All doctoral students are encouraged to compete for these awards because of their value in career development. Dissemination Participation in research and training often evolves into the opportunity to write, publish, and present findings through professional channels. Most specialist and doctoral students make significant progress in the development of their professional portfolios before graduation. They are encouraged to make presentations based on their graduate work at local, regional, and national conferences. College Teaching and Supervision Special education graduate students also have opportunities for college teaching and supervision.
Doctoral students complete a two-step competency in college teaching under faculty direction.
Opportunities also are available for supervising teaching practice. Cross Disciplinary Collaboration Peabody's Department of Special Education offers students the opportunity to work cooperatively with other academic programs at Peabody and other schools at Vanderbilt. For example, students can develop a minor in special education administration. This option allows students interested in administrative careers to study relevant issues, develop related competencies, and perform apprenticeships in appropriate positions. The Department of Special Education is closely associated with the John F. Kennedy Center for Research on Education and Human Development, one of the twelve national centers for research on mental retardation and related aspects of human development.