A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.

Here are some of the courses that special education majors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.

• Introduction to Education and Society
• Preschool Language and Literacy
• Cognition and Classroom Learning: Early Childhood
• Introduction to Special Education

Forging Partnerships for Teaching and Learning

Teacher candidates possess a foundation in liberal arts that supports and enhances studies and experiences about educational theory, research, collaboration, reflection and professional development. Current trends, best practices and performance assessment are inherent in the program design. Academic standards of basic education, program licensure standards, performance standards and the code of professional conduct are embedded in regulation, educational research and professional practice. The Education Department encourages the on-going participation of the educational community in program planning and evaluation in support of the conceptual framework for teaching that includes preparation and planning, classroom environment, instruction and professional responsibilities.

In support of this we are committed to:

• Honoring and supporting each child
• Developing learning communities
• Exploring career paths and educational opportunities
• Collaborating with all stakeholders
• Modeling reflective teaching, decision making, and leadership
• Advancing integrated instructional technology
• Articulating high expectations for all children
• Celebrating diversity

ESL Program Specialist Dual Certification

This four-course program consisting of LANG-360, EDUC-440, EDUC-441, and EDUC-442 is only open to students enrolled in an Education program. The program is most compatible with the program requirements of Early Childhood Education (ECE) majors, but it is also open to students pursuing a secondary education certification and to Music Education majors. Upon successful completion of the four courses and their integrated field experiences (60 hours), teacher candidates will be eligible for the dual certification and potential employment as ESL Program Specialists in PreK - 12 settings. The ESL program prepares teachers to address the learning needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) in inclusive settings, as well as to coach and support classroom teachers who are not similarly trained but have ELLs in their classrooms.

Students seeking the ESL Program Specialist certification are eligible to begin course work upon completion of prerequisite courses (EDUC-101, -102 and -350) and sophomore class standing. Students must earn an A- in EDUC-350 and must submit a program application available through the Education Department in order to enroll in ESL certification courses.