Chair: Dr. Dan Conn

Special Education Department Motto

PURPOSE FUELED BY PASSION: Inclusive Schools, Inclusive Communities, Inclusive Communication

Special Education Department Vision

We believe human diversity strengthens us all. We strive for a world where people of all abilities are valued for their contributions and meaningfully included in all aspects of society.

Special Education Department Mission

To achieve our vision by preparing high quality professionals, at both initial and advanced levels, who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be leaders in their respective disciplines. Our mission is accomplished through current and innovative teaching and learning experiences, impactful community service, and practical research and assessment. Our daily practice focuses on engagement, collaboration, and problem-solving to advance this mission.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty, including professional dispositions and ethics, is at the core of any professional program. Any behavior deemed as academically dishonest, including the use of artificial intelligence tools without citation, or not reflective of professional dispositions and ethical behavior by the Department of Special Education will result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, a failing grade for the assignment and/or course, and/or dismissal from the program. Violations include, but are not limited to, the following types of behaviors:

1. Misrepresenting another individual’s work as one’s own, e.g., plagiarism.
2. Copying from another student during an exam.
3. Altering one’s exam after grading for the purpose of enhancing one’s grade.
4. Submitting the same paper to more than one class.
5. Use of any material not approved by the instructor during an exam.
6. Turning in reports intended to be based on field collected data but, in fact, are not.
7. Failure to respect the confidentiality of students/persons served or studied.
8. Failure to uphold the professional standards for ethical conduct as set forth by the MSU Teacher Education Unit, Council for Exceptional Children, the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

Faculty

Special Education Faculty

Ms. Jenna Arnold
Instructor

Ms. Erica Bailey
Instructor

Dr. Evan Borisinkoff
Associate Professor

Dr. Lori Garnes
Professor

Ms. Hilory Liccini
Assistant Professor

Ms. Molly Paszek
Instructor

Dr. Holly Pedersen
Professor

Dr. Wenjing Zheng
Associate Professor