About the Department

Acting Chairperson
Professor Timothy Lackaye
695 Park Avenue, W909
New York, N.Y. 10065
Department Telephone: 212/772-4700

Administrative Assistant
Jean Leung

Welcome to invigorating and powerful teacher preparation -- Hunter College's graduate programs in Special Education!

Hunter's special education programs prepare special educators to affect the learning and life course of youngsters with a wide variety of exceptionalities -- youngsters with cognitive, attention and/or behavior exceptionalities that challenge "schooling as usual." Our programs prepare special educators to work across a variety of educational settings, including: supported general education classrooms, resource rooms, special classes, special schools, hospitals/clinics, home programs, and residential facilities.

Schooling in the 21st century requires that special educators take action as skilled and persistent child advocates, work collaboratively, and continue to grow as self-reflective practitioners who hone not only their own skills, but also the behavior of the institutions in which they work. Well-prepared special educators bring unique perspectives to the educational enterprise; special education has a particular place at this table, providing insight into learning, pressure to expand classroom practices, and an arsenal of tools for specially-designed instruction. Because special educators provide crucial perspectives, they need serious preparation.