Start your Rewarding Teaching Career with a Special Education Degree

Are you passionate about making quality education accessible to a wide range of diverse learners and setting children up for success in the classroom? As a Special Education major at UNE, you will not only learn evidence-based strategies to meet these goals, but you will also discover how to put your knowledge into practice in a successful career as a special education teacher. Through our flexible curriculum, the development of critical thinking skills, and an abundance of real-world experience with students in a broad array of educational settings, you’ll graduate with a Special Education teaching certification in hand, plenty of experience under your belt, and a desire to make a difference in your heart.

A U N E student works with a special education student
An education major draws alongside a middle school student

Why UNE for Your B.S. in Special Education

UNE’s Special Education curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility, allowing for double majors, minors, and study abroad experiences. You’ll have regular field experience, beginning your very first semester, and UNE’s strong, collaborative relationships and excellent reputation with local schools give you a leg up on career opportunities after graduation.

  • Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.
  • Early and regular fieldwork in classrooms for maximum experience
  • Ability to double major and earn dual certifications
  • Close working relationships with faculty
  • Exceptional post-graduation employment rate
     
Bri Walker

Briana Walker ’21

Elementary Education

Meet Briana Walker, the first recipient of the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship

“I’ve been working in the local elementary schools since the first day I started UNE’s elementary education program,” Briana “Bri” Walker '21 explained excitedly. “A lot of the teachers I've worked with are very used to having UNE students in their classrooms. Teachers love getting you (UNE students) involved straight away, and letting you interact with the kids during activities and during academic or workshop time. It’s great to see what teachers are doing and to be a part of the classroom!”

Bri is an Elementary Education major studying on the Biddeford Campus who was recently awarded the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship, designated for a deserving student exhibiting financial need.

“I was sitting in my dorm room doing homework one day when I received an email that stated I was being awarded the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship. I turned to my roommate and said, ‘I’m confused. I’m not sure what this is about.’ I immediately replied to Student Financial Services saying, ‘This is wonderful, and I would love to accept it, but how was I chosen?’ It was then I learned that the scholarship was made possible by gifts from the St. Francis College class of 1968, and how I was chosen as a recipient.”

Bri was then invited to a reception celebrating the scholarship, and unbeknownst to her its recipient, as part of UNE’s Alumni Weekend 2018. The reception also provided her with the opportunity to meet with many of the members of the class of ’68 that had made gifts to the scholarship. What Bri had not realized until she was present at the reception was how unique this opportunity was. She was originally under the impression that other students had also received this scholarship. "I attended the reception expecting to meet other recipients of the scholarship. Discovering that I was the sole recipient of the scholarship was a wonderful surprise. I'm super happy, thrilled, and grateful to have received this scholarship; it is a huge help as I rely heavily on financial aid to be able to attend UNE and obtain the education I feel that I need and want."

With the help and support of the UNE community, Bri hopes to continue working with the local school systems after she graduates, preferably as a type of general education teacher. She also hopes to obtain a master’s degree in education.

“Thank you for founding the St. Francis College Class of 1968 Memorial Scholarship and for keeping your connection to UNE and St. Francis College alive. Knowing that those who had graduated 50 years ago still feel connected to the university and care about helping current students is incredible. Being able to make this scholarship available to students you have yet to meet is a wonderful gift , and I cannot thank the class of ’68 enough for making a positive difference in my life and the lives of future UNE students.”

Give Now

Return to Institutional Advancement

Thanks to the UNE Education Department, I had ample opportunities to implement and observe the impact of effective, research-based strategies with special education students in local schools. Engaging in special education coursework at UNE is immensely rewarding.

Elementary Education

What Will You Study? Special Education Degree Curriculum Overview

Our Special Education major is designed to be flexible, allowing you, if you wish, to double major with a variety of our other degree programs, including Psychology; Social Work; Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies; and more. You may even double major in Elementary/Middle Education to earn dual certifications.

