Special educators are exceptional teachers who have a deep understanding of students with disabilities and a repertoire of effective instructional strategies that enable them to help students reach their maximum potential. Special educators also mentor other teachers, manage teams, coach paraprofessionals and work closely with parents.
The two-year Special Education for Teachers Endorsement (LBS1 PreK-21) program is designed to prepare currently licensed teachers for new roles as collaborators in specialized instruction and as advocates for students with disabilities. The program addresses the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions required to work with students with both high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities from ages five to 21 in a variety of settings. It is designed for those who want to be excellent teachers, strong collaborators and advocates for students with disabilities.
Educators who earn a LBSI endorsement may work as special education teachers in urban and suburban, public and private schools, and private practice and private learning centers provide other career options. A critical shortage of special education teachers makes job opportunities plentiful.
Courses in the Special Education for Teachers Endorsement (LBS1 PreK-21) program are a subset of courses in the Special Education for Teachers concentration in the Special Education master’s degree program. Students who complete the endorsement program have the option to continue coursework in Special Education if they want to eventually earn a full master’s degree in this area.
Are you interested in enrolling in this program? View its admission requirements and application instructions here or contact the College of Education’s Office of Graduate Admissions at (773) 325-4405.
Licensure
The Special Education (LBSI) Endorsement program leads to an LBSI license which can be added to an Illinois teaching license (PEL).
Program Format
To accommodate working professionals, all classes in the Special Education (LBSI) Licensure program meet in the evening at DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus or online. In addition, the program’s schedule is flexible, allowing students to enroll full-time or part-time as their professional and personal schedules allow.
Program Requirements
The Special Education (LBSI) Licensure program includes 32 quarter hours of coursework in Literacy and Specialized Instruction, as well as two summer practicum experiences (8 quarter hours.) Each practicum involves six full weeks of intensive, supervised clinical experience in a cooperating school that operates an extended school year program.
This program is typically eligible for financial aid. Please see this document and consult your advisor in the COE.
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