Better diagnostic tests for identifying students with learning and other developmental problems are boosting the number of first through sixth-grade students receiving special education assistance.

These developments — and the passage of legislation mandating that schools serve children with special needs — have led to a growing demand for childhood special education teachers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment of special education teachers for grades one through six will rise by 17 percent by 2018, especially in inner-city and rural area schools.

You can prepare for these opportunities through the 144-145-credit Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Education and Special Education (Grades 1-6) Degree Program at St. John’s. Offered by The School of Education, the program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Students who complete the program also receive New York State Teachers’ Licenses in Childhood and Special Education.

Students gain the professional knowledge and skills needed to teach diverse learners in the lower grades within an evolving, multicultural and multiethnic society. The program provides students with a comprehensive background in education theory, theories for teaching students with special needs and hands-on experience through fieldwork and internships at public and private schools throughout the New York metropolitan area. Courses are offered at both the Queens and Staten Island campuses.

Reflecting the University's Vincentian and Catholic values, emphasis is put on training educators who are sensitive to varying cultural values as well as to individual learning aptitudes. Consistent with St. John’s commitment to providing a global education, the program also encourages students to participate in study abroad opportunities to expand their global perspective.

We invite you to learn more about our program by exploring our program requirements, objectives and academic resources.

More Information
Deidre Mithaug, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair,
(718) 990-2631
mithaugd@stjohns.edu

Charisse Willis
Associate Dean (Queens Campus)
(718) 990-1308
willisc@stjohns.edu

Susann Ragone
Assistant Dean (Staten Island Campus)
(718) 390-4308
ragones@stjohns.edu

Director of Admission (Queens Campus)
1 (888) 9STJOHNS
admissions@stjohns.edu

Sara Purcell
Senior Associate Director of Admission (Staten Island Campus)
(718) 390-4501
purcells@stjohns.edu