
WELCOME TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION where we embrace a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service. Within this mission, faculty members address issues that face special and general education as rapidly changing world demographics, commerce, and technology continue to challenge schooling in America. From its inception, the Department has emphasized the interdependence of research and teacher education. Federal and state funding supports graduate research in infancy and early childhood special education, the education of all learners with disabilities, administration, gifted education and the transition from secondary special education to the workplace and community.
News in SpEd
- SpEd students have been selected to receive all three Student Medals from the Education Alumni Association. We are proud to recognize Chet Brauer for Bachelor's degree medal, Laurie Jeans for Master's degree medal, and Christie Gilson for Ph.D. medal.
- Professor Lisa Monda-Amaya received the Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching -- Faculty in 2008. This is an extraordinary honor as only five faculty on campus were selected for this award this year.
- Professor Rosa Milagros Santos received the 2007-08 College of Education Award for the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award for Faculty.
- Professor Michaelene Ostrosky received the Campus Award for Excellence in Mentoring Graduate Students in 2008. Only two faculty members on campus were given this award in 2008.
- Seven students received University Fellowship awards from the department for the 2008-2009 academic year. They are: Jongseong Jeong, Rahkyung Kim, Lance Neeper, Kathleen Oertle, Anthony Plotner, LaShorage Shaffer, and Hasan Zaghlawan.
- We are proud to recognize the following SpEd students for the respective awards: William Chandler Doctoral Bagley Award to Kathleen Oertle, LaShorage Shaffer, and Rahkyung Kim. W.E. Albin and C.C. Young Award to Kathleen Oertle and Rahkyung Kim. Bruce Reinoehl Scholarship to Andrea Ruppar, Bansau Fellowship to Brian Dubina, Westerbeck Fellowship to LaShorage Shaffer and Catherine Corr, Eisenberg Scholarship to Catherine Corr.
Events in SpEd
- PRO-SEMINAR SCHEDULE:
- 04/25/2008 - 12:00-1:30 p.m.
- Room: 288 SpEd Conf Room via polycom
- Topic: The grammar of science: Beyond vocabulary
- Speaker: Dr. Zhihui Fang
05/02/2008 - 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Room: 288, SpEd Conf Room
Topic: Doc Student Research Panel
Speaker: Rah Kyung Kim and Mindy Roden

University of Illinois Department of Special Education Graduate Program Ranked 4th in the Nation