Oldest program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State-of-the-art multimedia computer lab
Professional Development Center
Curriculum Resource Center
Pre-practicum work starts as early as freshman year
5 half-days a week practicum during junior year
Student teaching during senior year
95 percent job placement rate after graduation
Graduates receive dual certification
If you're interested in working with children who have special needs, Fitchburg State has the program for you. In addition to Special Education, we offer programs in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Middle School Education. We also offer Secondary Certification in English, Mathematics, Earth Science, History, Biology, and Technology Education. Fitchburg State is one of only six colleges in Massachusetts to obtain National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) certification.
Four-Year Undergraduate Program
To fulfill requirements for certification in Massachusetts, Special Education students must complete the academic requirements in a liberal arts and science major as well as those of their education major. Students in the Special Education program begin their special education courses and fieldwork in their freshman year and student-teach senior year, first in an elementary classroom and then a special education classroom.
Students majoring in Special Education will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and can concentrate in special needs, grades pre-kindergarten through 9; moderate disabilities (all levels); special needs, grades 5 through 12; and severe disabilities (all levels). Dual certification programs are available for all Special Education programs with Elementary Education, grades 1 through 6.
Faculty
The Special Education faculty offer students a wide variety of experiences. All faculty members hold doctoral degrees, as well as certification as elementary teachers and teachers of students with special needs. They all contribute books and articles to the field. They serve in leadership roles in regional professional organizations, and provide institutes, seminars and workshops to teachers across the state on topics such as inclusion, computer technologies in the classroom and integration of related therapy services in the classroom. They also present papers at professional gatherings, often bringing their students with them. All students meet at least twice each year with their academic advisors. Before any Fitchburg State Students leave campus for a student-teaching semester, they are approved by a vote of the entire department, signifying their readiness to be a teacher.
Facilities
The Education Department also has its own facilities, which include labs, libraries, computer labs, resource rooms, and conference areas.
The most striking facility in the Education Department is the McKay Campus School, a public elementary school for the City of Fitchburg located on the Fitchburg State campus in the same building as the Education Department classrooms.
Students in these departments have access to a working
classroom environment, and can combine educational theory and practice without leaving the campus. Some students even choose to studentteach at the McKay Campus School, which offers convenience as well as experience in a diverse public school system. Also at the McKay Campus School, the Education Department offers a state-of-the-art multi-media computer lab for student use, a Professional Development Center and an up-to-date Curriculum Resource Center.
These facilities, coupled with the dynamic and energetic teaching available from the faculty, provide the necessary resources for an exceptional education.
Practicum/Internships
One of the major reasons for the success of Fitchburg State graduates is the strong network of pre-practicum, practicum and student teaching sites available across the region. Teacher Education students begin pre-practicum work as early as freshman year in our Special Education program. Junior year involves a five-day-a-week, half-day practicum accompanied by coursework in reading and math instruction.
In addition, because Special Education students are enrolled in a second major, they also gain hands-on experience
in schools, social agencies, or private settings related to their second major.
Fitchburg State is a part of a large network of schools that provide practicum and student teaching opportunities for Special Education students.
A sample of districts includes:
Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools
Lowell Public Schools
Concord Area Special Education Collaborative
Lunenburg Public Schools
Fitchburg Public Schools
Gardner Public Schools
Marshfield High School
FLLAC Educational Cooperative
The May Center for Child Development
Results
Graduates of the Special Education program receive dual certification, which provides them with a license to teach as elementary teachers in general education, and as teachers of children who have identified moderate or severe special needs. While most of our Special Education graduates find work in public or private schools, you will also find our graduates employed by residential programs, rehabilitation facilities, adult services, advocacy agencies and corporate education programs.
Companies and school districts that have employed graduates
of the Special Education Department:
Boston Public Schools
Worcester Public Schools
Lowell Public Schools
Petersham School District
Fitchburg Public Schools
The May Center for Child Development
Children’s Action Corp.
The New England Center for Children
Contact
For more information about the Special Education Program at Fitchburg State College, please contact the Admissions Office for open house and visit options.
