Start your Rewarding Teaching Career with a Special Education Degree
Are you passionate about making quality education accessible to a wide range of diverse learners and setting children up for success in the classroom? As a Special Education major at 51, you will not only learn evidence-based strategies to meet these goals, but you will also discover how to put your knowledge into practice in a successful career as a special education teacher. Through our flexible curriculum, the development of critical thinking skills, and an abundance of real-world experience with students in a broad array of educational settings, you’ll graduate with a Special Education teaching certification in hand, plenty of experience under your belt, and a desire to make a difference in your heart.
Why 51 for Your B.S. in Special Education
’s Special Education curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for double majors, minors, and study abroad experiences. You’ll have regular field experience, beginning your very first semester, and ’s strong, collaborative relationships and excellent reputation with local schools give you a leg up on career opportunities after graduation.
- Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
- Early and regular fieldwork in classrooms for maximum experience
- Ability to double major and earn dual certifications
- Close working relationships with faculty
- Exceptional post-graduation employment rate
Briana Walker ’21
Meet Briana Walker, the first recipient of the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship
“I’ve been working in the local elementary schools since the first day I started ’s elementary education program,” Briana “Bri” Walker '21 explained excitedly. “A lot of the teachers I've worked with are very used to having 51 students in their classrooms. Teachers love getting you (51 students) involved straight away, and letting you interact with the kids during activities and during academic or workshop time. It’s great to see what teachers are doing and to be a part of the classroom!”
Bri is an Elementary Education major studying on the Biddeford Campus who was recently awarded the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, designated for a deserving student exhibiting financial need.
“I was sitting in my dorm room doing homework one day when I received an email that stated I was being awarded the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship. I turned to my roommate and said, ‘I’m confused. I’m not sure what this is about.’ I immediately replied to Student Financial Services saying, ‘This is wonderful, and I would love to accept it, but how was I chosen?’ It was then I learned that the scholarship was made possible by gifts from the St. Francis College class of 1968, and how I was chosen as a recipient.”
Bri was then invited to a reception celebrating the scholarship, and unbeknownst to her its recipient, as part of ’s Alumni Weekend 2018. The reception also provided her with the opportunity to meet with many of the members of the class of ’68 that had made gifts to the scholarship. What Bri had not realized until she was present at the reception was how unique this opportunity was. She was originally under the impression that other students had also received this scholarship. "I attended the reception expecting to meet other recipients of the scholarship. Discovering that I was the sole recipient of the scholarship was a wonderful surprise. I'm super happy, thrilled, and grateful to have received this scholarship; it is a huge help as I rely heavily on financial aid to be able to attend 51 and obtain the education I feel that I need and want."
With the help and support of the 51 community, Bri hopes to continue working with the local school systems after she graduates, preferably as a type of general education teacher. She also hopes to obtain a master’s degree in education.
“Thank you for founding the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship and for keeping your connection to 51 and St. Francis College alive. Knowing that those who had graduated 50 years ago still feel connected to the university and care about helping current students is incredible. Being able to make this scholarship available to students you have yet to meet is a wonderful gift , and I cannot thank the class of ’68 enough for making a positive difference in my life and the lives of future 51 students.”
Thanks to the 51 Education Department, I had ample opportunities to implement and observe the impact of effective, research-based strategies with special education students in local schools. Engaging in special education coursework at 51 is immensely rewarding.
What Will You Study? Special Education Degree Curriculum Overview
Our Special Education major is designed to be flexible, allowing you, if you wish, to double major with a variety of our other degree programs, including Psychology; Social Work; Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies; and more. You may even double major in Elementary/Middle Education to earn dual certifications.
B.S. in Special Education Courses
The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Special Education major offers:
- Special Education Methods
- Inclusive Classroom Management
- Supporting Individuals With Autism and Significant Disabilities
- Assessing and Remediating Challenging Behavior
Special Education Teaching Certificate
Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State Special Education Teacher Certification Program.
