The Special Education major is a State of Maine approved program that is comprised of the College CORE, education methodology, and a continuum of field experiences. The primary goal of the Education Department is the preparation of competent teachers who demonstrate both knowledge and pedagogy.  The program operates on the premise that theory becomes internalized when learned in context and applied.  This objective is possible because of early, sequential, and extensive field experiences. 

Special Education Majors also complete the program in elementary education. It is important to understand how all children learn. There are abundant opportunities to practice in the field. Freshmen Special Education majors have a placement in a special education setting of their choosing. Sophomores in all programs complete a practicum each semester of their sophomore year. This includes a wonderful placement at a highly diverse school in Portland. Many students credit this opportunity as one of their favorites. As juniors, students complete a full year of internship with supervisors to help you grow and learn. One of the placements is in regular education and one is in special education. All students in the education department who have completed senior student teaching may opt to take a special education internship their senior year.

All Education majors must maintain a “C” (73) in all courses required for the major. Additionally, all methods courses must be completed prior to student teaching.

The purpose of the Education Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is to provide quality teacher preparation programs to qualified students while upholding the mission set forth by the college. Graduates of the Saint Joseph’s College Teacher Education Programs will be able to demonstrate their abilities in three areas:

KNOWLEDGE

  Content Literacy related to appropriate general and professional knowledge specific to individual disciplines.
  Technological Literacy related to state-of-the-art technologies employed to strengthen performance in all personal and professional areas.
  Cultural Literacy related to today’s diverse learners. This encompasses the behavioral knowledge, skills and abilities needed to effectively enable all learners to achieve. 

PEDAGOGY

  Instructional Strategies related to teaching effectiveness, learning outcomes and assessments.This includes skillful and varied methodology with diverse learners incorporating problem solving, critical thinking, and reflection.
  Management Strategies related to the curriculum and the orchestration of the learning environment. This includes facilitating classroom dynamics that model fairness and respect. 

 DISPOSITION

  Leadership Strategies related to personal and professional conduct. This includes professionaldevelopment and a demonstrated commitment to continuous personal advancement.
  Effective Strategies related to modeling acceptance and collaboration. This includes recognition of self and student worth, and the importance of fostering social, emotional, moral,and spiritual growth.

The outcomes adhere to the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards.