Special Education & Rehabilitation
About the Program
The Departments of Special Education and Rehabilitation at East Stroudsburg University offer a variety of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level that enable students to work with individuals with exceptionalities in classroom, home and/or community settings. Students have the opportunity to pursue teacher certification options across various age groups. In addition, for those students who do not want to pursue teacher certification, opportunities are available to work with children, youth and adults with exceptionalities without certification.
Undergraduate Programs
Students entering the field of Special Education have the opportunity to earn Instructional I certification in the PreK-12 grade range along with certification in either Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) or Middle level (4-8). Students who want to become certified at the Secondary level in Special Education may work towards certification in a secondary content area including (Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies, History, Foreign Languages, Physics, Biology, Chemistry) along with Special Education certification in the 7-12 grade range.
Undergraduate students who want to work with children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities without teacher certification have the option of earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitative and Human Services leading to career opportunities that may allow one to work as an employment specialist, case worker, community residence supervisor or rehabilitative specialist.
Graduate Programs and Studies
At the graduate level, students with Instructional I or II teacher certification in Early Childhood or Middle Level may pursue Special Education certification in PreK-12. Students with Instructional I or II teacher certification in Secondary education have the opportunity to complete Special Education certification in the 7-12 area. Students may also work towards a Masters of Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration.
Special Education Leadership
Preparing professionals to become Special Education leaders for programs in their schools, districts, intermediate units, or other related areas
The graduate Special Education Leadership Certification program is for individuals who already possess a valid PA Instructional I or Instructional II Teaching Certificate and who have a minimum of five years of professional school experience in special education or a related field. This program is for teachers who want to qualify for PA state Supervisor of Special Education certification. If your certificate is from out-of-state, you can only apply for PA state certification as a Supervisor of Special Education if you also apply and receive an initial certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Professional Opportunities for Students
The Special Education and Rehabilitation Departments offer a variety of professional opportunities for students to become involved with while at the university. All of the professional groups support membership as well as leadership roles. The major professional organizations include:
- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta honor society (SPED)
- Best Buddies
- Rehabilitative Services Student Organization (RSSO)
In addition the professional organizations, the department supports numerous activities that support children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities, encourage community involvement, and assist families with their children.
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Stroud Hall 105 D
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3558
- Title of Department Leader
- Department Chair Special Education & Rehabilitation
- Name
- Dr. Gina Scala
- E:
- gscala@esu.edu
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3781
