Professional Concentration in Special Education

Prepare to teach students with moderate disabilities in Wheelock’s new Special Education program that develops professionals to work with children, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, in inclusive, resource, or substantially separate classrooms. This concentration leads to eligibility for Massachusetts Department of Education Initial Licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (TSMD). Students develop skills in inclusive curriculum design, creating a supportive classroom environment, differentiated teaching strategies, behavior management, collaborative problem-solving, formal and informal assessment, and commitment to equity for all children in a multiracial and multicultural society.

Exciting Curriculum

Students in the Special Education concentration at Wheelock College study the foundations of education, theories, and methods of teaching. Hands-on experience begins in a student’s first semester with their Human Growth and Development class and field placement assignment, and continues through their senior year with a semester-long student teaching practicum.
Students who concentrate in Special Education also choose an Arts and Sciences Major. Choices include: The Arts, American Studies, Human Development, The Humanities, or Math and Science.

Major Courses

• Racial and Cultural Identities
• Meeting the Diverse Needs of School Age Children
• Developing Curriculum for Special Needs Learners
• Assistive Technology
• Assessment in Special Education
• Behavior Management
• TSMD Practicum I
• TSMD Practicum II
• Capstone: Policies and Practices in the Development of American Education

Professional Advantages

• Extensive practical experience in schools through placement in two sites, with a 300-hour practicum followed by a 200-hour practicum covering two ages/levels between grades Pre-K through 8.
• Highly skilled and experienced faculty prepare students to be successful, reflective practitioners.
• High rates of employment for graduates after successful completion of program and state requirements.

Accreditation

Wheelock College is state approved, nationally known, and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Faculty Highlights

Wheelock Special Education faculty are nationally recognized for their teaching and scholarship. They are experts in their chosen field, often with many years of practical experience as a strong foundation for their college level teaching. Teaching and learning at Wheelock rest on a close and supportive relationship between faculty and students that helps students reach their desired academic and professional goals.

Why Wheelock

Wheelock provides a personalized educational experience with a faculty-student ratio that allows close attention to the academic progress and professional growth of each student. All Wheelock programs provide extensive field experiences in diverse settings, are carefully supported by knowledgeable faculty and supervisors, and provide ongoing opportunities for reflection and learning. As a learning community, Wheelock faculty and students are united in their commitment to the Wheelock mission: To improve the quality of life for children and their families. If you share this commitment, then Wheelock College may be the perfect choice for you.

Contact Information:

For any questions or further information concerning this or any Wheelock College major or concentration, please contact:

Wheelock College
Undergraduate Admissions
200 The Riverway
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 879-2206
1-800-734-5212
undergrad@wheelock.edu
www.wheelock.edu