Five-Year Program – Professional Studies Master of Education: Special Education – General Curriculum K-12 Endorsement Track Students may select a five-year program leading to the appropriate bachelor’s degree and a Professional Studies Master’s degree while meeting the certification requirements for endorsement in special education-general curriculum K-12. Students in this track also meet certification requirements for general education endorsements. This option provides more subject area content for teacher preparation students at the undergraduate level and significant professional preparation in the fifth year. Accepted students will complete Education 310, 410 or 549E, 501B, 505, 530 or 550, 545, 449 or 549S, 560, 561, and 570. Additionally, students will take Special Education 402 or 502, 403 or 503, and 422 or 522. Any undergraduate work required for Virginia Board of Education licensure also will be required. Students should consult the Director of the Teacher Education Program or the Director of the Special Education Program. See the Graduate Studies section of this catalog for admission and program requirements.
• Education Courses
EDUC 114 Introduction to Education Introduction to the career of teaching and the field of education through early field experience and discussion. Preparation for Praxis I, a prerequisite for acceptance into the teacher education program. Education 114 should be completed in the first semester of the sophomore year and should be taken prior to the first Education 115. One semester hour. Pass-Fail only. Fee for Praxis exam. EDUC 115 Early Field Experience Pre-student teaching experience during sophomore and junior years. Observation and teacher-aiding in a variety of elementary, secondary, and special education settings. Minimum 20 hours per experience. Expenses are the responsibility of the student. Two enrollments in Education 115 (with passing grade) are required of all teacher preparation students. Students are urged to make early contact with one of the Neff Center faculty to discuss the teacher preparation program and register for an initial field experience. The 115 experience may begin as early as the sophomore year and must be completed before the professional semester. Some courses related to teacher preparation will require a concurrent 115 registration. Prerequisite: 114. Each 115 registration earns one-half semester hour. May be taken two times for credit. Pass-Fail only. EDUC 116 Field Experience/Tutoring Intensive training as reading or math tutors, and then one-on-one work with children in area K-12 schools, typically twice a week for one hour each visit. On-campus training and supplies are provided. Each 116 registration earns one semester hour. May be taken twice for credit. Pass-Fail only. EDUC 305 Human Growth and Development Study of growth and development from birth through adolescence, contributing to an understanding of the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and psychological development of children and youth, and the ability to use this understanding in guiding teaching and learning experiences. Focus on implications for education, early childhood through adolescence. Includes a service learning component.
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