The Education & Special Education Bachelors Degree at Virginia Wesleyan University is designed for aspiring educators committed to fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting diverse student needs. You will explore the complexities of human growth and development, from birth through adolescence, gaining critical insights into how physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development impacts learning. This program prepares you to address individual differences, including developmental disabilities, giftedness, and challenges like attention deficit disorders, equipping you with the knowledge to guide meaningful educational experiences for all students.
This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, immerses you in practical educational experiences through observational field settings and hands-on teaching practicums. You will develop essential skills in curriculum development, instruction, and classroom management, with a strong emphasis on Virginia Standards of Learning and effective assessment strategies. Through dedicated coursework in special education, you will learn to design and adjust instruction using research-based practices and collaborate with families and service providers. You will graduate prepared for initial teacher licensure, ready to make a significant impact in elementary and special education settings.