The Minnesota Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program in Special Education: Blind or Visually Impaired
The Minnesota Collaborative Teacher Preparation Program in Special Education: Blind or Visually Impaired (BVI) is a joint venture between the Minnesota Department of Education, participating universities, and practitioners from the field of blindness and visual impairments in Minnesota. Through rigorous, high-quality instruction and experiences and scheduling to facilitate program accessibility to candidates statewide, the partnership prepares educators throughout Minnesota with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach students who are blind or visually impaired.
The program is especially designed for students who already hold another Minnesota special education teaching license. It can, however, also accommodate individuals with either a general education teaching license or no teaching license at all. The program is now in its third 2-year cohort.
The program consists of seven, three-credit post-baccalaureate specialization courses and student teaching:
- Structure and Function of the Eye and Principles of Low Vision
- Characteristics of Students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities
- Literary Braille
- Advanced Braille
- Evaluation and Planning for Students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities
- Instructional Methods for Students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities
- Transition and Independence for Students with Visual Impairments and Multiple Disabilities
- Final Practicum
For more information about this unique program, please contact Kathy Manley, BVI Teacher Preparation Program Coordinator, at 612.214.5570 or kamanley@stcloudstate.edu.
