The College of Education at Illinois State University’s Department of Special Education (SED) recognizes the importance of preparing all teachers to support the diverse needs of their classrooms. In addition to producing dedicated and skilled special educators, SED is working to diversify the skillsets of all educators so that they can effectively work with students with disabilities during their career. SED provides a number of minors, endorsements, and graduate certificates to support any aspiring or current educator. Students and professionals can pursue one of the following programs and add additional certification endorsements without having to add another major or degree.
Learning and Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) Minor
General education teachers work with a number of students, including special education students. By collaborating with the School of Teaching and Learning, those who pursue the LBS I minor alongside their teaching certification will be better prepared to serve all students in their classroom and work with the special education teachers in their district. The LBS I minor is open to undergraduate students, and uses an integrated approach to foster a well-rounded and conscious commitment to an inclusive and diverse education producing exceptionally well-prepared and highly effective teachers.
Emma Blackbourn, a current Special Education student specializing in Low Vision and Blindness is working toward her LBS I minor, sharing her experience with the program. “I know that it is likely that some of my students will have another form of disability along with a visual impairment., and one of my main goals as a future educator is to make sure that all my students have equal access to education as their peers while also offering them support and a positive learning environment to help them achieve their biggest dreams,” she said. In her education, Emma has prioritized every experience possible that could make her a more knowledgeable and skilled teacher for her future students, “when I knew that the LBS I endorsement was an option for me, I immediately decided that it was the perfect opportunity, that it would provide me with more growth and tools to become the best TSVI I can be for my future students.”
While Emma is a Special Education major, the LBS I Minor is open to all education undergraduates looking to best support their future students.
Director of Special Education (DOSE) Post-Master’s Certificate
The DOSE program, in collaboration with Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State, prepares professionals for leadership, organization, and administration of special education programs in Illinois schools. By completing this 100% online, post-Master’s, non-degree certificate program, educators meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards for a Director of Special Education endorsement. Students must also pass the State of Illinois DOSE Content Area Test to complete their endorsement.
Behavior Intervention Graduate Certificate
This five-course sequence is available for Master of Science degree students in SED to build upon their current curriculum, or as a stand-alone, non-degree program. By combining core courses with electives, the Behavior Intervention certification program prepares practicing special education teachers to serve students with challenging behavioral needs, including to collaborate with families and other educational professionals in developing and implementing strategies for individual students. Educators with this endorsement are equipped to lead their colleagues and schools in engaging with difficult or complex behavioral issues to prioritize their students’ learning and growth.
Curriculum Adaptation Specialist Certificate
This program is designed to prepare special education teachers to adapt, augment, and modify curricula to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. Educators with this endorsement are skilled professionals who enrich their schools through their inventive engagement with a student’s individual curriculum and their expert support of their fellow teachers. The 100% online certificate can also be completed as a stand-alone program or alongside a degree-seeking graduate program.
For further information on these endorsements or other certifications and programs, contact the SED Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Allison Kroesh at amkroes@ilstu.edu.
