There is currently a severe shortage of qualified teachers in special education.
A degree in special education enables you to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. Special education majors are eligible for dual licensure in the areas of special education: mild intervention and intense intervention, which enables them to serve children who experience mild to severe emotional, learning, or intellectual disabilities in kindergarten through grade 6.
During this program, you will learn to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), use assistive technology and develop instructional material and environmental modifications - all essential elements for teaching individuals with diverse needs.
Students who successfully complete all requirements of a teacher preparation program that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Indiana Department of Education are eligible for licensure in the state of Indiana. Purdue has interstate licensing agreements with the other 49 U.S. states which means graduates will be able to teach in Indiana and any other state in the country.
Once licensed, a special education graduate is qualified to teach children who experience mild to severe emotional, learning, or intellectual disabilities, including children on the autism spectrum in kindergarten through grade 6 in a public, private, or independent school.