Requirements

• 42 hours of documented experience with children or youth who have special needs – ideally those who are identified with learning disabilities
• One-on-one experiences with children with special needs (tutoring or babysitting) can be used for up to 21 of the required hours
• Remaining hours should come from experiences in a group setting under the supervision of an experienced teacher or supervisor
• Hours may be from previous experiences within two years (from high school, preschool or school based settings) of the application to Special Education program
• Submission of Student Reaction Form and Supervisor Reaction Form by the first week of the spring semester

Purpose

• To help students explore the opportunity of working with students with special learning needs and what the role of a special education teacher and/or consultant might look like out in the field of education
• To provide students with a foundation for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed prior to admission to the special education program

Suggestions for finding experience

• MSU Center for Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
• Special Education Faculty
• Lisa Plascencia, Special Education Internship Coordinator
• School districts – Special Education Director, Special Ed. Teachers, or Special Ed. Teacher Consultants
• Public or private agencies that provide services for special needs children
• Summer camp programs for children with special needs
• Parents of children with special needs

Due Dates

• For those applying during the fall semester forms are due by the first week of spring semester
• Transfer students seeking direct admission to Special Education must submit forms at the time they matriculate at MSU