09.16.08 
Undergraduates at Southeastern University can now major in Exceptional Student Education

By Southeastern University

Starting this fall, undergraduates at Southeastern can major in Exceptional Student Education.

This new program, offered through Southeastern's College of Education, helps students become state certified in Exceptional Student Education for kindergarten through 12th grade. In addition to Exceptional Student Education, this major also will equip students to become certified in elementary and middle grades education and gain credentials in reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

In addition to the new major, Southeastern will begin to offer a minor in Exceptional Student Education this fall, said Dr. Samuel Bennett, dean of the College of Education.

Students who major in Exceptional Student Education, which also is known as "special education," may teach children whose learning is affected by autism, emotional/behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and mental handicaps. Graduates also may instruct students whose learning is affected by orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, sensory impairments, speech and language impairments, and traumatic brain injury.

Exceptional Student Education graduates will be prepared to provide instruction and educational support through individual tutoring and small groups, self-contained classrooms, and team teaching with general educators. In addition, they will be skilled in teaching students with disabilities, implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), designing individual learning plans, using technology to enhance learning, advocating for students' rights, and transitioning students from school to work.

According to the Council for Exceptional Children, a career in Exceptional Student Education provides opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child and work in different roles and settings. This field also enables educators to provide leadership, interact daily with other committed individuals, and creatively use their talents to develop individualized approaches to instruction.

Because of the critical teacher shortage in Exceptional Student Education, there are many sources of financial aid for students seeking degrees in this field. For more information about Southeastern's new Exceptional Student Education major or minor, contact Assistant Professor of Exceptional Student Education A. Helene Robinson at (863) 667-5458.