UW-Stout’s Special Education program prepares future educators to teach students across categories of disabilities—including learning, cognitive, emotional and behavioral disabilities—from kindergarten through adolescence, approximately ages 5 through 21.
Special education is founded on the philosophy of advocacy for
persons with exceptionalities and their families, and of embracing and
teaching to individual differences and needs. Therefore, special
educators must know the characteristics of the learners they serve,
possess the skills to design effective interventions and the
dispositions to practice within established standards.
Interested?
Plan a visit to our campus
Transfer Students
UW Colleges Transfer Guide [PDF]
Increasingly, students with disabilities are served in inclusive
regular education settings supplemented by support services provided by
a special education case manager. Therefore, special education teachers
must possess a working knowledge of all general education curriculum
subjects and content. Special education teachers work with general
education teachers to develop lesson plans, materials and tests; adapt
curriculum to be appropriate for each student; and teach specific
learning strategies and study skills. The special education teacher
responsibilities also include assessment, developing individual
education and transition plans, and working with families and other
support services.
Graduates of this program will receive a
Wisconsin teaching license in cross-categorical special education. They
will possess competencies to assess their students’ vocational
readiness, provide a school-to-work curriculum, provide transition
services to students with disabilities, and assist families of students
with special needs to coordinate with community service providers.
Preparing for UW-Stout
A college preparatory background is recommended for students interested in the special education program. English, science, mathematics, social studies, art and music are important as these areas are all included in teaching children and young adults.
Starting Out
Your coursework is arranged so that courses can be taken in special
education along with general education. General education courses
include English composition, speech, psychology, history, biology and
math. Your teaching contact with children will gradually increase so
that by the time you assume student teaching responsibility, you
already have gained experience in special education settings. Faculty
members are highly qualified and eager to help you with course and
career choices. Help also is available through the Advisement and
Career Centers, the Counseling Center and Career Services.
As You Progress
The curriculum includes courses in educational psychology; multiculturalism; classroom management; vocational evaluation; behavioral intervention in schools; and school, family and community collaboration. You will develop techniques used to teach across categories of disabilities, including cognitive, emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. You will complete a variety of field experiences in school settings beginning at the sophomore level and culminating in a full semester of student teaching. Special education faculty and students also regularly engage in outreach service and collaboration within the region and state.
Rewarding Careers
There is a severe shortage of special education teachers throughout the United States, as evidenced by personnel studies conducted at state and national levels. The 2003 Teacher Supply Demand Report indicated an above average need for special education teachers with cross-categorical certification. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, “employment of special education teachers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010, spurred by continued growth in the number of special education students needing services, legislation emphasizing training and employment for individuals with disabilities, and educational reforms requiring higher standards for graduation.”