Special Education Subsequent Teaching Endorsement
Teachers who have an Illinois Professional Educator License endorsed for early childhood education, elementary education or secondary education may add a subsequent teaching endorsement in special education through this standards-based sequence. Candidates for subsequent teaching endorsement must be admitted to NLU.
In addition to National College of Education Graduate Admission Requirements, program requires:
- Professional resume
- Valid and current Illinois Professional Educator License
- Two years of classroom experience is recommended, within the last five years, prior to beginning of the program
- Written verification of classroom experience from a previous or current employer
- Interview with a faculty advisor
- General Education coursework as determined by transcript evaluation completed before the beginning of Practicum
- Note: Candidates may be eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.
Option 1 - Portfolio Approach
Courses in Option 1 are required for candidates with a valid Illinois PEL who have teaching experience in the new endorsement area.
| ECE 569 | Portfolio Development Subsequent Teaching Endorsement | 3 |
| ECE 575 | Practicum for Subsequent Teaching Endorsement | 4 TO 6 |
Note: Additional program content and general education courses are selected with the program area advisor to help candidates meet the licensure requirements. Study plans documenting selected courses are created at the completion of ELE 569.
Option 2 - Coursework Approach
Courses in Option 2 are required for candidates with a valid Illinois PEL who have no teaching experience in the new endorsement area.
| SPE 500 | Introduction to and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 506 | Frameworks, Perspectives, and Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPE 507 | Methods of Social/Emotional Support | 3 |
| SPE 508 | Literacy Across the Curriculum for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 509 | Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| SPE 523 | Teaching Students with Math Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 526 | Expressive Language Difficulties: Impact on Academic Learning | 2 |
| SPE 527 | Differentiated and Individualized Curriculum and Instruction | 3 |
| SPE 573 | Differentiated and Inclusive Curriculum & Instruction I | 3 |
| SPE 575 | Practicum for Subsequent Teaching Endorsement | 4 TO 6 |
Note: Candidates may need to complete CIL 531 and SPE 500 determined by transcript review.