The College of William and Mary, Graduate Programs in Special Education

Preparing Inclusive Educators, PIE is a grant project at the School of Education at the College of William and Mary (W&M). The primary goal of this five year grant, funded by the US Department of Education is program improvement – to ensure W&M is best preparing special educators to meet the needs of students with disabilities and their families. Additionally, PIE aims to increase diversity in the field of special education by recruiting culturally and linguistically diverse future educators to W&M’s graduate programs in special education.

Special education is a career that is in high demand. Across the country special educators top the list of teacher shortages. This is a career that offers:  flexibility, a good salary, and great benefits. There is particular need for men and those who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse in the field. The changing demographics in Virginia and nationally, demand that educators are prepared to work with students and families who are culturally and linguistically diverse. These demographics are expected to change even more in the next several decades. Increasingly, Virginia special educators do not reflect the diversity of their students.  In Virginia, 14% of special educators are racially or linguistically diverse compared to 34% of special education students.

“Every child living in America deserves to be taught by a highly effective teacher.  In addition, to being highly effective, teachers who reflect the diversity of their students have an added benefit in that they frequently understand the cultural experiences of those they teach.  That understanding can lead to higher expectations for students, increased graduation rates, and greater college opportunities.”  ( Aguerrebere p. 21)

The College of W&M and the School of Education recognize the importance of addressing cultural and linguistic diversity. W&M education students are exposed to campus-wide diversity initiatives. Attention and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity is woven through coursework, assignments, and class projects. Students interact with and learn from speakers from diverse backgrounds and have student teaching opportunities and clinical experiences in a variety of settings, both rural and urban; allowing students to master culturally responsive instructional strategies before being assigned their own classrooms.

Students with disabilities vary greatly in their needs. Students may have learning, academic, cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral, health care, or multiple needs. Special educators work collaboratively with general educators, related services providers (e.g. speech/language, physical/occupational therapy), and families to ensure students receive an appropriate education.

W&M offers a rigorous 14 month program that leads to K-12 licensure in special education. There is also a 5 year program allowing undergraduate students to begin taking Master’s level classes their senior year. Upon completion of their undergraduate degree in arts, science or education, they are elevated to the Master’s level, completing the Master’s program in one year. Additionally W&M has the Collaborative Master Educator Program. This flexible graduate program has been designed for currently licensed teachers who want to continue working while pursuing a Master’s degree on a part-time basis. This program allows individuals to tailor the program to their education interest areas with up to 9 electives hours, preparing graduates to be highly effective collaborative educators.

For more information: http://education.wm.edu/ or http://bit.ly/facebook-pie or llownby@wm.edu.

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