The special education program values the philosophy of inclusive education and emphasizes a strength-based approach toward working with students with disabilities.
The program has responded to the developing national need for special education educators by offering an increasing number of high-quality core courses, including field experiences in which teacher candidates work with students with disabilities in a myriad of settings and across grade levels.
Graduates teach in various school settings across the continuum of the special education landscape in the Hudson Valley and nationwide.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs has awarded a number of grants to the program. Most recently, a federal grant was awarded to graduate highly qualified special education teachers.
Faculty members are respected for their scholarly ability and contributions to the field. They have completed projects related to researching evidence-based practices, mapping curriculum, embedding visual design for learning concepts, making data-based decisions, establishing school-university partnerships, and mentoring new teacher candidates.
