Special Education

Master of Education

Make a difference in the lives of students who learn differently.

Special education is more than a job; it's a calling. Special education teachers have the opportunity to meet students where they are—to help them grow academically and socially.

JBU's M.Ed. in special education program is for students who already have a teaching license and are wanting to pursue an Arkansas Special Education K-12 endorsement. JBU offers several options in special education:

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education K-12
Special Education K-12 Licensure Only Program
Special Education Resource K-6 or 7-12 Endorsement

Program Length
The M.Ed. in Special Education is a 35-hour program and can be completed in approximately two years. Included in the 35-hour program is a 23-hour licensure only option.

Course Format
Graduate Education programs at JBU are offered in a hybrid format—half of your class sessions are completely online; the other half can be attended either face-to-face OR you can log in to attend online during class time. All face-to-face classes meet at the John Brown University Rogers Center.

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Why study Special Education at JBU?

1

A Degree For Good

Educators can play a vital role in the development of their students with compassion and care as they teach and instruct. Through the process of earning your MED from JBU, you will gain both the knowledge and foundation you need to effectively follow your calling in doing good through education.

2

Become Equipped

By learning from faculty who have years of experience in the field, you will receive the knowledge and skills needed to become an excellent educator. You will also receive the accredited education program required to be certified to teach in your desired field and to stand out to potential employers.

3

Designed For You

With evening, synchronous, and online courses, you can continue to work full-time while finishing your degree. Plus, JBU's small class sizes means you'll be able to connect with your professors and other students as you draw on real-life experiences designed to fully equip and prepare you for this stage of your journey.

4

Unique Focus on Christian Values

At JBU, we believe in education of the whole person – head, heart, hand. All of our courses are taught from a Christian worldview, with faculty who are committed to the academic and spiritual growth of our students.

Graduate Education Faculty

Connie Matchell

Department Head, Teacher Education
Professor of Teacher Education

Dr. Connie Matchell started her career with JBU as the Head of the Graduate Education program in 2015. Graduating from JBU in 1977, Dr. Matchell has always maintained strong ties with the university. She draws from 30 years of public school experience as a high school teacher, middle school principal, and district curriculum director to provide a rich foundation for her Graduate Teacher Education classes.

Dr. Matchell's accomplishments include serving as an Arkansas Department of Education Praxis III Assessor, an Arkansas Department of Education Scholastic Audit Team Member, an AdvanceEd team member, a Math Crusade Trainer, NEWMAST participant, Teacher of the Year, and the Arkansas Middle School Association Principal that Makes a Difference.

CMatchell@jbu.edu

Brian Herndon

Associate Professor of Teacher Education

Dr. Brian Herndon has been in education for over 20 years. He has served as a classroom teacher in Kindergarten, 1^st grade, 3^rd grade, and 4^th grade. He has also served as an elementary principal, elementary assistant principal, and the director of an early childhood special education preschool, where he served as a Local Education Authority (LEA) for hundreds of special education IEP meetings. As a classroom teacher, he developed a special interest in the teaching of reading and language arts and has studied extensively in these areas. Dr. Herndon’s experience in education is complimented by the fact that he is the father of four children, one of whom has Down syndrome. So, education is not just a professional calling for him, it is a personal calling as well.

BHerndon@jbu.edu

Judy Winslett

Assistant Professor of School Counseling

Dr. Judy Winslett is licensed in both Arkansas and Oklahoma as a teacher, school counselor, building administrator, and district administrator. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University, master’s degree from John Brown University, and specialist and doctorate degrees from Harding University. Dr. Winslett began teaching for JBU as an adjunct in 2013 and joined the university as a full-time faculty member in 2017.

Dr. Winslett has worked in both Oklahoma and Arkansas public school systems for 23 years teaching vocational business classes, serving as high school counselor, assistant high school principal, and high school principal. At the district level, Dr. Winslett served as federal programs coordinator and assistant superintendent. She has also served on regional and state level committees working to provide enhanced opportunities for secondary students as they prepare for life after high school.

JWinslett@jbu.edu

Curtis Cunningham

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

Dr. Curtis Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood from Southwest Baptist University, a Masters in Education with emphasis in Gifted Education from Drury University and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education from the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. At JBU, he is responsible for teaching classes related to classroom management, curriculum design, differentiated instruction and human development for students in the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Prior to coming to JBU, Dr. Cunningham worked for fourteen years in private and public schools. He has experience teaching Kindergarten, third and fourth grade in the regular classroom and teaching second and fifth grades in a program for gifted and talented students. He supported early-career teachers for six years as an instructional specialist before coming to JBU. He is excited to bring his expertise in curriculum design and differentiated instruction to JBU as we prepare the next generation of educators.

CJCunningham@jbu.edu

Kimberly Murie

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

Dr. Kimberly Murie joined the Department of Teacher Education at John Brown in 2015. Dr. Murie earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas. After teaching science in two large public high schools for over ten years and serving as a department chair for eight years, God opened the door for Dr. Murie to resume the role of student herself. She returned to school to fulfill a lifelong dream of being an educator of teachers. Dr. Murie graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2015, earning a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education.

Working in a public school setting for many years has given Dr. Murie a passion into the importance of having Christian educators engaged in public education. It is a great honor and privilege to be able to instruct and encourage future educators on how they can be the hands and feet of Christ to a student, a classroom, and a community.

KMurie@jbu.edu