The College of Education and Human Development offers a plethora of fantastic academic majors and programs, including several Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs. In honor of National Special Education Day on December 2, the college spoke with Julie Beth Kessler, associate professor of instruction in the Teaching and Learning department, to recognize the important work of the special education program faculty and college leadership. Dr. Kessler teaches special education courses in the college and is the academic program coordinator of the college's new Special Education MEd online program option. 

While in high school, Dr. Kessler had the opportunity to support alongside individuals with disabilities through summer jobs and volunteer experiences. Since then, she knew she wanted to be in the field of special education.

"I wanted to become a special educator, advocate for individuals with disabilities, further the growth and development of individuals having disabilities alongside their typical peers while remaining committed to creating systemic change toward equity and excellence in special education programming," says Dr. Kessler. 

Dr. Kessler earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware in elementary and special education. At Temple University, she completed her master's of education degree in special education with an emphasis on teaching students with severe disabilities and a doctor of philosophy degree in special education with an emphasis on inclusive education.

The College of Education and Human Development's mission is to prepare all students as educational leaders and agents of change who employ leading-edge understandings and evidence-based practices across multiple settings to support students from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

According to Dr. Kessler, College of Education and Human Development students come from a variety of backgrounds, and all share a common goal to become the kind of teacher or researcher who improves the lives of others through education. These perspectives are at the core of all course design including teaching in special education programming.

Due to COVID-19, Dr. Kessler states Temple students have learned to successfully implement virtual learning as part of their field experiences, practica and student teaching. 

"Our students have demonstrated flexibility and willingness to learn new ways to deliver instruction for students having disabilities in our partner schools through the guidance of partner school leadership, mentor classroom teachers, university supervisors and coaches," says Dr. Kessler. 

In light of the ever-evolving online learning environment, the College of Education and Human Development now offers a fully online special education MEd program option, in addition to the traditional in-person MEd program. The online program is ideal for full-time students, working professionals or students returning to the classroom while balancing work and family. Classes are taught by expert faculty and follow the same curriculum as the in-person option. Students in the online MEd program also have all the same resources available to them as the on-campus students like Temple's libraries, the Writing Center and the Career Center. 

Throughout the program, students will integrate their online learning with in-person fieldwork at sites that are close and convenient for them. Placements are coordinated on an individual basis in accordance with students' locations and partnerships between Temple and selected schools and districts, according to Dr. Kessler. 

"Cutting-edge instructional technology in the online program emphasizes natural interactions with professors and other students and gives students access to personalized instruction and advising wherever they are. Our faculty's strong ties to the community bring real-world contemporary issues into the virtual classroom," says Dr. Kessler.

To learn more about the new Online Special Education MEd program option, visit the program's webpage for more information.