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDU 105 – Exploring Teaching | 3 |
| EDU 115 – Field Work Practicum 1 | 1 |
| EDU 120 – Education for Community and Belonging | 3 |
| EDU 206 – Foundations of Lit/Lang Dev | 3 |
| EDU 215 – Field Work Practicum 2 | 2 |
| PSY 250 – Human Growth and Development | 3 – Fulfills Human Experience - Open Core |
| SPE 220 – Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| SPE 300 – Special Education Methods | 3 |
| SPE 315 – Supporting Students with Autism & Other Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 401 – Inclusive Classroom Management Methods | 3 |
| SPE 410 – Assessing and Remediating Challenging Behavior | 3 |
| SPE 486 – Special Education Practicum | 3 |
| SPE 490 – Special Education Student Teaching/Seminar | 12 |
| Two (2) Program Specific Electives (see below) | 6 |
| Total Credits | 51 |
| Open elective courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
This program requires an overall minimum 2.5 GPA in the major.
Program-Specific Elective Options
| Program Specific Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| OS 201 – Foundations of Assistive Technology | 3 |
| OS 301 – Assistive Technology in Schools | 3 |
| OS 432 – Disability Studies and Inclusive Communities | 3 |
| PSY 105 – Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 290 – Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 310 – Children and Stress | 3 |
| PSY 364 – Social and Emotional Development in Childhood | 3 |
| PSY 380 – Human Behavior and Learning | 3 |
| SSW 200 – Introduction to Social Work | 3 |
| SSW 300 – Human Behavior and Social Work Theory I | 3 |
| Any Course with an SPE Prefix | 3 |
| Any Course with an EDU Prefix | 3 |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
Changes were made to this program in an addendum to the 2022/23 academic calendar. Please see the 2022–2023 Catalog Addendum (PDF) for the most recent information. As always, it is recommended that students seek the guidance of Academic Advisors for course and program planning. In this way, you will be able to access all the most up-to-date information available.
We also offer a Minor in Special Education.
Career Paths for Special Education Majors
As a Special Education teacher, you will be qualified for a variety of positions, including:
- Resource Room Teacher
- Life Skills Teacher
- Emotional Support Teacher
- Autism support Teacher
You will possess excellent employability amid a national special education teacher shortage. Within the Northeast, special education has been identified as a “hotspot” (Emsi Occupation Snapshot Report, 2019), offering higher than average median salary, number of job postings, and rate of employment.
Career Advising for B.S. in Special Education Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Student Success by The Numbers
of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating
in Maine for getting a job
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Program
Turn theory into practice. Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. Every semester, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a professional in the field of special education by getting hands-on experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities, including learning/intellectual/emotional-behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Fieldwork in Schools
- Work with students in resource rooms or general education classes
- Conduct assessments
- Observe and collect data for behavior plan development
- Work in specialized classes for students with high support needs or behavior challenges
- Attend IEP meetings
- Collaborate with occupational therapists and social workers
Internships for Special Education Majors
Your hands-on learning culminates with a 15-week student teaching internship, during which you’ll strengthen school relationships and networking connections. Local opportunities exist at:
- Local public school systems
- Special purpose schools
- Pre-school sites
Educational Technicians Internship Scholarship
51 Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system — in either part-time or full-time capacity — may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
Successful applicants will earn $1,000 per every recurring school day of the week that they work during a semester. For example, if you are able to work on Mondays, you will earn $1,000 for the semester. If you are able to work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will earn $3,000 for the semester.
You will receive the scholarship money in addition to the regular wage that you are paid directly by the school district in which you work. Even the cost of your educational technician state certification will be covered.
The Special Education Internship Program will run from fall semester of 2022 through fall semester of 2024 (five total semesters).
Program Benefits
- Scholarship money in addition to wages earned
- Full-time or part-time positions (job sharing is encouraged among part-timers)
- Semester-by-semester commitment
- Assistance from ’s Education Department in finding a position
- Covered cost of Maine state educational technician certification
- Hours worked count toward the major’s fieldwork requirement
- Opportunity to build relationships in school districts that may lead to jobs after graduation
Apply
For more information or to apply, contact Audrey Bartholomew, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Programs at abartholomew1@une.edu or (207) 602-2685.
Priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups and/or rural areas.
Meet Kaylee, Education ’22
During your first semester in one of our teacher preparation programs, you work with children in school settings. Watch what 51 student Kaylee Blake has to say about her time as an education student at 51.