Special Education - P-12 plus Content Endorsement (Dual Endorsement), BAE

Western Washington University - International Study Center (StudyGroup)

Special Education plus Content graduates fill a variety of positions in our middle and high schools. They work as middle and high school teachers with specific content endorsement (e.g., History), special education teachers, collaborative teaching specialists, and family advocates. Teachers with Special Education plus Content endorsements must acquire extensive knowledge in major teaching and learning areas. For example, they must understand typical and atypical human development, recognize the foundations and provisions of education and special education laws and legislation, and embrace and affirm the diversities within middle and high school classrooms. Further, Special Education plus Content educators must become experts in curriculum and assessment and instructional methodology, as effective teaching requires expert and relational teaching. Training to become a Special Education plus Content teacher includes coursework and extensive supervised practicum experiences in the public schools. The program is rigorous, and the expectations are high. However, the rewards are also high. This program will prepare you to be an excellent teacher in whatever position you eventually choose. Our graduates are actively recruited by school districts to teach in middle and high school classrooms as well as in special education positions. Why Consider a Special Education P-12 Plus Content Endorsement Major? Do you want to be a teacher? Do you want to be a teacher who can work with all students, in a variety of settings, and who acquires multiple teaching skills? Do you have a particular content area passion (e.g., History, Science)? Our major allows prospective teachers to become experts in both Special Education and General Education. Special Education is designed for students with disabilities who need individualized supports. These supports can often be delivered and instructed in the General Education setting, which is one reason we believe that Special Education and General Education teacher preparation should be combined – The purpose of Special Education plus Content Endorsement! A significant interpretation of Special Education is the application of effective, evidence-based, and individualized teaching that results students’ personal and academic growth. It is our mission to prepare exceptional teachers and, while students with disabilities often require the services of Special Education teachers, we also believe that there are many other students who benefit from high quality instruction. Therefore, educators who are prepared to teach ALL students, including students with disabilities, tend to be the most effective and sought after teachers within districts.