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Childhood/Students With Disabilities & Special Education

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Childhood and Special Education: Build Inclusive Communities

Do you remember your favorite teacher growing up? Become the next generation’s favorite teacher. Follow your calling and become a successful teacher. Concentrate on the subject matter of your choice. This degree will lead to initial certification in both Childhood and Special Education for grades 1-6.


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4 Year Promise

At Roberts, we are committed to giving you a head start in earning income and achieving your personal goals by helping you graduate in four years. In fact, we guarantee it.

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Program Highlights

PARTICIPATE IN A CLASSROOM
Get real-world experience working with students and teachers in local classrooms all throughout your program.

LEARN AND APPLY CURRENT RESEARCH
Implement evidence-based practices to create authentic and inclusive learning environments.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Prepare for professional New York State teacher certification through Roberts' graduate programs in Literacy or Special Education.

STORIES LEADING THE WAY

Lily Sluk Headshot

Lily Sluk ‘22, ‘24 (Childhood and Special Education, Literacy) began her career as a teacher in this program.

She shares, “One thing I love about Robert's undergrad program is how incredibly practical the courses are. Almost every class gave me hands-on experience practicing the concepts I was learning about.”

What Will I Learn

You will be taught strategies that will qualify you to teach in inclusive elementary classrooms. These strategies combined with the dual certification offered by this program will greatly enhance your career options.

You will choose one of the following concentrations for certification:
  • Historical and Social Sciences
  • Language Arts
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Math
  • Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Science
  • Social Studies
You’ll study:
  • Deeper knowledge in your concentration area
  • The foundations and history of special education
  • Lesson planning and implementation
  • How to manage the learning environment
  • Planning and analyzing interventions
  • How to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom

Career Outlook

Student Teaching Placements

  • Webster Central School District (CSD)
  • Greece CSD
  • Rochester CSD
  • Pittsford CSD
  • Churchville-Chili CSD
  • Brockport CSD
  • Hilton CSD
  • Byron-Bergen CSD
  • Spencerport CSD
  • Kendall CSD
  • Penfield CSD
  • Rush-Henrietta CSD
  • Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!

Careers

  • Elementary education teacher (grades 1-6)
  • Special education teacher

Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. The type of degree they get is flexible – whether it be in elementary education, their intended field of teaching, or a more focused education degree like the Childhood & Special Education degree here at Roberts where you can hone in on a specific subject area with a concentration.

Many teachers do go on to obtain a master’s or even doctorate degree, as well. Some states such as New York, Maryland, and Connecticut actually require teachers to obtain their master’s degree in teaching or education in a certain amount of time to maintain their teacher’s license. Along with that, many districts pay teachers who obtain their master’s degree more than those who don’t.

Special education is specially designed instruction for educating students with disabilities, individual differences, and special needs. Because each student learns differently, there is a wide range of accommodations involved in special education.

At Roberts, we value special education and creating learning environments where every student can thrive. As a Childhood and Special Education student, you’ll take courses such as Foundations of Special Education, Creating Inclusive Learning Communities, and Assessment for Special Education.

AAccording to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers in 2021 was about $61,350.

Naturally, the numbers will differ by area, type of school, and position.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

We are committed to helping students meet the financial obligation to earn a degree and advance a career. Our Office of Student Financial Services works to assist all students in their effort to maximize financial aid. We award financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students.

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Department of Teacher Education - 585.594.6677 - george_sarah@roberts.edu