Students begin observing middle school students early in the program and begin working with them as tutors and classroom aides. The program emphasizes the use of technology and techniques to accommodate the needs of individual children. Students are recognized by the department's Outstanding Pre-service Teaching Award (OPTA) for demonstrating excellence in academic coursework and teaching experiences. Many opportunities for participating in professional groups such as the WIU Student Education Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education and Society of Educators. Opportunity to be involved in many professional development conferences: Pre-K-8 Science Update Conference, Assistive Technology Conference, WIU SEA Spring Conference and KDP Fall Conference.