Special education degree launches

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Education is launching a Bachelor of Science in Education in special education this fall in collaboration with four other University System of Georgia (USG) schools. A consortium of professors from UNG, Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia Highlands College, and Georgia Southern University will deliver the program through USG's eCampus platform.

While UNG has offered a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education for years, the new program is unique in that it certifies graduates to teach special education in any grade from kindergarten through 12th grade. Dr. Jennifer Sears, an associate professor, will lead this effort at UNG. The program is fully online.

"This gives students the opportunity to stay at UNG if they want to go into special education for sixth grade through 12th grade," said Dr. Sheri Hardee, College of Education dean. "It's great that our students also get to take classes from other special education experts from across the state. They get a variety of learning opportunities."

Sears said this degree will help meet Georgia's workforce needs by helping alleviate the state's current shortage of special education teachers. Two juniors will be part of the program this fall, along with five sophomores and one freshman who are also pursuing this degree.

"It's exciting that we already have a buzz about this program," Sears said.

Sara Hopper, a freshman from Cleveland, Georgia, is excited to dive into the program. Her goal is to work in high school special education, so the new degree smooths her path while attending college close to home.

She will serve as a paraprofessional full time at Lumpkin County Middle School during her freshman year thanks to the flexibility offered by the online degree program.

"I'll get to learn so much more and be able to help these kids," Hopper said. "That's something I've always been drawn to is helping kids who can't help themselves."

Lyndee Carver, a junior from Demorest, Georgia, who is also pursuing the new special education degree, wants to teach self-contained special education. She gained a passion for this area of education after volunteering in a special ed class while she was in high school. Now, UNG is helping make those dreams come true.

"I want to be the person to advocate for people who can't advocate for themselves," Carver said.