Elementary Education - Learning Disabilities Major Map
Use this major map to explore possibilities and plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academics.
Choose your year below, then see what you can do when you:
- Learn. Develop the knowledge and skills to complete your major.
- Engage. Contribute to campus and the community.
- Network. Build a foundation of professional connections.
- Transform. Make a positive impact in a diverse world.
- Prepare. Plan for life after graduation.
The map just offers suggestions - you don’t have to do it all.
Learn: What foundational courses should I be taking?
- EXPS 220, EDA 205, EDT 211
- Complete the required clearances for field experiences in schools
- Enroll in COMP 105 your first semester
Engage: What kinds of activities and organizations can I explore?
- Join Talent Gateway - UM-Dearborn’s unique online community where you can complete challenges, earn points, and connect your experience
- Special Olympics
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Network: What are important topics in my field?
- Special Education legislation and litigation
- Evidence-based practices
- Behavior management
- Michigan Top 10 in 10 Years Goals and Strategies
Transform: What are the challenges and the strengths in my community?
- Attend a local school board meeting or watch an archived video of a meeting
- Learn about the specific needs of your community (e.g., transportation, employment, crime)
- Follow the Michigan Legislature to learn about new education bills
Prepare: What are the career options for people with my major?
- Classroom teacher
- Consider other options for expanding employment opportunities (e.g., an additional endorsement or other training to supplement your special education degree)
- Check out the teaching positions posted on Wayne RESA's website
- Attend one of the teacher job fairs in the area during April or May
Learn: How do I build on foundational courses?
- Enroll in EDC 300, EDC 460 and EDC 401
- Begin to enroll in the Professional Studies Course Requirements
- Meet with your academic advisor each semester
Engage: What activities and organizations will help me develop professional skills?
- Sign up for MLK Day of Service or Alternative Spring Break
- Join a professional organization as a student member (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, Association for Behavior Analysis, TASH, Learning Disabilities Association)
- Seek summer employment at camps for students with disabilities; volunteer at the Special Olympics
Network: How do I connect with faculty and students with similar interests?
- Meet with your faculty during office hours
- Attend the yearly conference of a professional organization
- Join the CEHHS Facebook Page or other CEHHS social media outlets
Transform: What are the challenges and strengths of the Detroit Metro area?
- Many school districts are not able to hire enough certified teachers
- Visit the website of a school to follow their news
- Consider enrolling in EDC 439 to learn more about childhood trauma and maltreatment
Prepare: What resources are available on campus to help me develop the professional skills I will need?
- Visit the campus Writing Center
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Visit the CEHHS Curriculum Knowledge Center to check out materials and study guides
Learn: How do I gain expertise in my major?
- Watch for announcements for student teaching application meetings held one year prior to student teaching
- Complete the Phase III application when you meet the requirements
- Pass the MTTC for Elementary Education (test #103) prior to student teaching
- Read journals published by professional organizations
Engage: How can I grow as a leader on campus?
- Consider running for Student Government or a leadership position in a campus organization
- Participate in campus educational outreach activities
- Represent CEHHS as an Orientation Leader
Network: How can I broaden my professional relationships?
- Present yourself professionally inside and outside of the classroom
- Gain experience through substitute teaching opportunities
Transform: How can I prepare to effectively solve local and global challenges?
- Request a practicum experience in a high-needs school outside of your own community
- Consider adding the English as a Second Language endorsement
- Substitute teach in different districts to learn more about diverse learners
Prepare: What practical things should I do to further my career options?
- Keep current with issues and trends related to special education (e.g., read journals, attend professional conference)
- Create or update your LinkedIn account
- Become a substitute paraprofessional or a substitute teacher
Learn: How do I finish strong?
- Take the MTTC Learning Disabilities (#063) for the endorsement after you have completed your core Learning Disabilities coursework
- Establish good professional habits with your appearance and presentation
- Connect with professionals in the field throughout every field experience
Engage: How can I mentor others to be leaders on campus?
- Join the Student Michigan Education Association (SMEA) or create a student organization
- Be willing to take leadership roles in group projects for coursework
- Form a study group for your certification exams
Network: How can I demonstrate my readiness for the next steps?
- Submit your best paper for the Campus Writing Center Awards
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty who know your work
- Develop and maintain a professional resume
- Complete your M-Portfolio to prepare for the interview process and use with job applications
Transform: How can I add to the strengths of my community, the region, and the world?
- Learn about teaching positions in high-needs schools
- Register for an Alternative Spring Break
- Contribute to a community project through the Office of Metropolitan Impact (OMI)
- Participate in a study abroad course
Prepare: How do I make the best use of university resources to launch my professional next steps?
- Visit Career Services for advice with job searching and interviewing, resumes, and graduate school applications
- Prepare your resume and have it critiqued by your university supervisor during student teaching
- Participate in the Mock Interviews during student teaching
Most students look forward to a full-time teaching job after graduation. Many school districts in the Metropolitan Detroit area are beginning to experience the teacher shortage that is prevalent in other parts of the country.
- Attend one of the teacher job fairs in April and May each year to engage with school districts from around the country in addition to local districts and charter schools.
- Complete an employment application for the Wayne County Schools Employment Network through the Wayne RESA website.
- Contact Career Services on campus for assistance with job searching or resume review.
- Contact your professional references to request permission to include their contact information in applications and request letters of recommendation.
- Update your M-Portfolio to indicate you have graduated.
- Register with the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) to apply for a teaching certificate.
Use the map on the interior portion of this brochure to review possibilities and plan for success in the five areas listed - Learn, Engage, Network, Transform, Prepare. The map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your UM-Dearborn career that will prepare you for success.
College is a time for discovering your passions–figuring out who you are and what drives you. UM-Dearborn offers more than 100 majors and minors, so you can find a program that is right for you. We are committed to cultivating a campus community that acknowledges our similarities and celebrates our differences. On campus you’ll find a range of support services and offices that provide the programs you need to be successful both academically and personally.