University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Education, Special Education
B.Ed. Elementary Program
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B.Ed. in Elementary and Special Education Dual Preparation Program
Special Education: Bachelor's Program
The Bachelor of Education (BEd) Dual Preparation program in Elementary and Special Education (SPED) is designed for students who wish to become eligible for an initial license in both elementary and special education. The dual preparation program prepares graduates to work with students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms settings.
Teacher candidates are assigned to cohort groups of about 22 students, who take most of their courses together during the two-year program. The program begins in fall semester and is full-time, Monday through Thursday. Teacher candidates spend two days per week taking courses at UHM and two days working with mentor teachers in K-6 classrooms in partner schools. Coursework is linked closely with field experience.
Special education is a component of general education. Its purpose is to assist students who do not benefit from traditional educational programs. Special educators teach and help others teach persons who have special learning needs. They adapt and individualize instruction to help students with special needs become independent, contributing members of society.
Teacher candidates complete a minimum of 124 credit hours:
- UHM General Education Core for education majors or AA degree
- Elementary education emphasis (18 credits)
- Foundations and methods courses in elementary education (30 credits)
- Foundations and methods courses in special education (24 credits)
- Dual field experiences and student teaching (27 credits)
Tuition stipends may be available to participants. Click on the link to find out more information about the Felix Tuition Stipends.