Welcome to the Special Education Program at the University of Memphis. We are a part of the Instruction and Curriculum Leadership Department in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. The Special Education teacher education program is designed to prepare educational leaders who are able to maximize the development and learning of individuals with diverse and exceptional needs in a variety of program settings.

Licensure options

Special education encompasses a wide variety of children and thus three licensure programs are available.

• Early Childhood
  

  Teachers are licensed to teach infants and young children from birth through age 6. Programs may be delivered in the children’s homes or in special or integrated preschool environments.

• Modified Licensure
  

  This licensure is designed for students interested in teaching children with mild disabilities such as learning disabilities or mild developmental delays. The training is much like a traditional teaching program with additional emphases on behavior management, inclusion of children with disabilities in the regular classroom and the role of the special educator as consultant and co teacher with regular educators.

• Comprehensive Licensure
  

  This licensure is designed for student interested in working with children whose disabilities are more severe in nature such as mental retardation, autism or orthopedically handicapped. The training emphasizes inclusion but also offers classes which consist of highly specialized skill sets in behavior management, medical issues, and curriculum.

• Dual Licensure
  

  There are also opportunities to receive dual licenses. At the undergraduate level we offer Elementary Education (K-6)/Special Education Modified (K-12) and at the graduate level we offer Middle School (4-8)/Special Education Modified (K-12) Licenses.

• ABA Certification
  

  We have a board certified program to become a certified Applied Behavioral Analyst. Successfully completing these courses will entitle the student to sit for the Behavior Analysis Certification Examination offered by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board® (BACB). These certification requirements can be completed in conjunction with our MS and EDD Degrees.

Tuition Support for Students Seeking Teacher License in Special Education

• Special Education Institute
  

  For individuals who are teaching on a transitional license, a permit, or a waiver, or are working as an Educational Assistant in Special Education, and want to complete licensure in Special Education either at the Graduate or Undergraduate level. Free Books, Free Tuition.

• BASE-TN
  

  For persons who hold a Bachelor's degree in a field other than Special Education or are Special Education Assistants, and want to move into Special Education; at either the Graduate or Undergraduate level. Free Books, Free Tuition.

Mission Statement

The central mission and vision of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, and the Special Education undergraduate and graduate programs are consistent: the preparation of Educational Leaders who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the learning process, skill in instructional planning and delivery, and a disposition to create dynamic learning environments that incorporate multicultural knowledge into instructional design and delivery. The primary goal of teacher education programs in the Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership is to prepare educational leaders who will, through knowledge, skills and disposition, conduct themselves in ways that command respect for themselves and the profession and inspire others to take positive action. Similarly, the Special Education teacher education program is designed to prepare educational leaders who are able to maximize the development and learning of individuals with diverse and exceptional needs in a variety of multicultural program settings.

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from the Department's Special Education undergraduate and graduate degree programs will find themselves well prepared for a variety of careers in the field of disability services especially teaching. State licensed preK-12 teachers will typically deliver special education curricula in public and private schools while many will take on school leadership roles. There are also careers available in the technical support and adult service fields. There is an extreme shortage of licensed special educators in the field today. Students graduating from the Special Education Program at the University of Memphis are highly sought after and typically have little problem securing teaching positions in area schools. For students interested in career choices in supervision or higher education, the advanced masters and doctoral programs will provide the stepping stones for such undertakings.

Research Projects, Grants, Scholarships Service

The faculty of the Special Education Program conducts research initiatives that target community outreach, cutting edge teaching methodologies, and teaching with technology. The faculty averages about eight externally funded grants per year that bring in over $4,500,000. Most of these research endeavors focus on community outreach in areas such as inclusion, positive behavior supports, paraprofessional training, early intervention, literacy, assistive technology, and teacher recruitment/retention. The faculty and graduate assistants involved in these projects are committed to improving the conditions for persons with disabilities and their families in the Mid-South region. There is also a commitment to carry out research and publish the highest quality research. Special Education faculty members are key national contributors in the areas of applied behavior analysis, cultural diversity, video self-modeling, preschool inclusion, teacher recruitment and retention, family involvement. The program faculty members have developed a history of securing external sponsorship to support a variety of significant research agendas that is second to none. Students leaving our doctoral program have filled professorship positions at colleges across the country as well as becoming leaders in the local special education community.

• Mid-South Access Center for Technology (ACT)
• Restructuring for Inclusive School Environments (RISE)