Program Overview
If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of diverse learners, the Elementary/Middle Special Education Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program has been tailor-made for you. Our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experiences prepare future educators to meet the needs of students with varying abilities in inclusive classroom settings. With a focus on evidence-based practices, collaboration and cultural competence, you'll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact as a teacher in today's schools as a general education (Track II) or special educator (Track I or II).
This program leads to teacher licensure.
There are two tracks of study available. Both tracks prepare you to meet varying learner needs in diverse classrooms through tailored certification options and/or endorsements.
- Track 1: Special Education Certification: Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8) and Severe Disability Endorsement (Birth-21)
- Track 2: General and Special Education Certification: Elementary Education Certification and Mild to Moderate Disabilities Certification (Grades 1-8)
Key Features
- Diverse Classroom Preparation: Emphasis on self-reflection, advocacy, and cultural competence to address the needs of all students.
- Specialized Focus Areas: Training in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Support Needs, and more.
- Early Field Experiences and Year-long Internship: Gain hands-on experience in inclusive classrooms and different service delivery models.
- "Double Count" Master's Program: Option to apply 12 undergraduate credits towards a Master's Degree in Special Education.
15%
U.S. public school students in special education
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Effectively plan classroom-based instruction, service-delivery models, and understand educational law (advocacy) within your role as a teacher.
- Accurately assess and analyze student learning, make appropriate adjustments to instruction, monitor student learning, and have a positive effect on learning for all students.
- Able to work with students, families, and communities in ways that reflect the dispositions expected of professional educators as delineated in professional (National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification – NASDTEC, CEC, ACEI, InTASC, AAQEP; state (MSDE); and institutional standards.
- Demonstrate proficiency on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards and Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA).
How to Apply
How to Apply
Admission into our Professional Teacher Education programs is selective. You must take the following steps to be considered:
- Apply and be admitted to the University of Maryland
- Attend a Major Exploration Workshop (UMD internal transfers only)
- Meet with an Academic Advisor
- Meet all selective admission requirements for your specific program of interest
- Complete the Professional Application and submit Supplemental Application Materials
Students typically apply for professional teacher education programs at the end of sophomore or beginning of junior year.
Selective Admissions Requirements
The requirements below are in addition to being admitted to the University. Before completing the Professional Teacher Education Program Application, you should meet with a College of Education Academic Advisor.
- Admission to the University.
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits
- Cumulative UMD GPA of 2.75 or higher; 3.0 GPA is recommended for best consideration
- Completion of lower-level Fundamental English requirement with a “C-” or better
- Completion of lower-level Fundamental Math requirement with a “C-” or better (NOTE: Special Education majors must take STAT 100)
- Minimum passing scores on a Test of Basic Skills
- EDSP 210 (or approved substitute) with a “B-” or higher
- 2.70 Cumulative GPA in the following courses:
- Biological Science with Lab
- Physical Science with Lab
- MATH 212
- STAT 100
*Each of the above 4 Math and Science Gateway Courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
- Prior experience in the education field with youth in the age range you intend to teach
- A written goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member)
- Submission of the College of Education Foundational Competencies/Model Code of Ethics for Educators (FC/MCEE)
Requirements
Program Requirements
This program is designed to meet the evolving needs of today's special education professionals. You'll build a solid foundation in subjects taught in elementary/middle schools, as well as taking specialized courses about teaching methods and special education teaching methods. The program culminates in a year-long teaching internship to give you real world experience.
“During my time in the College of Education, I have been taught that each child is unique and is an individual. Not all children learn in the same manner, and it is our job to recognize this and provide the support needed for each individual student whenever we can.”
FAQ
FAQ
Graduates are eligible for special education (Track I) or dual special and elementary education (Track II) initial teacher licensure in the state of Maryland, with reciprocity in 49 states. The four-year, 120-credit-hour course of study prepares teachers to assume the increasingly complex and sophisticated responsibilities of a teacher of students with and without disabilities.
To ensure preparation for diverse classroom settings and needs, faculty embed self-reflection, advocacy, critical consciousness, and cultural competence throughout the program of study. Teacher candidates will be prepared to teach students with support students at-risk, students in need of intervention, and students with mild (high incidence) to severe (low incidence) disabilities, across disability categories. Distinctive programmatic features include:
- Focus on Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Behaviors Disorders, Physical Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Developmental Delays, and Physical and Other Health Impairments.
- Focus on collaboration in co-taught inclusive classrooms
- Rigorous and relevant coursework to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for successful teaching careers in special education
- Focus on evidence based instructional practices and decision making
- Year long internship (Field Experience) in inclusive, diverse classrooms
The Elementary/Middle Special Education Teacher Preparation is designed to prepare professionals to work with students in Grades 1 through 8 with varying needs, design inclusive classrooms, and to collaborate with their families and other educational personnel. Teacher candidates in the program develop skills to:
- Assess the academic and social strengths of elementary and middle school aged students with and without disabilities
- Plan individualized educational lessons/instruction and support services that promote inclusive experiences and independent performance
- Individualize, implement, and evaluate evidenced based instructional methods
- Organize learning environments designed to meet individual needs
- Enhance access, engagement, and participation in inclusive classroom settings.
- Use universal design for learning, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to support
Contact
Contact
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