Listing of Non-Traditional Programs for Special Education Teaching License

OPTION 1 CURRENT ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE

SIU-C Special Ed. Teacher LBS1 Cohort Requirements: Current Associate’s Degree and currently employed as a Paraprofessional for a District or a Spec. Ed. Cooperative. 3-year, night/weekend program. *SIU offers students in this program financial aid assistance /loan forgiveness coordination...not through TCSE employer tuition reimbursement process in exchange for committing to teaching at least four years at a school-of-need For more info contact gyoteachers@siu.edu

OPTION 2 - CURRENT BACHELOR'S DEGREE ( No Teaching License)

Golden Accelerator Program https://www.goldenapple.org/scholars The Golden Apple Accelerators Program provides a path to teaching for career-changers and college seniors who commit to living and teaching in targeted school districts in southern, central, and western Illinois for four years after obtaining their teaching license. * Up to $23,000 awarded and Golden Apple Accelerators commit to teaching at least four years at a school of need in targeted communities in south, central, or western Illinois Keona Roberts KRoberts@goldenapple.org Office Mobile: 312-392-2618 ext: 138

University of West Florida(TeacherReady) Requirements: Current Bachelor’s degree in an area other than Special Ed. 12-15 month, online program for LBS1 Endorsement. Flordia teaching license upon completion then applies to ISBE for a reciprocal license. Visit teacherready.org for additional information Sarah Miller sarah.miller@studergroup.com****

OPTION 3 - CURRENT TEACHING LICENSE - need Spec Ed or ECH Spec Ed Endorsement

Greenville University LBS1 Endorsement on a current Gen Ed Teaching License(PEL) with ISBE Short Term Emergency Approval (see quick links) https://www.greenville.edu/dotAsset/319f352d-bda4-4dd0-9214-66c95ed0ef6b.pdf

National Louis University LBSI endorsement is for teachers with a valid Illinois Teaching License (PEL) endorsed for early childhood general education (age 0 to grade 3), general education (kindergarten to grade 9) or secondary education with applicable levels and content areas. In order to earn the endorsement, candidates must pass the LBS I content test. (see quick links) https://nl.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Undergraduate-and-Graduate-Catalog/National-College-of-Education/Non-Degree-Endorsement-Offerings/Learning-Behavior-Specialist-I-LBS-I-Endorsement

Early Childhood Special Education approval on a Professional Educator License already endorsed for self-contained general education (age 0 to grade 3 or LBSI (PreK to age 21)endorsement by having completed the four courses required by the Illinois State Board of Education. https://nl.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Undergraduate-and-Graduate-Catalog/National-College-of-Education/Non-Degree-Endorsement-Offerings/Early-Childhood-Special-Education-Approva

Western Illinois University The LBS1 endorsement at WIU, approved by ISBE, consists of four courses (13 semester hours).

An LBS1 endorsement can be added to any Professional Educator License. Further questions on any endorsements and grade levels should be directed to Tammy Wilson, WIU's Licensure Officer,TS-Wilson@wiu.edu.

After taking the courses, you must pass the state content exam,Learning Behavior Specialist Test # 155.http://www.il.nesinc.com/Home.aspx

  • Graduate School Application http://www.wiu.edu/admissions/apply_now/

  • The transcript from your highest degree granting institution, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. This can be uploaded during the only application process, emailed toGrad-Office@wiu.edu,or mailed to the School of Graduate Studies, 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455