东密歇根大学

The Emotional Impairment major leading to a Bachelor of Science focuses on students who are identified as having emotional and behavioral disorders, those who experience mental health challenges, and those whose behavior puts them at risk for failure in school, home, and/or the community. Throughout the program, an emphasis is placed on evidence-based interventions and practices known to improve the quality of life for youth with emotional impairments as well as to prevent social/emotional/behavioral problems from developing or escalating. This includes effective classroom management strategies as well as strategies to teach the core academic curriculum.

Learn

This major prepares students to successfully teach elementary general education students and youth with emotional impairments throughout K-12 settings, including day and residential treatment programs. Students master the skills necessary for designing, implementing, and monitoring academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions that allow youth with internalizing and externalizing behavioral impairments to succeed in educational settings as well as the transition to independent adult living. Students develop collaboration skills necessary for team-based decision making, including interactions with community agencies involved in supporting youth with emotional impairments and their caregivers.

Opportunities

Majors in the area of Emotional Impairment will complete 100 hours of clinical experience with students with emotional impairments prior to their special education student teaching placement. Students will be provided with opportunities to both observe and work with students in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms, and inclusive settings in urban, rural, and suburban schools. In addition, students will visit day treatment and other center-based programs that serve students with emotional impairments. Most of these experiences will be associated with specific classes and assignments.

An option exists for majors to complete an additional 11 credit hours of coursework and earn a Cognitive Impairment teaching endorsement along with their Emotional Impairment teaching endorsement.