The Major / Faculty / Program Web Pages
Location: Harkins Hall 322
Phone: 401-865-2121
Fax: 401-865-1021
The elementary/special education major is a combined program which emphasizes preparation in both areas. The program allows students to approach the field of education at the elementary level with an appreciation of individual differences and with an understanding of ways to meet those differences within the elementary school organization. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for certification as both an elementary education and special education teacher in Rhode Island and states with reciprocal agreements. The College also jointly offers several secondary education programs in collaboration with specific academic departments.
Although students may be accepted to the College as elementary/special education majors, this is a provisional acceptance to the program. A formal admissions process will take place no later than the sophomore year.
Students are required to follow a prescribed program which includes integrated course work and four field experiences in local elementary schools. The program culminates with a full semester of student teaching: a minimum of eight weeks with an elementary teacher and a minimum of eight weeks with an elementary special education teacher. The program also includes 18-21 hours of either free or non-departmental electives. Students are encouraged to pursue a minor.
Students in elementary/special education are required to take at least one semester of a biological science and one semester of an earth/physical science.
All teacher education programs offered by the College have been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Interstate Certification Compact.
400 clock hours of supervised student teaching are required for elementary/special education and music education teacher candidates.
The Major
A major is offered in elementary/special education which leads to the bachelor of arts degree.
For detailed information on the requirements for the elementary/special education major, please see the on-line undergraduate catalog.
The Faculty
Professors
Jane P. Callahan, Ph.D., Chairperson
Lynne B. Ryan, Ph.D.
Associate Professors
Deborah P. Goessling, Ed.D.
Laurie L. Grupp, Ph.D.
Laura Boynton Hauerwas, Ph.D. [sabbatical 2008-2009 academic year]
Susan F. Skawinski, Ed.D.
Assistant Professors
Peter C. Cormas, Ph.D.
Jeri G. Gillin, Ed.D.
Catherine L. Keating, Ph.D.
Zachary Rossetti, Ph.D.
Marcy Zipke, Ph.D.
Visit the Web pages maintained by the Education Programs:
http://www.providence.edu/education/