Special Education

Gone are the days of worksheets. Teaching in today’s society is creative, innovative and engaging and allows educators to make an impact that extends beyond the classroom. In the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, students are prepped with hands-on experience and a solid theoretical grounding. With a focus on technology and field experience, our graduates guide student exploration with creative and innovative teaching strategies. The Special Education degree program at OU prepares students to pursue teaching careers in elementary, middle and high school classrooms.

Do my interests fit?

• Passions in forming relationships with students and their families
• Encouraging students with disabilities to suceed
• Helping children find their dreams and passions
• Mentoring students in all aspects of life
• Becoming a confidant and a cheerleader
• Supporting critical and innovative thinking

High school preparation could include tutoring, mentoring, camp counseling or pre-education courses.

How can OU Special Education help me?

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education helps prepare the future mind-molders of the world. With alumni networks all over the world and free professional development opportunities, JRCoE graduates are prepared and ready to enter the innovative and rewarding world of teaching. Our graduates are highly recruited, and we’re pleased to report 100 percent job placement in recent years. Take a look at some of our unique programs:

JRCoE is the only college of education in the state of Oklahoma to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. This program meet rigorous criteria for innovation, leadership and educational excellence. Students enrolled in our undergraduate degree programs receive an Apple iPad their first semester in the program. Upon successful completion of their degree, students keep the device and the digital content they created to use in their teaching careers.

Debt-Free Teachers
JRCoE is the first in Oklahoma to offer students the opportunity to complete their college education free of debt through our OU Debt-Free Teachers Program. Once JRCoE students graduate, they’ll teach in a mutually agreed-upon high-need area in Oklahoma and we foot the bill for up to $20,000 of their student loans - $5,000 a year up to four years after they graduate.

What courses will I take?

Special education specific courses could include:

• Fundamental Academic Instructional Strategies
• Language, Literacy & Communication Strategies
• Individual Behavior Supports
• Assessment for Eligibility & Program Planning
• Families & Young Children with Developmental Delays
• Issues & Strategies in a Functional Curriculum
• Transition & Self-Determination
• Professional Education courses

How can I get involved?

There are numerous organizations education students can be a part of. Check them out:

• Oklahoma Aspiring Educators Association (OAEA)
• The Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
• Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society

For more information check out Student Resources website!