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Point Park University's Education Department now offers a major in education leading to Pennsylvania teaching certifications in pre-kindergarten through grade 4 and special education (pre-K through grade 8) and a major in education leading to Pennsylvania teaching certification in grades 4 through 8 and special education (pre-K through grade 8). For the first time in its history, the education program is offering students the option of a special education dual certification beginning in fall 2010.

Point Park's Education Department will also be offering majors in secondary and special education, leading to Pennsylvania teaching certifications in both the secondary content as well as special education (grades 7 through 12). The secondary content areas include biology, citizenship, English, mathematics and mass communications.

"Students who come to Point Park to study education are able to choose whether they wish to pursue a single certification or a dual certification with Special Education," said Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., education department chair. "Ultimately we want to help our students understand where their teaching passions lie. From there we can guide them to their ideal educational goal."

As schools become more inclusive, special education teachers and general education teachers increasingly work together in general education classrooms. Special Education teachers help general educators adapt curriculum materials and teaching techniques to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

"The better we can prepare our general educators in special education, the more proficient they will be in teaching all students, including those with disabilities," Marnich said.