Acting Chairperson
Professor Tim Lackaye
909W – HC West Building
68th Street & Lexington Avenue
Department Telephone: 212/772-4700

Administrative Assistant
Jean Leung

Mailing address:
Department of Special Education
695 Park Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10065

Welcome to invigorating and powerful teacher preparation – Hunter College's Graduate Programs in Special Education!

Hunter's special education programs prepare special educators who affect the learning and life course of students with a wide variety of exceptionalities -- with cognitive, sensory, attentional and/or behavioral exceptionalities that challenge "schooling as usual." Our programs prepare special educators to work across a variety of educational settings, including: collaborative classrooms, resource rooms, special classes, special schools, public/private/charters, hospitals/clinics, home programs, and residential facilities.

Schooling in the 21st century requires that special educators take action as skilled and persistent child advocates and that they work collaboratively, not only honing their own skills, but also shaping 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, impetus to expand classroom practices, and a range of tools for schools. Because special educators are called upon to offer crucial knowledge, skills, and perspectives, they need serious preparation.

Are there special education jobs? Absolutely! There are jobs -- and a concomitant need for skillful teachers to fill them. Special education remains a high-needs area, according to recent figures for New York City, New York State and across the nation.

Hunter offers programs in:

• Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-grade 2)
• Childhood Special Education: Learning Disabilities (Grades 1-6)
• Childhood Special Education: Behavior Disorders (Grades 1-6)
• Severe/Multiple Disabilities
• Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
• Blind and Visually-Impaired (with optional Orientation and Mobility)
• Visual Impairment: Rehabilitation Teaching (with optional Orientation and Mobility)
• Gifted and Talented

Our programs are organized into a set of cross-categorical core courses and disability-specific specializations. Core courses develop knowledge and skills across a variety of disabilities; specializations provide in-depth preparation for the spectrum of students with a particular disability.

A hallmark of Hunter's programs is the linking of current concepts and theories, clinical insight and effective instructional practices. The programs are anchored in the best of what we know. We, along with the teachers we prepare, are dedicated to applying that knowledge diligently in the service of students with disabilities, their learning, and well-being.

Program 1- If you are entering without certification in general education, you take an extended course of study that leads to dual certification – in both special and general education.
Program 2 - If you are entering with general education certification, you take a shorter course of study leading to NYS teacher certification in only your area of special education

For more information:

• Browse Hunter's School of Education website  -- you can apply online, if you wish.
• Visit the HC Welcome Center, Rm 100N – HC North Building – there you can get a printed Graduate Catalogue & graduate application.
• Drop by the School of Education, Office of Educational Services Room 1000 –West Building.
• Drop by the Department of Special Education, Rm 909 West Building.