Special Education
Special education teachers work with unique populations of students to deliver specially designed instruction that meets their needs. These professionals help create an environment where all students can learn, using differentiation, modifications, accommodations, attention to detail and positive relationship building with students and their families.
A bachelor’s degree in special education can help passionate educators become valuable professionals in school communities, ready to serve exceptional students in inclusive settings with understanding and expertise. The bachelor’s degree program in special education at Peru State College offers three endorsement options for teaching students with mild or moderate disabilities:
- Grades K-6
- Grades 7-12
- Grades K-12
Special education majors gain valuable real-world experience engaging with students in nearby school districts across all grade levels.
Practicum and student teaching experiences let teacher candidates practice and develop the skills needed to run a classroom in a supportive environment.
Teacher candidates study education theory and practice and how to develop a standards-aligned curriculum and assessments.
Faculty members are experienced educators, bringing not only academic expertise but also lived experience to their preparation of tomorrow’s teachers.
The program’s faculty and dean work closely with students to provide individualized guidance and can serve as career references upon endorsement.
Methods classrooms, where prospective teachers learn to run a classroom, are filled with hands-on materials and state-of-the-art technology.
Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education?
Earning a bachelor’s degree in special education is the first step in what can be a long, fruitful career helping students become the best versions of themselves. It can also be a jumping off point, from which, after a few years of supporting students with special needs, graduates can explore other career options, such as pursuing a role as a specialized interventionist, instructional coordinator, director of special education or building administrator.
Whether a prospective teacher is looking to spend many years in the classroom or a few, Peru State’s bachelor’s degree program in special education offers unique value and opportunity:
- Peru State College is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.
- Students can earn a place in Kappa Delta Pi, the national honor society for education.
- Coursework includes hands-on practice creating web-based individualized education program (IEP) documents within the Nebraska Student Record System.
- Peru State’s college library houses an entire level of education resources to support and enrich study.
- Further resources, such as materials, equipment and tools to bring applied learning to life, are readily available to students.
Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education
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Engaged, Experienced Faculty. Program faculty are experienced practitioners in their field of education who, as professors, will guide you through studies, projects and applied learning in a supportive environment. They can also serve as career references upon endorsement. Enriching, Practical Curriculum Throughout the program, you will focus on content area, pedagogy and professional character and development.
Students discuss and develop the interpersonal temperament and skills of a quality educator engaged with the learning community. Applied Learning Through Practicum and Student Teaching After studying theory and practicing with professors and classmates, prospective teachers will spend time in real classrooms shadowing mentor teachers, learning from them and gradually taking ownership of lessons and classroom management. In this supportive environment, teacher candidates can grow into the profession. Vibrant Resources, Facilities and Classmates Our Teaching Experience Learning Lab (TELL) supports practice and growth with state-of-the-art
technology and flexible classroom seating, which mirrors real K-12 classrooms. Community Engagement Opportunities We’re embedded in the community, creating opportunities for teacher candidates to meaningfully engage with students at annual events such as:
Partnership programs with Johnson Brock K-12 School District in writing and TDA/ACT preparation |
Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Careers
Earning a bachelor’s degree in special education can open the door to many career paths for prospective educators. Many of those careers are in the classroom — where so many educators find joy in supporting students and being leaders — while others are in the larger school building, district and even outside of the school system.
Students completing a degree at Peru State College are prepared to attend the nation’s top graduate schools and pursue careers in:
- Early childhood special education teacher
- Education foundation executive director
- Adjunct professor of special education
- Special education teacher
- Elementary education reading specialist K-12
- Director of student services
Typical Salaries for Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Graduates
Earning a bachelor’s degree in special education is an opportunity for career growth, which can come with higher pay potential. Common roles and their annual median salaries include:
Elementary Education Reading Specialist K-12
$55,200**
Kindergarten and Elementary Special Education Teacher
$61,640*
Secondary School Special Education Teacher
$62,120*
Preschool Special Education Teacher
$62,420*
Criminal Investigator
$67,700**
Federal Agent
$79,800**
*Salary info based on data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary info based on data compiled by Payscale
Why Choose Peru State for Your Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education?
With Peru State, you can learn how to bring the best practices of special education to students with specific needs. In this program, you will study theory and pedagogy with experienced faculty and passionate classmates, develop teaching skills through hands-on training and projects, and gain real-world experience through our student teaching process.
Bachelor’s in Special Education Curriculum
Coursework within each endorsement pathway is distributed among content area courses, education courses and field work.
K-12 Special Education Field Endorsement
K-6 Special Education Subject Endorsement
7-12 Special Education Subject Endorsement
Frequently Asked Questions
With a bachelor’s degree in special education, you can pursue a career as a special education teacher, reading specialist, professor or director of student services — working with members of the community to support their well-being and education through a government program or nonprofit organization — and more.
The median annual salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in special education was $57,000 in March 2023, according to Payscale.
The bachelor’s program is 123 credits, which full-time students can complete in four years.
Yes. Peru State College is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.