Student uses Miss New Bedford platform to advocate for disabled
Taking Care
![BSU Professor Sheena Manuel standing in front of a projector screen smiling and holding a notebook while listening to a student speaking in class](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/20220425_classroom_AM_043-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
![BSU Professor Ashley Rodrigues standing next to a projector screen teaching as students look on](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/media/gallery_carousel/20220427_classroom_AM_031-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
![Professor with 2 students at white board, all with markers in hand. One student writes on the white board while the professor explains something to the other student.](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/academic_department_banners/170411-37-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
![Two students at desks talking and holding coursework](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/academic_department_banners/170411-5-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
![Two students writing with markers on a white board. Words on the board include "Formal Assessment" and "Coach vs. PCP."](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/academic_department_banners/170411-18-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
![Students sitting in 2 rows of desks with notebooks out listening to a professor.](/sites/bridgew/files/styles/gallery_carousel_small/public/academic_department_banners/160225-202-2-720x396.jpg?h=e3ab6c87)
For individuals with cognitive, emotional, behavioral or physical disabilities, the attention demonstrated by a special education teacher provides essential support in a world that frequently is unable to accommodate their needs. The Department of Special Education at Bridgewater State University trains students for careers as teachers of individuals with moderate to severe special needs, preparing them to have a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of often overlooked populations.
Our undergraduate and graduate programs comprise a rigorous curriculum that prepares ambitious students for careers as special education teachers in public and private schools, consultants and school administrators. Drawing on BSU’s long history of producing exemplary teachers, our faculty members work to help Special Education teacher candidates learn current, evidence-based practices and develop the skills required to succeed in this rewarding and in-demand field. Our licensure programs are recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and CAEP/CEC (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Council for Exceptional Children) and have been acknowledged as exemplary by Teachers.org (2016), while the department was ranked one of the 10 best colleges for Special Education 2017-2018 by Schools.com.