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The School of Education has as a primary mission to prepare P-12 classroom teachers and higher education leaders within Arkansas as well as the region. The mission of the School of Education is to make scholarly and professional contributions to the communities in central Arkansas as well as the academic community more broadly. We commit our combined resources and expertise to promoting best practices in the broad range of educational contexts we represent as well as to the discovery and communication of knowledge in the field of education. We are dedicated to promoting and supporting learning communities that are diverse and equitable and that approach problem solving with both innovation and collaboration.

The Master of Education in Special Education (SPED) is an advanced preparation program in special education. All candidates will be exposed to the legal and social tenets of delivering services in special instructional settings. Candidates will learn to deliver and interpret assessment data for the purposes of eligibility determination. The program also includes developing competencies in instructional design and program evaluation.

You will see not only the daily impact on the students, but also the lifelong impact on the lives of their families. You will be in a position to help them celebrate the small victories that will lead to greater success and unlock their full potential—a potential most people often do not see. Teaching special and exceptional learners also means advocating for the students and their particular needs. You’ll have the opportunity to work with other educators, parents, and health professionals to find resources that meet the educational needs of these unique students.

Incredible Job Security and Opportunities for Advancement

Special education continues to be reported by the Arkansas Department of Education as a shortage area for teachers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers is expected to increase 6% by 2024. As the number of special and exceptional learners increases, so will the demand for special education services, making this a versatile career choice with numerous pathways for advancement. In addition, having a specialization in special education will make you a more marketable candidate for other teaching positions.

The M.Ed. degree in special education prepares candidates as teachers of students with disabilities. Special education teachers address the professional challenge of designing instruction that meets the needs of children and youth with disabilities.