Marymount University’s School of Education’s Special Education program is the first in the nation to achieve accreditation from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the recognized leader for special education professional preparation standards that ensure special educators are better prepared for successful, long-term careers.
CEC accreditation provides programs with a robust, targeted and exclusive opportunity to be evaluated by the definitive leader of professional preparation standards for special educators.
“Achieving accreditation reflects our dedication to excellence in educator preparation and strengthens our mission of providing pre-service and in-service teachers with the tools they need to become change agents,” said Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor in Marymount University’s School of Education. “This accreditation represents our commitment to preparing students with evidence-based practices that will make a difference in the lives of diverse learners.”
Marymount offers three academic programs related to special education – a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12; a Master of Education in Special Education; and an online graduate certificate.
In the bachelor’s and master’s programs, students help primary and secondary learners overcome challenges in literacy and mathematics, enhance communication skills and transition effectively into the learning community. Both programs emphasize identifying, researching and implementing the most effective instructional strategies and techniques. By integrating real-world experience, research and theoretical application, they prepare the next generation of special education teachers for fulfilling academic careers.
The online certificate program, meanwhile, allows working professionals the flexibility to enhance their skills and better support all students in reaching their full potential through engaging with experts and collaborating with local and international educators. Students can also apply credits earned from the online certificate towards a Master’s in Education with licensure at Marymount.
“The professionals at Marymount University’s Special Education program have shown their commitment to upholding the highest standards in preparing future educators and supporting optimal learning outcomes for children,” said Dr. Rebecca Watts, chair of the CEC Accreditation Commission.
CEC accreditation assures the public, the profession and graduates of accredited programs that educators are prepared to effectively support the development and education of children with exceptionalities, gifts and talents.
“CEC is proud to build on its history of program review and national recognition by creating the only option for special education programs to independently seek accreditation,” explained CEC President Dr. Kareem Thompson. “We are excited to honor Marymount with the honor of being the first accredited program.”
