Teacher Education Major
Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Concentration
Undergraduate Program
The Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Concentration at the University of Tennessee offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and educational specialist levels. Based on an inclusionary philosophy, the UT program is designed to give teacher candidates a strong foundation in both general and special education pedagogical knowledge and skills.
The undergraduate program is unique in that it is part of a 5-year program, culminating with a master’s degree. Modified and Early Childhood Special Education is a dual-license program leading to licensure to teach in modified settings (for those students with mild to moderate disabilities) and comprehensive settings (for those students with severe disabilities) in grades Kindergarten through 12. Students pursue an undergraduate major with most of the education coursework and field experiences occurring during the senior year. Students receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education at the conclusion of the senior year, but most continue on for a fifth-year internship in which they are mentored as first-year teachers in both modified and comprehensive settings.
Many students elect to complete additional coursework and field experiences to add an endorsement in Elementary Education. Following completion of the B.S. students complete 24 hours of internship and associated coursework and an additional 12 hours of coursework to earn the Track II Master of Science in Education (M.S.) degree. Teaching interns are placed in Professional Development Schools and other partnership schools and receive collaborative year-long mentoring from university and school system personnel. Though the program is designed as an undergraduate program leading directly into the master’s degree, post-baccalaureate students are welcome to apply.
Graduate Programs
Master's
The Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Concentration offers a traditional (Track 1) master’s program for students enrolling from a traditional four-year undergraduate program. Required hours vary depending upon whether students choose thesis or non-thesis options. Students work closely with faculty advisors to tailor a program designed to advance their knowledge and skills in research-based practices.
Educational Specialist
The Modified and Early Childhood Special Education Concentration also offers an Educational Specialist program, a 30 credit-hour program. As in the master’s program, students work closely with faculty advisors to customize a program of study.
Alternative Programs
In addition to the programs described above, UT, in conjunction with the Tennessee State Department of Education, offers alternative programs for persons with teaching degrees in areas other than Special Education and for those with bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields to pursue a license in Special Education. Assuming applicants meet desired qualifications, fee waivers are often available for these programs. Prospective candidates may find additional information at the following Tennessee State Department of Education websites:
Contact
Information
Special Education: K-12 Modified and Comprehensive Program
A411 Jane and David Bailey Education Complex
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-3442
(865) 974-3435
(865) 974-6302
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718