Academic Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education[1]

Program Description

Graduates of the program will be prepared to teach and support students with varying learning needs in K–12 settings. Upon successful completion of all program coursework and the required FTCE assessments, graduates will be eligible for the appropriate Florida certification and endorsements. The program has been submitted for approval as an Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP) program with the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Educator Recruitment, Development, and Retention (BERDR), and approval is anticipated prior to the program’s August 2026 start.

The program will start its first cohort in August 2026 (Fall 2026). Students may apply in the meantime and explore options to complete coursework leading up to Fall 2026.

The Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education (BSESE) degree at Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) provides a high-quality education for students in preparation for teacher certification in Exceptional Student Education (Grades K-12) with endorsements in Reading (K-12) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, K-12). Through impactful, school-based experiences embedded throughout related coursework, LSSC prepares teacher candidates for the realistic demands of today’s classrooms while meeting the needs of school districts throughout Central Florida. Program graduates are eligible to obtain Exceptional Student Education (Grades K-12) Certification through application to the Florida Department of Education.

Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) serve as Florida’s expectations for effective educators, providing guidance on what educators are expected to know and be able to do. These practices form the foundation for instructional personnel evaluation and professional learning systems, educator preparation programs and educator certification requirements. The FEAPs are based on these four essential principles.

  • The effective educator creates a culture of high expectations for all students by promoting the importance of education and each student’s capacity for academic achievement.
  • The effective educator demonstrates deep and comprehensive knowledge of the subject taught.
  • The effective educator exemplifies the standards of the profession.
  • The effective educator acknowledges that all persons are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, and provides instruction that is consistent with the principles of individual freedom as outlined in section 1003.42(3), F.S.

Program Outcomes

Program Completion Rate: Benchmark: 85% of students will finish the Exceptional Student Education BS program within 100% of the program length or five semesters.

Job placement rate: Benchmark: 95% of Exceptional Student Education BS program graduates will be employed full-time or part-time in a teaching position within six months of graduation. 

Academic Advising

Career Development Services

Program Contact Information 

Marni Kay-Martinez, Program Director, ELA & Reading Education, KayM@lssc.edu, 352-435-6441