Special Education

Diana Rogers-Adkinson, chair
Special Education Department
Winther 4037
(262) 472-4847
rogersad@uww.edu

Web site

About the Program

Teaching in the field of special education is a professionally challenging and rewarding experience. Professionals working students with disabilities provide services in inclusive and general education settings, special programs, and communities agencies. At the bachelor's degree level, the Department prepares candidates for initial teaching licensure in cross categorical programming for children and youth in grades 1-12 with opportunities to specialize in Cross-Categorical Disabilities with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disorders or an emphasis in Cognitive Disabiltities. The Department also co-sponsors the Early Childhood Education major leading to licensure in special and general education.

Back to Top

Accreditation

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Special Education Department is also nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children.  The department is the only special education program in Wisconsin to be nationally recognized. 

Back to Top

Career Opportunities

The current job market in special education reports serious teacher shortages. Better than 99% of graduates are employed within one year of graduation. The majority of graduates become professional educators working as teachers. Many seek advanced degrees and then assume roles as program support teachers, community agencies liaisons, specialist, consultants and staff development leaders, and college faculty.

Back to Top

Faculty

All faculty in the Special Education Department hold doctoral degrees, and all academic staff hold at least master's degrees. No teaching assistants teach classes. All faculty and academic staff have significant direct experience in working with people who have special needs and actively research and publish on a wide variety of issues in special education. Faculty supervise field study, fieldwork and directed teaching practica. Faculty and staff view teaching as a priority, are campus leaders and are nationally recognized for innovative approaches to teacher training.

Back to Top

High School Preparation

Preparation for a career in special education should begin in high school, as admission to professional education in the College of Education requires 350 hours of documented experience with children. Experience with people of cultures other than their own and with people with disabilities is highly encouraged. The PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test) should be taken during your senior year or prior to enrollment at UW-Whitewater.

Back to Top

Honors and Awards

The Special Education Program is nationally recognized by The National Council for Exceptional Children and is part of the College of Education which is accredited by The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). All faculty hold doctoral degrees, and all academic staff hold at least master's degrees. Faculty have consistently received university and national awards in teaching, research, and service.

Back to Top

Internship Opportunities

Special education majors participate in more than 300 hours prior to directed teaching in educational settings with students both with and without disabilities. This practical experience is a critical component of the curriculum.

Back to Top

Opportunities

Many opportunities are provided to be a part of student organizations and to experience internships and international field placements special education. Members of the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) enjoy a collegial network with opportunities to work in agencies and special program as well as attend and present at state and national professional conferences. Internships are provided every semester and students can seek field placements in several international programs in Australia, Jamaica, and Sweden.

Back to Top

Placement

The UW-Whitewater Placement Office reports that better than 99 percent of special education graduates are either employed or attending graduate school within one year of graduation. The current job market in special education reflects serious teacher shortages in some exceptionality categories, so employment opportunities upon graduation are generally high.

Back to Top

Student Organizations

The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) is a nationally recognized student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. Special education students frequently participate in other professional organizations to promote collaboration across disciplines in education.

Back to Top

Suggested Course of Study

The Special Education Department provides a broad variety of training options. At the bachelors degree level, students may choose to complete entry level teacher licensure in several exceptionality categories; masters degree options include a licensure option, a professional development option, as well as certificate programs for transitional and autism specialists. All graduate level curricula include advanced courses.

Undergraduate

• Early Childhood Education (special and regular education)
• Cross-Categorical: Learning Disabilities/Emotional Disorders Emphasis
• Cross-Categorical: Cognitive Disabilities Emphasis
• Graduate: MSE in Cross-Categorical 

A special education minor is also available that results in a teaching license in adaptive education. Beyond seeking licensure, graduate students may also pursue the masters degree in special education.

Back to Top