Early clinical experiences and intensive course work in the areas of concentration are important features of the program. You will spend time in special education classrooms in local schools as early as sophomore year. Fall semester of your junior year, you will spend two mornings a week working with students with extensive support needs (severe disabilities). In your senior year, you will engage in a year-long internship in a special education classroom. In the fall, you will spend two half-days and one full day each week, and in the spring, you will teach every day in the classroom (your student teaching semester).
Winthrop University faculty and students are active in the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CEC, a non-profit professional association, supports special education professionals and others working on behalf of individuals with exceptionalities by advocating for appropriate governmental policies, setting professional standards, providing continuing professional development, advocating for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helping professionals achieve the conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. Find out more about College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences organizations.