Elementary and Special Education

Robyn Ridgley, Interim Chair

Alexander, Bass, Black, Boulware, Burriss, Elleman, Gilbert, Harmon, Hitchcock, Huddleston, Khan, Lim, Mangione, Means, Moore, Oslund, Rice, Tharp, Winters

Courses in the Department of Elementary and Special Education are designed to meet the professional needs of students preparing to teach and to improve the teaching competencies of those presently employed as teachers.

The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees for students seeking initial teacher licensure in early childhood, elementary, middle school, and special education. Students may choose from the following majors: Early Childhood Education (Prek-3); Interdisciplinary Studies (K-5); Interdisciplinary Studies (6-8 English), (6-8 Math), (6-8 Science) or (6-8 Social Studies); and Special Education (Interventionist K-8 or 6-12) or (Comprehensive K-12).

2+2 Program

Through partnership with Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges, the Interdisciplinary (K-5) program is offered at off site campuses, including Columbia State Community College and Motlow State Community College. See 2+2 for more information.

Minor

A minor in Special Education is also available. Students should note that the minor coursework does not fulfill teacher licensure requirements.

Graduate Study

The department offers at the graduate level the Master of Education degree with majors in Curriculum and Instruction (concentration in Elementary School Education), Literacy, and Special Education (concentrations in Mildly/Moderately Disabled and Severely/Profoundly Disabled). Graduate minors are available in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, and Special Education. An M.Ed. in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy Reading is offered using some courses through the TN eCampus. Details may be found in the Graduate Catalog.