Messiah College offers a certification program in special education (N–12, cognitive, behavior and physical/health disabilities). To complete this program, students major in elementary education and fulfill all the requirements for Pennsylvania teacher certification in both special education and elementary education. Certification in special education qualifies you to work as a special education teacher at the preschool, elementary, middle school, or high school level. Teachers in schools must be prepared to deal with the tremendous diversity in student learning needs. Our dual certification program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of all your learners. Through the elementary education curriculum, you will acquire a foundation for effective thinking, systematic planning, decision making, and differentiating instruction in the classroom. The special education program builds on this foundation by introducing you to in-depth perspectives on learners with special needs, behavioral intervention strategies, approaches to assessment, developmental issues, and appropriate instructional strategies. You will have the opportunity to apply your developing knowledge of special education by participating in several field experiences in local public schools and community organizations in addition to the field experiences that are already built into the elementary education program.

Curriculum

For more details on the curriculum requirements and the types of courses you would be taking as a Special Education and Elementary Education Dual Certification student, visit the Online Course Catalog or

Take a look at the printable Special Education and Elementary Education Dual Certification Program Brochure

(Course catalog and major brochure include PDF files. Click here for the Adobe® PDF Reader®)

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