Special Education and Literacy Studies

Dr. Paula Kohler, Chair
Main Office: 3506 Sangren Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-5935
Fax: (269) 387-5703

Gayle Ahleman
Allison Baer
Kristal Ehrhardt
Lauren Freedman
Esther Gray
Monica Harris
George Haus
Jill Hermann-Wilmarth
Susan Piazza
Shaila Rao
Sarah Summy
Karen Thomas
Elizabeth Whitten
Paul T. Wilson

The Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies (SPLS) offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on preparation of educational professionals with expertise in meeting the needs of K-12 students with diverse abilities. Special education faculty offer a number of program options at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels with an emphasis on the application of research-generated practices to improve students’ educational and post-school outcomes. In addition to offering a master’s program that leads to the Reading Specialist Endorsement K-12, the Literacy faculty provide significant instruction to all WMU elementary and secondary education majors. This instructions integrates teaching reading and literacy development throughout the curriculum and across the the educational continuum. Within each program area, faculty are engaged in research initiatives that enhance both student engagement and learning. Thought the Dorothy J. McGinnis Reading Center and Clinic and the Career Connections Research Center, department faculty provide opportunities for WMU students to participate in experimental learning.