Thirteen student volunteers went to guide the athletes in their competitions and skills at the Special Olympics Region VI Games.  The events were held at Lakewood High School in March over SPC’s Spring break this year.  College of Education preservice teacher volunteers enjoyed the day of service and fun.

The Pinellas County Special Olympics Florida program is made possible through the generosity of local individuals, civic clubs, businesses and corporations. Athletes participate in the program at no cost. The program depends on volunteers and donations.

Their website states: Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They serve approximately 1403 athletes in Pinellas with over 350 people volunteering their time and effort.

Volunteering and Service Learning Benefits

Volunteering for Special Olympics is one event preservice teachers can gain experience working with exceptional students.  Professional and personal development of skills for pre-service teachers using service-learning is one way of engagement with individuals with different life experiences.  Emphasizing community awareness develops attributes like empathy, leadership, self-reflection, and confidence  while building on those concepts learned in class.

College of Education’s ESE Program

The College of Education offers five specialized courses that give students who major in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) the additional tools they need to be successful teachers. Students can earn a Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement through the program. They are eligible to take the general education certification as well.  These extra endorsements make students valuable job candidates to school systems. SPC offers continuing education for ESE coursework and autism endorsements.

For more information on this program or other teaching programs:

Contact Pat Roper at 727-712-5410 or email roper.pat@spcollege.edu