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Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

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Even the best brochures and postcards (and yes, even websites) can only tell you so much about a college. The only surefire way to know if DSU is right for you is to see for yourself.

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Home ― Elementary Education/Special Education (BSE)

Elementary Education/Special Education (BSE)

Celebrate student achievements

There’s a huge demand – and a lifetime of rewards – for talented, empathetic, specialized teachers of students with special needs.

At DSU, we know that special needs educators do more than develop detailed, individualized plans and track the progress of each student. They understand children and understand how a disability can affect cognitive, social, and emotional function; they are able to employ strategies to help children manage their behavior and gain social skills. Special education teachers celebrate successes small and large - and those moments are etched in a teacher's heart.

Our Elementary Special Education degree offers you the confidence, tools, and skills essential to educate students of every ability. As this degree prepares you to be an elementary classroom teacher and a special education teacher, the techniques you learn will help all learners in your care within a regular education classroom or special education setting.

The Elementary Special Education degree is available online and on-campus, allowing you the flexibility to choose what is best for you.

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College of Education

Curriculum and experience highlights

Student Using VALE Techology on-campus and online

Outside the classroom, student clubs and activities like the Teachers of Tomorrow Club can complement your coursework.

Commencement hat of Elementary Education Special Education degree student

With core classes in the fundamentals of hardware and software, you'll adapt with ease as new educational technology emerges.

DSU's heritage means teacher training is in our DNA


Our close-knit, hands-on courses are led by faculty with years of classroom experience. You'll get real-world advice and plenty of support as you find yourself on the “other side of the desk” for the first time.

Outstanding field experiences are a hallmark of our program. Prior to your student teaching residency, you'll get plenty of practicum experience. After, you'll undertake a year-long student teaching residency in public schools as your capstone experience.

To give you greater breadth in teaching, special education student teaching takes place at two different levels (elementary, middle, and/or high school). The elementary education portion of student teaching is at the elementary or middle school level.

As part of our commitment to providing affordable options for all DSU students, we offer scholarships and grants, especially for elementary and special education degrees/majors.

Smart classrooms, smart kids

DSU’s focus on tech is a game-changer in the classroom.

Our graduates know how and when to use tech to enhance learning. The schools who employ them know DSU-trained first-year teachers are prepared for anything.

All education graduates earn a K-12 educational technology endorsement built into their degree. It’s another DSU advantage: not only can you seamlessly integrate technology into any classroom, but you’re also qualified to teach computer classes at elementary, middle, and high school levels.

An online Elementary Special Education degree is versatile, giving you a number of options for teaching upon graduation.

  • Special education teacher
  • Elementary teacher
  • K-12 technology teacher
  • Title I teacher
Amanda Hargreaves, Elementary Education (BSE) '10

“Teaching is the most rewarding profession in the world. Even on my most challenging days, I can’t wait to go back the next day.”

Amanda Hargreaves, Elementary Education (BSE) '10

Faculty

Timothy Fiegen

Timothy Fiegen

Associate Professor
Jennifer Munger

Jennifer Munger

Instructor
Sandi Steinhoff-Muller

Sandi Steinhoff-Muller

Instructor

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