Special Education
at Mount Aloysius College
Bachelor’s Degree
Special education teachers make all the difference in their students’ lives and are needed across the country. Roughly 26% of schools in Pennsylvania have at least one special education position unfilled. At the Mount, our special education programs are designed to prepare you for the classroom, from lesson plan development, to behavioral management, and more. Students also have the opportunity to work directly with children at two on-campus lab schools.
Choose the pathway that matches your career goals:
Whether you’re just starting out on your journey to become a teacher, or you already have your degree, the education professors at the Mount are dedicated to your personal and professional success. From helping you plan your courses to helping you apply for student teaching grants, your professors will be happy to help you every step of the way.
Program Highlights
See how the Mount’s education department helps its students succeed, including by fostering a tight-knit community and embracing technology-based teaching practices!
Courses Designed to Prepare You for Your Career
The Mount’s special education program is designed to not only provide you with the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in future jobs, but to help you explore your passions and expand your horizons. Check out more information about the opportunities available to you.
Quick Facts About the Special Education Program at Mount Aloysius
- Bachelor’s degree program (4 years to complete)
- Minor available
- Strong preparation for placement at unique and varied schools
- Work with and observe children at our two on-campus lab schools
- Study the use of assistive technology devices and how to incorporate them within the classroom during instruction
- Public or private schools
- Alternative classrooms
- Head Start and Pre-K Counts
- Support Services like Intermediate Units
- Master’s and/or doctoral studies
The bachelor’s degree has student teaching assignments. Junior students tutor students in math and reading as part of coursework. Student teaching and tutoring placements occur in local private and public schools.
Across the United States, it is projected that there are 35,900 special education jobs open every year from 2023-2033.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
- use their knowledge of the liberal arts to engage students in a curriculum that values life-long learning, and that engages the whole child in all facets of learning including creativity, inquiry, and reflection;
- use effective communication strategies when interacting with various audiences such as students, parents, and other professionals;
- base teaching and learning strategies on child development theories, special education law and best practices;
- possess a knowledge of technology as an educational resource, an instructional tool, and as a curriculum component;
- use effective methodology in developing instructional plans that include active engagement in learning, problem solving, critical thinking, and inquiry;
- use differentiated instruction to address the learning needs of a diverse student population including English Language Learners;
- demonstrate the use of informal and formal assessment strategies;
- engage in professional development including scholarly research and writing and innovative and reflective practice that leads to lifelong learning;
- demonstrate a passion for learning and teaching that includes advocacy for students and the profession, service to others, and professional collaboration; and
- be able to gain certification in her or his area of study and gain an entry level position in an educational setting and/or pursue graduate study.
Check out the links below to learn even more about the Mount’s Education Department.
Get Hands-On Experience at Our On-Campus Lab Schools
In addition to high-tech classroom spaces, students in the Mount’s education department have the opportunity to work directly with children at two on-campus lab schools, the MAC Learning Center/Pre-K Counts operated by the Cambria County Child Development Corporation and the Early Head Start/Head Start Center operated by the Community Action Partnership of Cambria County. Both centers operate out of the Cosgrave Student Center on the MAC campus. Through these programs, future teachers gain hands-on experience as students transition from early intervention to school-age, and they may work with children throughout the evaluation process to determine special education support and services.
Join the Nation’s Largest Honor Society
Kappa Delta Pi: Honor Society in Education has evolved over 100 years to become America’s largest national honor society in education. The Alpha Lambda Zeta chapter at Mount Aloysius College embodies the vision of KDP that excellent teachers build thriving communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education for all. The values of KDP include excellence, integrity, expertise, equity, diversity, and empathy.
Check Out These Recent Education Alums!
Guided by Local Education Professionals
The Mount Aloysius College Education Department has an advisory board that consists of public and private school superintendents, executive directors of local intermediate units, and CEO’s and directors of early childhood education organizations. Each year our Advisory Board hosts a mock interview session for students to network with local education leaders and hone their interview skills.
Affordable Tuition
Make an investment in your future with a quality, career-focused education at an affordable rate. Plus, check out our scholarships and institutional aid opportunities–99% of Mountie students receive some form of financial aid!
Questions?
Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have!
Email: admissions@mtaloy.edu
Phone: 814-886-6383