Teach across labels and limits. Find your fearless.
The Exceptional Child program in mild/moderate cross-categorical prepares you to work with students who have exceptional learning needs. These exceptional children need cross categorical special education teachers with specialized skill sets. You’ll have multiple field-based courses where you will work in K-12 classrooms.
Where Bold Ideas Take Shape in cross categorical special education
What is cross categorical special education? The cross categorical special education teacher program prepares students for the classroom through coursework on campus and fieldwork within schools. In addition, you’ll be prepared to integrate technology into your classroom as a beginning teacher.
- Be prepared and certified to teach and work with students with exceptional learning needs in K-12.
- Add certification in Elementary Education (grades 1-6).
- Gain leadership skills in numerous student organizations.
- Experience hands-on, real-world learning through multiple field experiences in classrooms as well as student teaching opportunities abroad including our partnership with Eagles College in Iquique, Chile.
What Can You Do with a cross categorical special education Degree?
Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, and sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you can land your dream job in no time.
Cross categorical special education teacher Careers Outlook
- Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical was the highest teacher shortage area in Missouri in the 2019-2020 school year.
- Exceptional Child Education: Mild / Moderate Cross Categorical graduates with add-on certification in Elementary Education find jobs as special education teachers in the elementary, middle, or secondary grades, as well as general elementary teachers in public or private schools.
- First-year teachers report feeling well-prepared by Southeast Missouri State University on our annual survey of first-year teachers.
- Principals report Exceptional Child Education graduates are well-prepared as beginning teachers on our annual survey about first-year teachers.