Special Education (K-6) - Program

Special Education (K-6)

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Schools are experiencing a shortage of special education teachers at all academic levels. By completing this Bachelor of Science degree with an endorsement in special education (K-6), you will participate in a variety of field experiences that will allow you to practice the skills you learn in the classroom and be ready to make a difference in the lives of elementary students with disabilities.

The Nebraska Difference

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Scholarships

CEHS awards more than $200,000 in scholarships to incoming students on an annual basis.

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1:1 Advising

Your assigned advisor will support you with academic planning throughout your time in CEHS.

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Career Coaching

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

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Classroom Experience

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

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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 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.

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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 educational development.

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.

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.

Learning in the Classroom (EDPS 362)

Research-based practice in human cognition, theories of motivation, classroom management and classroom-based assessment supporting teaching and learning within diverse elementary settings.

Reading and Writing Disabilities: Elementary Students + Practicum (SPED 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 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

  • Counselor, Camp Kesem
  • Intern, America Reads
  • Student Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools

Careers

  • Special education teacher, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBiS) coach, Lincoln Public Schools
  • Instructional strategist, Des Moines Public Schools
  • Special education teacher, Alief Independent School District

Graduate Schools

  • M.S. Special Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • M.A. Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education, Innovative Learning Technologies Specialization, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • English as a Second Language Education added endorsement, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

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

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Contact Name
Dijon DeLaPorte
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Director of Recruitment
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