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WHY HARTWICK?
You strive to make a difference. You want to foster an inclusive classroom where young adults with disabilities can get their education. Hartwick’s dedicated certification in Special Education prepares you to work with students in grades 7-12 – and beyond the classroom.
MANY CAREER PATHS
The need for special education teachers is stronger than ever. At Hartwick, you’ll be part of a culture that fosters confident, reflective, knowledgeable, caring teachers who aspire to become educational leaders. This special education certification program is approved by the New York State Education Department.
You’ll pair your special education certification alongside your major, allowing you to hone your focus inside or outside the classroom setting. Join organizations such as the Special Olympics, focus on art therapy or lead a resource room where students can come for skill building and homework help.
EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITIES
With more than 500 hours of field experience starting in your sophomore year, you’ll work with local partners, including Springbrook, Job Corps and local schools.
Travel internationally to test out what you’ve learned in schools around the world. Join the education club. Spend a semester studying social justice in the classroom to make educational spaces equitable for all. Develop your teaching philosophy alongside the practical skills you’ll need in the classroom.
AN EDUCATION BUILT FOR YOU
With classes focusing on behavior support, methods for teaching and disability and education, Hartwick’s special education certification readies you for a rewarding career working with middle and high school students with diverse educational needs and abilities.
Your faculty mentor will help you prepare for the state certification exams. Take advantage of faculty research opportunities, and present your findings at Student Showcase - or an academic conference. You’ll cross the commencement stage confident that you’re ready to change the lives of your students.
WHERE A HARTWICK DEGREE CAN TAKE YOU
Like Honnah Garrison ’23, now teaching in the PACE classroom at Charlotte Valley Central School. A sociology major, she did her field research and student teaching at Valleyview Elementary School in Oneonta, as well as CVCS.