The Special Education Teacher Preparation Program combines elementary teaching certification and K-12 endorsement in the special education area of learning disabilities. Both certification and endorsement are awarded only after completion of an internship. MSU’s Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Preparing Future Educators

This unique Bachelor of Arts and special education endorsement program is designed to prepare students to be effective general and special education teachers. It places a high priority on helping students build connections between theory and practice in the inclusive classroom teaching situation, as well as the more traditional self-contained type of special education classroom. The internship experience, in particular, is designed to be an occasion where special education teacher candidates can benefit from continued instruction and mentoring from university and school faculty while working to refine and hone skills developed earlier in the program. 

A Comprehensive Special Education Program 

Our MSU faculty have developed a special education Teacher Preparation Program that addresses teaching for higher levels of understanding and provides teacher candidates with opportunities to gain the critical knowledge and skills needed to teach all children effectively. 

You Will Be Prepared to ...  

• Use teaching practices that promote understanding and growth for students with special disabilities
• Specialize in serving students who have learning disabilities
• Help students access and succeed in general education settings
• Hold new roles and leadership positions being created in schools

Broad Base of Knowledge

The goals of the MSU Special Education program are to prepare prospective teachers who have:

1. thorough knowledge of the subjects they will teach.
2. understanding of the unique methods, analyses and examples which will promote maximum understanding and social and emotional growth in students.
3. knowledge of the cultural and social contexts in which students live and learn.
4. practical skills needed to manage the complexities of teaching for understanding in inclusive and self-contained contexts.
5. a commitment to high standards of professional practice and conduct.
6. understanding of the changing relationships among schools, the communities in which they reside and the world of work.