Phase I: Freshman - Sophomore Year

Focus on the foundations of learning and education and on the ability to reflect on those. Students are instructed on development, learning, diversity, the roles of teachers and schools, and reflections. They practice technology use, oral communication and writing. Field Experiences begin in Phase I.

Coursework examines the teacher’s roles in facilitating learning at all levels of development and considers the influences of cultural, political, historical and economic factors on students, teachers and schools.

Phase II: Junior Year - First Semester Senior Year

Students focus on understanding and teaching students with a range of mild and moderate disabilities. This phase addresses the special education core and focuses on the cross-categorical area. Content strands include knowledge of the cross-categorical population, approaches and skills for teaching and remediating problems in read, writing, math, and social behavior. There are four field placements during Phase II.

Senior Year On-Site Program

First Semester of Senior Year:
During the first semester of the senior year, special education majors work in school three full days per week and take courses through MU. This experience allows for more intensive examination of teaching and learning, observing and assisting with instruction in multiple areas of special education at the beginning of the school year.

Second Semester of Senior Year:
This phase includes a semester-long, full-time student teaching internship. Candidates are assigned to a classroom for a 15-week period under the mentorship of an experienced special educator.

More about the Senior Year On-Site Program
SYSOSP Handbook

Phase IV: Induction

Faculty continue to support graduates into their first two years of teaching.