The Special Education Program offers undergraduate and graduate programs that meet teacher licensure requirements in the state of Tennessee. A non-licensure track is also available to graduate level students who want to work in areas of developmental disabilities and related human services positions that do not require a teaching license (please see our Advanced Studies program).
In addition, we offer three add-on graduate certificates that are available completely
online (SPED Early Childhood Add-On, SPED High Incidence Disabilities Add-On, SPED Low Incidence Disabilities Add-On).At the undergraduate level the course of study earns a Bachelor of Science in Special
Education. Successful completion of the graduate program earns a Master of Education
in Special Education. Prospective students may get information about teacher licensure
and non-licensure programs by clicking on the Programs & Degree Requirements link
on the left.
Meet our Interim Chair, Dr. Wheeler.
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John Wheeler, PhD
Dr. John Wheeler is currently Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Educational Foundations and Special Education. He has had a long career of over 40-years in the field of special education as a teacher and university educator. His expertise is in the area of applied behavior analysis, positive behavior supports, autism and developmental disabilities. His research has focused on the design of interventions and treatments aimed at providing instructional and behavioral supports to learners with autism spectrum disorders. Additionally he has authored several textbooks and research reference texts.
He has had extensive administrative experience as having served as both a dean and associate dean in appointments prior to ETSU. He is currently the co-investigator with Dr. Pamela Mims on a federal grant, INSPIRE Appalachia, a personnel preparation grant aimed at training students in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language pathology in high leverage practices to serve students with high intensity support needs.
For all undergraduate students advisement questions, please contact
Dr. Jo Anne Smith at SmithJA5@etsu.edu