Special Education (SPED)

221 Gildemeister Hall (507.457.5535), Fax: 507.457.2483
Special Education
Chairperson: Carol A. Long
Graduate Faculty: Danneker, Long, Street

Jeanne Danneker, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; MS University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison; 2007-
James Kirk, Assistant Professor; BA, Marquette University; MA Western, Oregon State College; PhD, University of Iowa-Iowa City; 2012 –
Carol Long, Professor; BS, MA, PhD, University of Missouri-Columbia; 1993-
Steven Street, Assistant Professor, BA, University of Central Florida-Orlando, MED, University of Central Florida-Orlando, EdD, University of Nevada-Reno, 2010-

Degrees Offered

Master of Science degrees in Special Education with options in 1) Learning Disabilities, 2) Developmental Disabilities, or 3) Early Childhood Special Education.

Special Education Department Mission

The mission of the Special Education Department is to improve the world through quality teacher preparation for P-12 students with disabilities. The department prepares professionals to work with P-12 students with developmental or learning disabilities or early childhood special needs. Procedures include both classroom and clinical work. Students completing a licensure program or degree are qualified to serve students in a variety of educational settings.

Licensure Preparation and Master’s Degree Options

Developmental Disabilities (Winona campus)
Learning Disabilities (Winona campus)
Special Education Early Childhood (Rochester campus)

Pathways Available

A graduate student may follow any of three options:

Masters degree candidate in Special Education.
Graduate Special Student for licensure in specific program (Master’s Degree requires additional coursework, comprehensive exam, and professional paper.)
Post-Baccalaureate Undergraduate candidate for licensure in specific program(s). This option is for graduates of four-year institutions who wish to continue preparation as undergraduate students and obtain additional licensure. This is not a graduate option and does not lead to a graduate degree. See undergraduate catalog.

Download a Graduate School Application.

Contact the Special Education Department for a departmental application.

Special Education Department
221 Gildemeister
Winona State University
P.O. Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987-5838

Phone: 507.457.5535
Email: jpickart@winona.edu

Admission Requirements

Master’s Degree, Graduate Special, and Post-Baccalaureate

Application Form for a particular program.
Evidence of Minnesota Teaching License (See department if licensed in another state or if unlicensed).
Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework documenting a degree from an accredited institution and Grade Point Average of 3.0 during the last half of undergraduate coursework. Undergraduate grade point averages required for admission are minimums of 2.75 for post-baccalaureate licensure and 3.00 for graduate licensure. Alternatives to the undergraduate Grade Point Average requirements are: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a combined score in the verbal and quantitative portions of 900 and a minimum of 3.5 on the analytical portion OR Master’s Degree with a minimum of 3.0 graduate Grade Point Average.
Two references supporting the student’s potential for successful graduate work and advanced professional educational performance. Required forms are available in the Special Education Department Office.