24018A
Our program is one of the few in New England that provides dual certification in elementary (grades 1 – 6) and special
(grades 1 – 6) education. All classes address the content knowledge, pedagogy, and professional practice standards
for general and special educators. We value diversity — dis/ability, gender, learning style, religion, language, race,
class/socio-economic — and work together with our candidates to implement inclusive practices. All of our teacher
education programs have been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education, a member of the National
Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, so our students are eligible for licensure upon
successful completion of the program and graduation.
Department of Elementary/Special Education
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE
SE+SW
School of Education and Social Work
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Our program trains students to approach the eld of elementary-level education with an appreciation of individual
dierences and an understanding of ways to meet those dierences. Our central focus is to prepare — in an inclusive
and diverse seing — future teachers to educate all children. The elementary/special education major is a merged
program that emphasizes preparation in both areas.
Throughout this program, elementary/special education majors develop an understanding of eective elementary
curriculum and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of individual dierences and strategies to dierentiate instruction,
implement specialized supports to meet students’ academic and behavioral needs, and arm students’ backgrounds.
Upon completion of the program, elementary/special education majors are eligible for certication in both elementary
education and special education in Rhode Island and a number of other states.
B.A. Elementary/Special Education
Beginning in the first year, students complete more than 750 hours of teaching in a variety of placements in greater Providence R.I., and
Southeastern Massachusetts. This provides an opportunity to develop professional practices in diverse settings with students who come
from a variety of backgrounds, speak multiple languages, and approach school with many unique gifts.
Students in the program also have the opportunity to see the world as they put what they have learned into practice. The department offers
two semester-long study abroad programs in Florence, Italy, or Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Our faculty work with teachers and principals to improve education in the classrooms for all children, conduct research in the field to inform
and improve teaching methods and environments for students of all abilities and offer personalized advising and counseling regarding
teaching requirements.
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Boston College • Lesley University • St. Joseph's University
Boston University
• Manhaanville College
University of Connecticut
• Columbia University
Mercy College
• University of Dayton • Endico College
Merrimack College
• University of Massachuses Boston
Fordham University
• Michigan State University
University of Pennsylvania
• George Washington University
Northeastern University
• Johns Hopkins University
Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College
Selected Graduate Schools
Apple
Teach for America
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
UP Education Network
Elementary schools throughout the U.S.
Selected Places of Employment
88%
of education graduates are employed or aending graduate school
(Providence College classes of 2018 – 2022)
elementary-special-education.providence.edu
