Elementary and Special Education
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Teacher Licensure
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Program Contact
Stephanie R. Logan The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions. |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Upcoming Events
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Lean Into a Human-Helping Profession.
Springfield College’s renowned reputation for preparing leaders in human-helping professions, like teaching, offers an exceptional educational experience for individuals committed to dedicating their lives to educating children.
This dual program in Elementary Education and Special Education provides the professional skills and knowledge that undergraduate students need to successfuly work with elementary-aged students or students with special needs. The combination of coursework and real-world, hands-on learning gives dual licensure graduates the preparation and the confidence they need to manage a wide range of classroom experiences.
Through working in inclusion classrooms, students become highly skilled and effective elementary classroom teachers, and will learn a wide variety of teaching strategies. Most importantly, they’ll graduate with the know-how and ability to meet the needs of all children. They’ll learn from experienced faculty who are passionate about continuing to advance and strengthen the teaching profession at the elementary level.
What job can I get with a degree in Elementary and Special Education?
A degree in Elementary and Special Education from Springfield College equips you for a fulfilling career in teaching and support roles. Graduates often become elementary school teachers, where you’ll create engaging lesson plans and foster young students’ academic and social development. Additionally, you can pursue a career as a special education teacher, working with students who have diverse learning needs and helping them achieve their full potential through tailored instruction and support.
There are also opportunities to become a resource room teacher, providing specialized instruction to students in small groups or one-on-one settings. If you’re interested in broader roles, you might work as an education consultant, advising schools on best practices for inclusion and curriculum development.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, such as math and reading, in order to prepare them for middle school.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help students learn and apply important concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills. For example, they may demonstrate how to do a science experiment and then have the students conduct the experiment themselves. They may have students work together to solve problems.
Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.
Special education teachers work with students from preschool to high school. They instruct students who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. For example, some help students develop study skills, such as highlighting text and using flashcards. Others work with students who have physical disabilities and may use a wheelchair or other adaptive devices. Still others work with students who have sensory disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments. They also may work with those who have autism spectrum disorders or emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Teacher assistants also are called teacher aides, instructional aides, paraprofessionals, education assistants, and paraeducators.
Teacher assistants work with or under the guidance of a licensed teacher. Reviewing with students individually or in small groups, teacher assistants help reinforce the lessons that teachers introduce.
Teacher assistants may provide feedback to teachers for monitoring student progress. Some teacher assistants meet regularly with teachers to discuss lesson plans and students’ development.
