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Adolescent & Special Education

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Adolescent and Special Education: Share Your Passion with the Next Generation

What makes you want to become a teacher? Is it a special teacher from your childhood? Your passion for your favorite subject? Do you feel called to help others? Whatever inspires you, you’ll explore it here at Roberts.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in Adolescent and Special Education. You’ll study both the art of teaching as well as your favorite subject, ready to share your passion with the next generation.

This program leads to initial certification in grades 7-12 in your chosen subject, with an optional dual certification in Special Education. Plus, you may choose to extend your certification to grades 5-6.


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4 Year Promise

At Roberts, we are committed to giving you a head start in earning income and achieving your personal goals by helping you graduate in four years. In fact, we guarantee it.

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Program Highlights

STUDY YOUR PASSION
This program leads to initial certification in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies.

BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE IN REAL CLASSROOMS
Get hands-on experience teaching your subject to real students and networking with teachers.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Meet the requirements for NYS professional teacher certification in Roberts' 4+1 program through the Master's of Education in Literacy or Special Education.

STORIES LEADING THE WAY

Hannah Photo

Hannah Clark ‘23 (Adolescence Education in Mathematics) is a current student in the program.

She shares, “The education program at Roberts is unlike any other! I was able to get into classrooms early on, which helped solidify that this is what I want to do with my life. Whenever I met with the math and education faculty, they were so helpful and saw me as a person rather than another number.”

What Will I Learn

Our comprehensive program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning. You’ll engage in field experiences in local classrooms where you will observe, participate in, and learn to use effective teaching methods.

You’ll earn your certification to teach in one of the following content areas:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
You’ll study:
  • Your chosen content area
  • The foundations of special education
  • Lesson planning and implementation
  • Creating inclusive learning environments

Career Outlook

Student Teaching Placements

  • Webster Central School District (CSD)
  • Greece CSD
  • Rochester CSD
  • Pittsford CSD
  • Churchville-Chili CSD
  • Brockport CSD
  • Hilton CSD
  • Byron-Bergen CSD
  • Spencerport CSD
  • Kendall CSD
  • Penfield CSD
  • Rush-Henrietta CSD
  • Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!

Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. The type of degree they get is flexible – whether it be in adolescent education, their intended field of teaching, or a more focused education degree like the Adolescent & Special Education degree here at Roberts where you can hone in on a specific subject area.

Many teachers do go on to obtain a master’s or even doctorate degree, as well. Some states such as New York, Maryland, and Connecticut actually require teachers to obtain their master’s degree in teaching or education in a certain amount of time to maintain their teacher’s license. Along with that, many districts pay teachers who obtain their master’s degree more than those who don’t.

Special education is specially designed instruction for educating students with disabilities, individual differences, and special needs. Because each student learns differently, there is a wide range of accommodations involved in special education.

At Roberts, we value special education and creating learning environments where every student can thrive. As an Adolescent and Special Education student, you’ll take courses such as Foundations of Special Education, Creating Inclusive Learning Communities, and Assessment for Special Education.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for middle and high school teachers in 2021 was about $61,000.

Naturally, the numbers will differ by area, type of school, level, and position.

Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.

We are committed to helping students meet the financial obligation to earn a degree and advance a career. Our Office of Student Financial Services works to assist all students in their efforts to maximize financial aid. We award financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students.

Related Majors

Childhood/Students With Disabilities & Special Education - This undergraduate major will lead to both Childhood Education and Special Education Certification (grades 1-6), greatly enhancing a graduate’s ability to be employed in related fields.
Early Childhood and Special Education - This undergraduate major will lead to both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education Certification (birth to grade 2), greatly enhancing a graduate’s ability to be employed in related fields.
Music Performance - The Music Performance Major at Roberts Wesleyan University places an emphasis on pedagogy, providing many training opportunities, resulting in a Music Performance Degree.
Physical Education - The Physical Education major provides opportunities and experiences for students who are interested in teaching physical education with their physical education degree.
Department of Teacher Education - 585.594.6677 - george_sarah@roberts.edu