The B.S.Ed. in Special Education and Teaching prepares undergraduate students to serve as licensed special education teachers in K-12 schools. Students are engaged in academic and professional experiences that help them serve as educators and leaders in schools and community-based settings to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and adults with disabilities.

The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become licensed special education teachers who work with children with high incidence disabilities, including students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and mild to moderate intellectual disability.

Students will be able to:

• Recognize children and youth academic, social, emotional and transition needs
• Apply classroom and behavior management, and social skills to students with diverse abilities and backgrounds
• Formulate effective and personalized/individualized instruction with their school leadership and instructional teams
• Consult and partner with parents, teachers and administrators to incorporate accommodations and transitions across the child’s educational program
• Teach reading and language, mathematics and other core content areas

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in public and private elementary, middle and high schools across the Commonwealth of Virginia, with particular focus in urban and high-need areas. Graduates will be capable of working with diverse learners and adapting instructional programs based on the needs of the students and clients.