Elementary and Special Education

Overview

Hood develops exceptional teachers who have a strong foundation in the liberal arts, the sciences and in teaching methods. As an education student, you will be guided by faculty who have earned doctorates and who have considerable expertise in the education field.

In the Classroom

As an elementary/special education major, you develop academic breadth by completing courses in English, science, mathematics and other liberal arts courses. Your academic work prepares you for dual Maryland certification to teach elementary grades 1-6, and special education grades 1-8. Maryland teaching certification entitles the bearer to reciprocal certification in more than 30 states.

Courses give you practical insight into classroom management, child development and the most recent issues and research findings in curriculum and instruction. Because Hood also offers a master’s degree program in education, you’ll benefit from the perspectives of faculty members who teach current practitioners in the schools.

Real-World Experience

You can participate in local community activities that focus on children and youth through Hood’s Education and Best Buddies clubs. You’ll discuss new concepts with other members and local educators and meet some of the area’s leading education specialists. You may be invited to enroll in a summer reading practicum, assisting graduate students who work in Hood’s reading clinic. And, of course, student-teaching (the student internship) assignments in local public schools enable you to participate in a full program of classroom teaching.

Benefits of Hood’s Education Programs

Hood’s combined certification in elementary/special education makes graduates more marketable, as they are able to pursue employment in general elementary education and/or special education settings. Our graduates are better prepared to deal with students with diverse learning styles who are enrolled in general education classrooms.

Education students are scheduled on a cohort basis, which means that you will move through the classes and phases of the program with the same set of students. Working together with the same group creates a learning community; students naturally form teams and help one another with course assignments, share their concerns and successes in their classroom teaching experiences and support one another throughout the program.

Students provide the best insight into the strengths of Hood’s program:

“The in-service experiences, starting with the first class, are one of the best things. They allow you to try out your major and confirms this is your area.”

“You’re prepared and confident to be a teacher.”

“Hood’s faculty members are willing to mentor students (review lesson plans, make suggestions, answer questions, help with job applications). There is a strong network for students.”

Portfolio Development

You will develop entry and exit portfolios as part of the education program at Hood. Your entry portfolio will help you discover areas for improvement and will establish topics or plans for gaining needed knowledge and experience.

The exit portfolio is a great tool to show others what you have learned and what you can do as a teacher. You will have the opportunity to showcase the range of experiences and abilities you have developed as a result of work in the field and in the classroom.

Hood's faculty will assist you in developing your portfolios and provide constructive feedback and guidance throughout the process.

Requirements for the Elementary/Special Education Program

All students must complete 12 credits each in English, science and mathematics courses. In addition, 9 credits of social sciences are required of all education students.

Prerequisite courses for the education program include:

Foundations for Effective Teaching
Child Development
Processes and Acquisition of Reading
Children and Youth with Exceptionalities

After successfully completing the prerequisite courses and achieving the minimum passing score on Maryland’s Praxis I assessment, students move into Phase I of the program. Phase I includes coursework in reading instruction, science and social studies curricula and special education methods. Students must also participate in field placement one half day each week at a designated school.

Upon completion of Phase I (including a field placement), a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 overall and in education courses, and a score of “Basic” or higher on the entry portfolio, students move on to Phase II in the program. Phase II is the first semester of the yearlong internship experience. Students will complete full-time coursework and field experiences at a designated school. Students will also begin work on their exit portfolio.

Phase III requires successful completion of all components of Phase II and an overall G.P.A. of 2.75 in all coursework. During Phase III, students will complete a full-time teaching internship, participate in seminars in education and professional development, and submit their exit portfolio. Students must also pass the several Praxis II tests. Phase III enables students to see how to set up a classroom and learn what they will do as first-year teachers. You will have an excellent preparation and will experience the full range of work activities and teacher responsibilities.

Hood works closely with the Professional Development Schools (PDS) where our students are placed for field experiences. While at a PDS, you are treated as a professional and participate in all the experiences available to teachers, such as staff-development sessions, parent conferences, meetings about Individual Educational Programs (IEP) and related issues.

Alumnae and Alumni Success Stories

Hood graduates in elementary/special education are deemed, “highly qualified,” according to the “No Child Left Behind” legislation. In addition, Hood College enjoys a well-established reputation for preparing outstanding educators. Recent Hood graduates teach in classrooms from Maine to California. Hood graduates have advanced professionally and are employed as master teachers, counselors, reading and curriculum specialists, principals and school superintendents.

Academics.