Overview of program leading to an exciting and rewarding career.

1. What is special about
Special Education at ECU?
Overview of program leading to an
exciting and rewarding career
for those who are interested in teaching
K-12 students with disabilities

2. What is Special Education?
Access to Instruction
▪Provides services and individualized instruction to
meet unique needs of students with disabilities
▪To ensure that all students participate meaningfully
and successfully in education
▪ Achieve academically, functionally, and socially in
the general or adapted curriculum.

3. What is Special Education?
A Service – Not a Place
▪ Services, supports, and instruction determined by
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
▪ Least Restrictive Environment: Most students with
disabilities are taught in a general education
classroom in a neighborhood school
▪ Small number of students are provided services in
separate settings for part or all of the day

4. What Roles Can You Choose?
• Co-Teacher with General Educator
• Resource Teacher, General Curriculum
• Inclusion Support Specialist
• Specialized Teacher for small group of students
• All of the above!

5. Which Program Is Right for You?
Bachelor of Science, Initial Licensure
• SPED – General Curriculum
– High Incidence(e.g., LD, BED, ID)– HS diploma
– Reading License
– Elementary Education courses
• SPED – Adapted Curriculum
– Low Incidence – functional, extended cur.
• Significant cognitive or physical disabilities

6. Which Program Is Right for You?
• State Employees Credit Union
(SECU)Partnership East
–Community College partnership
leads to initial license, GC + Reading
–Part-time students complete
program in 4.5 years
–ECU courses offered on-line

7. Why Special Education at ECU?
• Hands-on experiences in various placements
throughout the program
• Linked methods and practicum courses
• Authentic assignments related to classroom tasks
• Scholarship opportunities
• Graduates are highly qualified in SPED K12 and
as teacher-of-record across K6 content areas
• High employment rate of graduates
and...

8. Student Council for Exceptional Children
– Opportunities for Fellowship, Service, and
Personal / Professional Growth
– Campus & Community Projects
– State and National Conferences

9. Irene Howell Assistive Technology Center
– Teach candidates about AT services and devices
– Professional development infused in SPED courses
– Interact with and create educational materials

10. Learn more about the
Special Education Program
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/sefr/sped/index.cfm
CONTACT
Dr. Kathi Wilhite, Interim Chair
Department of SPED, Foundations, & Research
wilhitek@ecu.edu
Dr. Laura King, Associate Chair
Special Education Program
kinglau@ecu.edu