The special P-12 certificate is used exclusively for special education teachers. The College of Education offers several undergraduate and graduate programs leading to this certificate.
The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree program in the Department of Teaching and Learning is designed for those who plan to teach students with disabilities at the elementary, intermediate, or secondary level. Completion of department and appropriate requirements leads to certification by entitlement as a learning behavior specialist I. This authorizes the certificate holder to teach students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism.
Initial certification as a learning behavior specialist I can also be earned through a Master of Science in Education program.
This certificate/endorsement program in the Department of Teaching and Learning is designed to meet the needs of candidates already holding LBS I certification, or its equivalent from another state, and who are seeking advanced knowledge and experience for continued practice and leadership in their classrooms and schools. Completion of department and appropriate requirements leads to certification by entitlement as a learning behavior specialist II. There are four Certificate of Graduate Study Programs (CGS): Curriculum Adaptation Specialist, Multiple Disabilities Specialist, Behavior Intervention Specialist and Assistive Technology Specialist.
Candidates may enroll as a student-at-large or as part of a M.S. Ed. in Special Education with a specialization in Advanced Special Education Practice.
Please go to Advanced Certification Programs for advising information.
Candidates for initial certification to teach students with visual impairments may enroll in a program at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
The undergraduate program in the Department of Teaching and Learning results in a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.
Candidates who already have teacher certification and who enroll in the visual disabilities certification program at the graduate level can usually complete that program in 18 months (three semesters and a summer session). Candidates who do not have teacher certification before entering the program will require two calendar years for completion. A comprehensive examination is required at the end of the program instead of a thesis.
This graduate-level specialization, which is provided by the Department of Teaching and Learning, prepares candidates to obtain early childhood special education (ECSE) approval to work with children with disabilities from 3-5 years of age. Students must hold or obtain certification in special education (Type 10) or early childhood (Type 04) in order to apply for the ECSE approval. Candidates who wish to obtain a Type 10 or Type 04 certification as part of their program must complete the coursework required for the type of certification desired. This specialization also prepares students to apply for an early intervention credential to work with infants and toddlers with special needs from 0-3 years of age. The result of this program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in early childhood special education.
The Department of Literacy Education offers a major leading to bachelor's degree in education (B.S.Ed.) and an endorsement in deaf and hard of hearing. This program is being phased out and is no longer accepting candidates.
For specific information about these programs, contact the program advisors.
| Program | Advisor | Phone |
| Learning Behavior Specialist I (undergraduate ) | Sharon Wyland | (815) 753-8359 |
| Learning Behavior Specialist I and II (graduate) | Leslie Hecht | (815) 753-8457 |
| Blind or Visually Impaired (undergraduate) | Sharon Wyland | (815) 753-8359 |
| Visual Impairments (graduate) | Jodi Sticken | (815) 753-8456 |