Students enrolled in special education have the opportunity to student teach in public schools, intermediate units, approved private schools, preschools, state centers, adjudicated environments and hospitals. Student teaching assignments are located within seven select counties neighboring Bloomsburg University.
Intensive pre-student teaching experiences are also available through advanced sequence coursework and professional development schools. To meet Pennsylvania teacher certification requirements, special education majors must have six credits of:
Requirements for the major include a minimum of 67 semester hours of professional education course work leading up to (prior to) student teaching. Incoming freshmen as well as transfer students are required to enroll in the Department of Exceptionality Programs’ Orientation to Special Education course (one credit) during the initial semester of enrollment in this program of study.
Department Chairperson
Maureen Walsh | 570-389-5366
Department Secretary
Alma George | 570-389-4074
Student Secretary | 570-389-4119
BU's special education program prepares future educators, leaders and service professionals to promote and provide quality support to all individuals for the purpose of developing and enhancing the skills necessary for independent living and self-directed learning. Additionally, the program future educators, as leaders and service providers, to:
Bloomsburg University is approved to offer Education programs that lead to certification in Pennsylvania. While we regularly monitor licensure and certification laws in each state, state requirements are subject to change without notice. If you are interested in certification outside of Pennsylvania, we encourage you to contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program and during your program of study. Please visit bloomu.edu/state-authorization and www2.ed.gov for more information. If you are planning to teach in New Jersey, please note that you may be required to complete the edTPA, a performance based assessment. It's strongly recommended you contact the school district(s) of interest and the New Jersey Department of Education for more information specific to New Jersey.