Special Education Licensure Options For Current Teachers
Disclaimer: This information is based on SIUE's interpretation of ISBE requirements at the time the document was prepared. Students are responsible for completing licensure requirements current with ISBE policy. Students are strongly encouraged to verify with ISBE or a local ROE how this information will affect their licensure.
Early Childhood Special Education letter of approval:
The early childhood special education approval may only be added onto an existing early childhood or special education license. This approval allows these individuals to teach early childhood special education non-categorical for children in Pre-K special education settings.
Current SIUE students may complete this additional course of study along with their undergraduate program. Teachers completing it after graduation may apply for the approval through ELIS. Based on the broad areas defined by the Illinois State Board of Education, SIUE has identified the required courses as listed below.
SPE 440 (or 498). Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs and Their Families (3 cr)
SPE 441. Assessment of Preschool Exceptional Children (3 cr)
SPE 442. Meth & Proc for Teachers of Early Childhood Students with Disabilities (3 cr)
SPE 290 (or SPPA 490). Language Development (3 cr)For more information on the letter of approval, please email SEHHB_Licensure@siue.edu
Special Education (LBS1) endorsement:
The special education (LBS1) endorsement, K through age 22, may be added onto an existing professional educator license.
Teachers may apply for the endorsement through ELIS. Based on the broad areas defined by the Illinois State Board of Education, SIUE has identified the required courses as listed below.
- SPE 400. The Exceptional Child (3 cr)
- SPE 502. Characteristics of Individuals with Disabilities (3 cr)
- SPE 511. Individual Educational Assessment (3 cr)
- SPE 522. Instructional Methods for Mildly/Moderately Disabled & At Risk Students (3 cr)
- SPE 523. Instructional Methods for Students with Severe Disabilities (3 cr)
- SPE 540. Behavioral Issues and the Learning Environment (3 cr)
- To receive the endorsement, teachers must meet the coursework requirements for an approval and pass the cross-categorical special education test (LBSI #155).
Students pursuing this option must register as an unclassified graduate student and will not be eligible for financial aid and/or student loans.
Special Education(MSEd)
If interested in the Special Education Graduate Program at SIUE, please click here for more information.
To register for classes or obtain additional information, please contact:
Dr. Barbara O'Donnell at 618.650.3422 or bodonne@siue.edu
Disclaimer: This information is based on SIUE's interpretation of ISBE requirements at the time the document was prepared. Students are responsible for completing licensure requirements current with ISBE policy. Students are strongly encouraged to verify with ISBE or a local ROE how this information will affect their licensure.
