Welcome to Hartwick Inclusive Elementary Education
WHY STUDY INCLUSIVE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AT HARTWICK?
You want to become a teacher who supports every student and creates a classroom where all learners can succeed.
At Hartwick, inclusive elementary education prepares you for dual certification in general and special education (grades 1–6), giving you the skills to teach in truly inclusive classrooms. Starting sophomore year, you’ll gain real experience through required mini J Term practicums and close partnerships with local schools.
With small cohorts, personalized faculty support and strong job placement in a high-demand field, you’ll graduate ready to make an immediate impact in the classroom.
What sets Hartwick apart:
- Complete two seven-week student teaching placements in both general and special education, preparing you to lead truly inclusive classrooms—not just one setting.
- Participate in required mini J Term practicums starting sophomore year, so you’re in classrooms earlier than many education programs.
- Choose to complete select placements locally or closer to home, offering flexibility while still meeting program requirements.
- Learn in a selective, accredited program with small cohorts, allowing for individualized feedback, mentoring and support.
- Graduate with extensive, hands-on experience and the confidence to step into your first teaching role.
CAREER OUTLOOK FOR INCLUSIVE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MAJORS
The demand for teachers trained in both general and special education continues to grow as schools focus on inclusive classrooms and meeting diverse student needs.
Graduates are well prepared to enter the workforce with dual certification and hands-on experience, making them highly competitive in school districts across New York and beyond.
CAREER PATHS FOR INCLUSIVE ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MAJORS
Inclusive elementary education opens doors to meaningful, student-centered careers, including:
- Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1–6)
- Special Education Teacher (Grades 1–6)
- Inclusion Classroom Teacher
- Learning Support Specialist
- Literacy or Intervention Specialist
- Educational Program Coordinator
HARTWICK ALUMNI LAND SUCCESSFUL CAREERS
Hartwick Education Alumni Teach In:
- Upstate New York
- New York City
- California
- Arizona
- Vermont, and many other states
Taylor King ’22 was ready for her career teaching in first- and second-grade special education classrooms at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Schenectady, N.Y.
Maggie Harmon ’22 is a sixth-grade special education teacher at Cherry Valley Central School in Cherry Valley, N.Y.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Develop inclusive teaching strategies that support a wide range of learners and abilities.
- Design and adapt lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs in elementary classrooms.
- Build strong skills in literacy instruction, classroom management and student engagement.
- Understand child development and how students grow academically, socially and emotionally.
- Explore your teaching philosophy and learn how to create supportive, effective learning environments.