics and Assessment + Clinical Experience
- EDE 320 Creating Inclusive Learning Environments
- EDE 350 Elementary Academic and Behavioral Intervention Strategies + fieldwork
- EDE 352 Secondary Academic and Behavioral Intervention Strategies + fieldwork
- EDE 450 Collaboration with Students, Parents, and Professionals
- EDE 486 Student Teaching in Special Education
- EDU 401 Student Teaching Seminar
Foundational Education Courses
- PSY 214 Developmental Psychology
- EDU 210 Foundations of Education
- EDU 245 Culturally Competent Teaching in a Diverse Society
- EDU 300 Teaching Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 312 Teaching and Learning + Clinical Experience
- EDU 330 Teaching Mathematics + Clinical Experience
- EDU 405 Exceptional Learners
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (fieldwork)
Content Courses
- COM 105 Professional Presentations
- HIS 153 United States History Part I or HIS 154 United States History Part II
- HIS 383 People and the Planet
- MAT 201 Mathematics for Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle School
- POS 213 American Government
Clinical Experiences Courses
- EDU 300 Teaching Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms + fieldwork
- EDU 312 Teaching and Learning + Clinical Experience
- EDU 330 Teaching Mathematics + Clinical Experience
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms + fieldwork
- EDE 345 Understanding Learning Diversity: Characteristics and Assessment + Clinical Experience
- EDE 350 Elementary Academic and Behavioral Intervention Strategies + fieldwork
- EDE 352 Secondary Academic and Behavioral Intervention Strategies + fieldwork
Debra Dosemagen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
Phone: (414) 930-3160
Email: dosemagd@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Mathematics education, teacher research
Vanessa Varela, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3105
Email: varelav@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Second Language Acquisition and Social Justice, Multilingual Learners, Multicultural Children's Literature
Heather Holst, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3199
Email: holsth@mtmary.edu
Special Education, Elementary Education, Educational Assessment
What I find most rewarding about being a Special Education teacher is the chance to truly individualize learning. I love creating a welcoming space, collaborating with families, and providing the tools and support students need to learn alongside their peers. Seeing their confidence grow academically and emotionally is the best part of the job.
Elementary and Middle School Special Education Teacher
What I find most rewarding about being a Special Education teacher is the chance to truly individualize learning. I love creating a welcoming space, collaborating with families, and providing the tools and support students need to learn alongside their peers. Seeing their confidence grow academically and emotionally is the best part of the job.
Elementary and Middle School Special Education Teacher
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