Our Special Education Licensures
All 5 special education licensures are taught by faculty from the School of Education.
Exceptionalities Minor
The exceptionalities minor will give you the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate the learning and development of children with disabilities, giftedness or other areas of diversity. This minor is an excellent option for undergraduates who are majoring in teacher education or related fields.
Why should students choose St. Thomas and this program?
Our teacher education programs provide opportunities for you to understand theory and put it into practice. Coursework and field time spent in schools are balanced and integrated throughout the program.
With the exceptionalities minor you will:
- Make yourself more marketable as a new teacher with this added knowledge and skill.
- Gain the knowledge and skills to have a positive impact on students in the K-12 classroom.
- Learn from expert faculty closely connected with the K-12 classroom who are here to help you shape your path to your own classroom.
- Become part of a supportive network of fellow students, alumni and faculty who will inspire and sustain you throughout your career.
Program Overview
Course Requirements
Exceptionalities minor requirements include courses in fundamentals of special education with a focus on exceptionality, diversity, equity and inclusion; professional practice with a focus on collaboration, co-teaching and educational technology; and applied behavior analysis with a focus on behavioral interventions and learning environments. You’ll also choose two additional courses from the following:
- Fundamentals for Students with Mild to Moderate Needs
- Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions
- Fundamentals for Preschoolers
Four Year Plan
NA for minor
Degrees Awarded
NA for minor
Service learning, internships, etc.
Partnerships with private, public and charter schools have resulted in meaningful field and clinical practice experiences for all teacher candidates.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Exceptionalities minor requirements include courses in fundamentals of special education with a focus on exceptionality, diversity, equity and inclusion; professional practice with a focus on collaboration, co-teaching and educational technology; and applied behavior analysis with a focus on behavioral interventions and learning environments. You’ll also choose two additional courses from the following:
- Fundamentals for Students with Mild to Moderate Needs
- Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions
- Fundamentals for Preschoolers
Four Year Plan
Four Year Plan
NA for minor
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
NA for minor
Service learning, internships, etc.
Service learning, internships, etc.
Partnerships with private, public and charter schools have resulted in meaningful field and clinical practice experiences for all teacher candidates.
Faculty Spotlight
Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan, PhD
Since 2006, Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan has overseen the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programs in the School of Education. She is also the mother of a child with ASD. “We want to impart to teachers the mindset that an educator can expect great things from all students. We want to focus on unlocking potential,” said Stansberry Brusnahan.
Possible Careers
- Teacher
- Social worker
Bringing Real-World Experience to Future Educators
Our faculty include current teachers who are leaders in their field and bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Featured Faculty
Barbara Jo Stahl
Adjunct Faculty, Special Education
Shelley Neilsen Gatti, PhD
Associate Professor, Special Education
Todd Busch, PhD
Professor, Special Education
Study in Taiwan over J-Term in the course, Learning Design with Technology in International Contexts. Combine literacy, technology and engineering in the design of international educational activities.
Through collaborative programming and partnerships, we work to ensure your success and the success of the students, schools and communities where you'll serve.
The St. Thomas Special Olympics Club is a service club that directly volunteers with those who have special needs in order to promote positive inclusion and create a better understanding of the characteristics that those with special needs have. We recently won the 2019 Tommie Club award for community engagement.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.