B.S. in Special Education Courses

The following are just some examples of the exciting courses that the Special Education major offers:

  • Special Education Methods
  • Inclusive Classroom Management
  • Supporting Individuals With Autism and Significant Disabilities
  • Assessing and Remediating Challenging Behavior

Special Education Teaching Certificate

Successful completion of the major meets all requirements of the Maine State Special Education Teacher Certification Program.

A U N E students reads to two elementary school special education students

Career Paths for Special Education Majors

As a Special Education teacher, you will be qualified for a variety of positions, including:

  • Resource Room Teacher
  • Life Skills Teacher
  • Emotional Support Teacher
  • Autism support Teacher

You will possess excellent employability amid a national special education teacher shortage. Within the Northeast, special education has been identified as a “hotspot” (Emsi Occupation Snapshot Report, 2019), offering higher than average median salary, number of job postings, and rate of employment.

Career Advising for B.S. in Special Education Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Student Success by The Numbers

95%

of undergrads employed or in ongoing higher education within one year of graduating

2016-2023 UNE graduate surveys
#1

in Maine for getting a job

Zippia 2023

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Program

Turn theory into practice. Take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to real-world situations. Every semester, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to thrive as a professional in the field of special education by getting hands-on experience working with students who have a wide range of disabilities, including learning/intellectual/emotional-behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Fieldwork in Schools

  • Work with students in resource rooms or general education classes
  • Conduct assessments
  • Observe and collect data for behavior plan development
  • Work in specialized classes for students with high support needs or behavior challenges
  • Attend IEP meetings
  • Collaborate with occupational therapists and social workers

Internships for Special Education Majors

Your hands-on learning culminates with a 15-week student teaching internship, during which you’ll strengthen school relationships and networking connections. Local opportunities exist at:

  • Local public school systems
  • Special purpose schools
  • Pre-school sites

Educational Technicians Internship Scholarship

UNE Special Education majors who agree to intern as educational technicians in the Maine public school system — in either part-time or full-time capacity — may apply for a scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per semester.

Successful applicants will earn $1,000 per every recurring school day of the week that they work during a semester. For example, if you are able to work on Mondays, you will earn $1,000 for the semester. If you are able to work Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will earn $3,000 for the semester.

You will receive the scholarship money in addition to the regular wage that you are paid directly by the school district in which you work. Even the cost of your educational technician state certification will be covered.

The Special Education Internship Program will run from fall semester of 2022 through fall semester of 2024 (five total semesters).

Program Benefits

  • Scholarship money in addition to wages earned
  • Full-time or part-time positions (job sharing is encouraged among part-timers)
  • Semester-by-semester commitment
  • Assistance from UNE’s Education Department in finding a position
  • Covered cost of Maine state educational technician certification
  • Hours worked count toward the major’s fieldwork requirement
  • Opportunity to build relationships in school districts that may lead to jobs after graduation

Apply

For more information or to apply, contact Audrey Bartholomew, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Programs at abartholomew1@hnrgrl.com or (207) 602-2685.

Priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented groups and/or rural areas.

Meet Kaylee, Education ’22

During your first semester in one of our teacher preparation programs, you work with children in school settings. Watch what UNE student Kaylee Blake has to say about her time as an education student at UNE.

Global Education in the Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

In addition to opportunities to spend a semester abroad, you may choose to enroll in our education-related or another short-term travel course

Ireland

EDU 242: Comparative Education in a Global Context

Dr. Lane Clarke

This course investigates comparative education theories and philosophy to examine education in different contexts and includes spending eight days in Ireland in mid-May following final exams. You extend your knowledge of society and how this is enacted through the institution of its schools. In Ireland, you visit schools and learn about Irish culture and history by touring castles, the famous Cliffs of Moher, and the Aran Islands. Other highlights may include exploring the Ring of Kerry and spending time in Galway, Cork, Kinsale, and Killarney.

Bachelor of Science in Special Education FAQ