Welcome to the UAB Department of Special Education

Our Vision is to improve the quality of life through education.  Educational programs offer excellence in instruction and scholarship with a faculty that values diversity in thought, ideas, and people.  In additional to training tomorrow's teachers, our department provides technical assistance through interagency collaboration with parents, educators, and service professionals.

Our programs encompass the areas of Collaborative Teaching, Early Childhood Special Education, and Visual Impairments.

The undergraduate collaborative teacher program prepares students as special education teachers to work collaboratively with general education teachers to address the needs of students with low incidence and high incidence disabilities in a variety of K-6 settings. Coursework includes an emphasis on general education curriculum, assessment, legal issues, technology, diversity, and collaboration with families and other professionals. Most courses include problem-based learning and field experiences designed to develop knowledge, skills, and positive dispositions. A variety of field-based experiences are required in school/agency settings to supplement campus coursework. The program is designed to lead to an Alabama “Class B” teaching certificate (grades K-6). Students should contact the Office of Student Services, Room 100, Education Building, early in their studies to be certain they will meet School of Education requirements and State Department of Education teaching certification requirements. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor following their admission into the Teacher Education Program.