Andrew Beigel

Professor of Education,
Director of Graduate Education Programs

Keuka College’s approach to teaching education is one that incorporates special education throughout.

And that’s not the norm, according to Beigel, who came to the College seven years ago with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education.

“While other colleges have dual tracks, or two silos [representing regular education and special education], Keuka has more of a unified vision, where we try to put [the special education piece] into all of our courses at all levels.”

That includes graduate education courses. Keuka offers two Master of Science in literacy degrees, in birth through grade six and birth through grade 12.

“I think it’s really important that teachers recognize the needs of individual students and that we provide them with the skills to help [individual students] more directly, rather than rely on special education teachers,” said Beigel.

“It used to be that teachers were told to ’teach to the middle,’” added Beigel. “Now, recognition across the spectrum [is emphasized]—awareness of disabilities, giftedness, and the way gender, socio-economic status, and race affect education. We talk about acceptance of all kids.”

Expertise in literacy is beneficial to all teachers as well, according to Beigel, who also serves as director of graduate education programs and teaches Assessment in Inclusive Schools, Teaching in Inclusive Schools, Teaching in Inclusive Secondary Schools, Theoretical and Social Foundations of Literacy, Professional Leadership in Literacy Education, and Assessment-based Adolescent Literacy.

“We read the research and reflect on why we are doing what we are doing to make better decisions,” said Beigel. “The ability to be literate is the most important skill or ability teachers teach.”