Special Education: General and Adapted Curriculum
The Special Education: General and Adapted Curriculum Five-year Program results in K-12 teaching licensure in two areas of special education and both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
The pre-professional special education option within the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed for students interested in teaching children and youth with disabilities in the general education or adapted curriculum. The emphasis is on preparing effective special educators who can work collaboratively in today’s complex and diverse classrooms to maximize learning for all children.
Completion of the fifth year Master of Science Degree in Special Education is required for Virginia licensure with endorsements in Special Education: General Curriculum, K-12 and Special Education: Adapted Curriculum, K-12. Students must meet all requirements for admission to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies before being enrolled in the graduate portion of the program.
Special Education has long been the number one teaching shortage area in Virginia and across the United States. The special education program has a 100% hire rate among graduates who apply for special education teaching positions.
Progress sheets for the Special Education Teacher: General and Adapted Curriculum Preparation Program can be found on the College of Education and Human Development Advising Resources page. Select the academic year and then choose Special Education 5 year plan. More information may be obtained by visiting Radford University's catalog. On the Catalog page, please select the catalog year in the right-hand corner. Select the Special Education Teacher: General and Adapted Curriculum 5-Year Program.
Competencies
Candidates in special education develop competencies in:
- Teaching in elementary, middle, and high schools to maximize learning for all students
- Inclusive Education
- Collaboration
- Universally designing instruction for learning
- Managing classroom behaviors
- And much more!
ANTHONY FRIEDMAN TALKS ABOUT THE PRIDE HE FEELS BEING A RADFORD HIGHLANDER. HE SHARES THE OPPORTUNITIES HE’S HAD TO HAVE AN IMPACT AS A RESIDENT ASSISTANT AND IN THE FUTURE AS A SPECIAL EDUCATOR.
Meet the Professors

Dr. Elizabeth Altieri
Professor
Special educator from early childhood to adult services
Office: Peters Hall C156
Phone: 540-831-5590
Email: ealtieri@radford.edu
I love inspiring young people to become collaborative educators, strong advocates, and future leaders.

Dr. Karen Douglas
Professor
Contact for Graduate Program for Special Education
High School Special Education teacher
Office: Peters Hall C162)
Phone: 831-5313
Email: kdouglas13@radford.edu
Teaching is empowering others with knowledge, skills, and confidence.

Dr. Antonio L. Ellis
Assistant Professor
Special Education
Office: Peters Hall C154
Phone: 831-7161
Email: alellis1@radford.edu

Mary Evans
Instructor
Special Education
Office: Peters Hall A043
Phone: 540-831-6207
Email: mlcoyle@RADFORD.EDU

Dr. Whitney Idol
Assistant Professor
Special education teacher and Crisis Intervention Specialist
Office: Peters Hall A044
Phone: 831-7650
Email: widol@radford.edu
Passion is contagious, and has the power start great things for the greater good.

Mrs. Kristy McCowan
Instructor
Special Education
Office Peters Hall A021
Phone: 540-831-5843
Email: kmccowan@radford.edu

Dr. Darren Minarik
Associate Professor
High School Social Studies teacher and technical assistance coordinator
Office: Peters Hall A007
Phone: 540-831-7660
Email: dminarik@radford.edu

Dr. Brenda-Jean Tyler
Associate Professor
K to 12 special education teacher
Office: Peters Hall C158
Phone: 540-831-5868
Email: bjtyler@radford.edu
I enjoy working with students and helping them reach their goals.