Elementary Education & Special Education (K-6) - Program

Elementary Education and Special Education (K-6)

A teacher points to a whiteboard while a child listens attentively in a classroom setting.
Schools are experiencing a shortage of teachers, and the demand for teachers with certification in both elementary education and special education is high. With a Bachelor of Science with a dual endorsement in elementary education and special education (K-6), you will develop the necessary skills that will make you a sought-after teacher by principals looking to hire highly qualified educators who will impact young students.

The Nebraska Difference

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Classroom Experience

Participate in five practicum experiences in general and special education settings prior to student teaching.

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Scholarships

CEHS awards more than $200,000 annually in scholarships to incoming students.

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1-to-1 Advising

Your assigned advisor will support you with academic planning throughout your time at Nebraska.

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Career Coaching

Career coaches can help you plan for a meaningful career built upon your degree program.

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Program Features

Professional Expertise and Research Experience

Professional classes are small, allowing you to receive personalized instruction from leading researchers in education and former teachers with years of classroom experience working with students with and without disabilities. You can also collaborate with experts in the field to develop new knowledge in special education.

Global Experiences

Expand your perspective through a faculty-led study abroad experience or complete your student teaching experience in another country through the Global Gateway for Teachers program.

Student Organizations

Connect with peers who share your interests and build your professional network by joining one of many active student organizations, including UNL Aspiring Educators, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, Best Buddies and Future Teachers of Color.

Teacher reading a children’s book to students at a table in a classroom.

Notable Courses

Fundamentals of Child Development for Education (EDPS 250)

Explore human development concepts and principles of cognitive and social/emotional development through early adolescence. Understand biosocial forces affecting children’s behavior and development related to education.

Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School (TEAC 308)

Cover the scope, content and organization of the mathematics curriculum, development, use and sources of instructional materials and teaching procedures.

Multicultural Education (TEAC 330)

Intro to historical, sociological and philosophical foundations of multicultural education. Explores and models attitudes toward diversity, cultural knowledge, curricular resources and multicultural instructional practices for diverse PK-12 populations.

Collaborative Practices (SPED 310)

Understand the foundations, strategies and techniques for communicating effectively with educational personnel and parents, including implementing collaborative efforts, problem solving and conflict resolution.

Reading and Writing Disabilities: Elementary Students + Practicum (SPED 415 and 415A)

Learn to assess and teach early literacy skills in small groups and 1-to-1. Apply classroom learning by tutoring children at the Schmoker Reading Center.

Behavior Management (SPED 454)

Learn to manage student behavior. Functional assessment of and strategies for preventing behavior problems. Techniques for increasing prosocial behavior and non-aversive interventions.

Behavior Management (SPED 418)

Learn to manage student behavior. Functional assessment of and strategies for preventing behavior problems. Techniques for increasing prosocial behavior and non-aversive interventions.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Youth coordinator, Lincoln YMCA
  • Student teacher, Lincoln Public Schools

Careers

  • First grade teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Special education teacher, Millard Public Schools
  • LIFE skills special education teacher, Jefferson Intermediate School

Graduate Schools

  • M.A. Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, Elementary Teaching Specialization, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • M.Ed. Special Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • M.A. Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, Innovative Learning Technologies Specialization, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Ph.D. Educational Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Elementary Education and Special Education (K-6) major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Dijon DeLaPorte
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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Phone
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