Destination Special Education Initiative Creates New Learning Opportunities On and Off Campus for Education Majors
"When I am a teacher, I want to use all of this knowledge to welcome kids with special needs into my general education classroom. I have the skills to make sure all of the students are educationally flourishing."
Lindsey Hoffman's dream is to be a special education teacher.
"It doesn't matter which grade – I just want to advocate and guarantee that my students have a fair and proper education," said Hoffman, a North Allegheny Senior High School graduate.
In Point Park University's School of Education, Hoffman, a sophomore majoring in elementary education with dual certification in special education, learns from professors who have worked directly in the field with students of all abilities. In addition to offering special education as a dual certification, minor and major, all School of Education students are required to take a special education course, "which is amazing, because even the slightest knowledge is important," Hoffman said.
The School of Education is building upon its strong foundation of special education training by providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for education majors to work with local high school students and students with special needs. The Destination Special Education initiative is funded by a 2024-25 Developing Future Special Educators Grant from the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, a project of the Bureau of Special Education in Pennsylvania that is focused on increasing experiential learning opportunities for students of all abilities and inspiring the next generation of special education specialists.
"Knowing how to plan for vastly different skill sets is something that will help me in my future career as a teacher," Hoffman said, "Especially since no two students are the same."
Among the recent events were a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium with high school students from Pittsburgh Conroy Education Center and two events on campus, during which Point Park students welcomed high school students from Pittsburgh Conroy, Gateway High School and Plum Senior High School to the University's campus for fellowship, fun and hands-on activities.
"I loved every second of it," Hoffman said. "Watching the Conroy, Gateway and Plum students interact and make connections was amazing. It is something I never imagined I'd do in college, and I'm so grateful I have."
Creating Opportunities for Students of All Abilities
As part of the initiative, Shirlynn Reddy, an autistic support teacher, welcomed Point Park students to Conroy's classrooms to give them a closer look at what it's like to teach in special education. She said Destination Special Education showcases how rewarding the profession can be.
"Without knowledge and experience, great special educators may be missed," she said. "I love that the students can see what opportunities exist and hope that many expand their interest and become special education teachers. We definitely have a shortage of special educators in our schools and districts. Programs like Destination Special Education can help."
Reddy added that the initiative benefits students with special needs by giving them opportunities to interact with non-disabled peers.
"Destination Special Education allows students to experience more than they might without it," she said. "How many of our students got to spend the day at Point Park but may never have otherwise? They can meet new friends and participate in activities that they otherwise would not have. Engaging high school and college students within the world of special education can potentially bring more students into the field. This will benefit all students for years to come."
Participating in Destination Special Education inspired Kianna Fisher '27, a graduate of Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, to add a special education dual certification to her elementary education major.
"After my first semester at Point Park, I can't wait to learn more about becoming a teacher," she said.
Community Connections and Hands-On Experience
Point Park education majors worked with Kristen Misutka, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, to plan the on-campus events.
A campus scavenger hunt, friendship bracelet-making, maker space activities, lighthearted icebreaker games, 3D printing and T-shirt printing encouraged their creativity, problem-solving and communication skills.
"I learned that it’s okay not to strictly follow the book; sometimes things won’t go as planned, but improvisation is important," Fisher said. "Allowing children to be themselves and have fun is essential. Being adaptable is key."
"My favorite moment was presenting a trophy to one of the students at the end of an event, which I brought as a prize," Fisher said. "He was so proud and happy! The games were silly and fun, but making him feel special is what special education is all about."
Students interested in special education careers enjoyed a presentation by Arleen Wheat, Ed.D., professor of special education, who shared her experiences from the field and advice for the next generation of educators. Point Park students also networked with special education professionals from the visiting schools.
"I loved being able to host the events and meet new people from the community," said Gabriella Frisco '26, an elementary education major and special education minor. "My favorite event we hosted was Future Educators Day, during which high school students were able to work with students their age who have special needs. My favorite part was seeing neurotypical students helping students with special needs."
"When I am a teacher, I want to use all of this knowledge to welcome kids with special needs into my general education classroom," said Frisco, a Wilmington Area High School graduate. "I have the skills to make sure all of the students are educationally flourishing."
An Inclusive Approach
For Hoffman, Frisco and Fisher, the Destination Special Education initiative exemplifies the inclusivity that is baked into the School of Education.
"Point Park made me feel welcomed, and the School of Education faculty are exceptional," Fisher said. "It truly feels like a community with a shared goal. Before Point Park, I never felt like I belonged, but here, I’m surrounded by people who care and have the same aspirations."
Hoffman appreciates how the School of Education gets students into real-world classrooms in their first year and creates an environment where students feel like more than just a number.
"Choosing to attend Point Park is one of the best decisions I've made," Hoffman said. "I have an amazing group of friends. I have professors I can reach out to with concerns. I've made connections with staff on campus. I am very grateful for where I am today."
Frisco chose Point Park's School of Education for its reputation as a flexible school with industry-experienced professors. She discovered much more than that.
"The School of Education at Point Park gave me a home to belong to," Frisco said. "I found so many of my people by going to Point Park. The faculty, the staff, the students, the curriculum – everything and everyone is so helpful to contributing to your growth as an educator."