Special Education (PK-12) BS
Maximize your capacity to engage special education and special needs students in enriched and meaningful skill development and growth in all areas of life.
Why Study Special Education (PK–12)?
Teachers with special education certification are in high demand as general educators or special educators in inclusive or more restrictive classrooms. Those who study special education gain expert knowledge on the best practices to significantly impact the lives of K–12 students who have special needs.
Upon successful completion of this program, the student receives a BS in Education degree. This program also leads to the PK-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching in special education and the K-12 ACSI certification/endorsement in special education.
Study Special Education (PK–12) at Cairn
Academic Opportunity
Build a strong teaching foundation through coursework. Learn how to effectively teach and care for those with mild to severe disabilities.
Career Preparation
Be eligible for the PA Special Education PK–12 Certification and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) K–12 Special Education certificate.
Special Education
Take two courses based on Applied Behavior Analysis, the most research-supported scientific treatment for autism, which is also highly effective for working with individuals with other disabilities and behavioral issues.
Flexibility
Take a combination of online and face-to-face classes, providing greater schedule flexibility.
Field Experience
Complete up to 200 hours of integrated special education field experience and practicums prior to preservice teaching.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Special Education Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 132
Curriculum Highlights:
- ECH 425 Assessing/Managing Behavior
- EDU 401 Philosophy of School Ed
- EDU 402 Ed Assessment/Adapt
- SPE 463 Teach Higher Incidence Dis
Special Education Teacher
Autistic Classroom Teacher
Work in public, charter, Christian, or other private schools
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Barbara Cooper
Chair, Special Education; Assistant Professor, School of Education
Barbara Cooper teaches classes in Special Education. She began her teaching career as a missionary, training people from around the globe. From there she taught in public and private school settings teaching in elementary levels and special education. She also has been an adjunct professor at Biblical Theological Seminary for seven years, teaching international students English and American culture. She is married to Derek, and they have three children.
Juliana Duprey
Faculty, School of Education
Mrs. Duprey taught in Autism Support for 7 years in the School District of Philadelphia and also has experience with ESL tutoring and working with children in early childhood programs. At Cairn she teaches education courses such as Foundations of Special Education and Diagnosis and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners. She has been married to her husband, Marques, for seven years, and they have two boys. She grew up in Philadelphia but now lives in the Abington area where she and her family are excited to be part of a church plant in Brewerytown.
What Our Students Have To Say
David Falcon
Being involved with the Special Education program has provided me the opportunity to form many meaningful and impactful relationships with peers and mentor teachers who have opened their classrooms to me. There couldn't be enough said about Professor Cooper, who always made herself available for guidance, mentorship, and prayer. Special Education is always viewed through a biblical lens, which allows everyone to be viewed as God's unique and perfectly designed creation.
