School of Education
DEPARTMENTSDirector of Special Education
Unique Leadership for Special Education in Today’s Schools
Leaders in special education are dedicated to the improvement of educational opportunities and lifestyle choices for exceptional children in the community. Directors are expected to provide both cognitive and emotional development for children to succeed in school and be aware of outside resources available.
Special education directors need to understand how to design, field test, and evaluate appropriate instructional strategies and methodologies. Directors also need to know how to provide direct service and consultation in partnership with families as well was reach out to family agencies, community service organizations and professional organizations. By earning this degree you will be able to:
- Address current literature and issues in special education.
- Implement appropriate identification and due-process standards.
- Design, field test, and evaluate appropriate instructional strategies and methodologies.
- Provide direct service and consultation.
- Work as partners with families.
- Collaborate with professionals across disciplines.
- Collaborate with family agencies, community services and professional organizations.
This program is offered collaboratively with the Department of Leadership, Policy and Administration in a cohort format where individuals complete the program with 15 to 20 program participants. Courses are scheduled in late afternoons or evenings to tailor to working professionals. Licensure areas in Special Education complement each other so that students can easily attain multiple licensures.
St. Thomas prepares professional, effective teachers and administrators in special education. This program extends beyond basic teaching licensure into more advanced work on administering programs for students in all categories of IDEA. It is equivalent to the program for licensure as a principal. Practica and professional portfolios are also required.
