Learning & Behavior Specialist II
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Auditory/Oral Specialist
As chair of the Department of Special Education, I would like to welcome you to Illinois State University. Special education is a wonderful career for anyone who is willing to work hard and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. The faculty and staff in the Department of Special Education take pride in offering excellent, student-centered programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. All of our programs are fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In addition, school districts throughout Illinois and across the nation consistently report that graduates of Illinois State's Special Education Department are exceptionally well prepared. Consequently it is not surprising that our graduates are highly sought after and that the job placement rate for our new graduates has exceeded 97 percent each of the past five years.
I invite you to learn more about our programs of study and do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information. Below is some information about the Department of Special Education that I would like to highlight.
The Undergraduate Programs are intended for students seeking initial certification as a special education teacher. Three sequences of study are available: Specialist in Learning and Behavior, Specialist in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Specialist in Low Vision and Blindness. All three sequences require teacher candidates to complete multiple "field experiences" in schools throughout their junior and senior years. In a recent review of the program the Council for Exceptional Children commended Illinois State University's program as providing "excellent comprehensive programs" with a field experience program component that "exceeded the target expectations" and an overall evaluation of "exceeds the standards." Illinois State University is an excellent choice for students who are interested in obtaining extensive experience with children under the guidance of master teachers and skilled university supervisors. A genuine effort is made to teach students research-based, "best practices" in special education. The primary goal of the undergraduate programs is to provide students with a meaningful teacher preparation program that truly prepares them to excel in their careers upon graduation.
The master's degree program is designed for students who have a professional background working with individuals with disabilities and who are seeking advanced professional knowledge and advanced certification in special education. The Department of Special Education strives to provide graduate level coursework that goes beyond what is taught at the undergraduate level and prepare students for leadership roles and responsibilities in the schools. Several sequences of study leading to advanced certifications in Illinois (i.e., the LBS2s) are available.
The goal of the Department of Special Education's doctoral program is to prepare leaders in the field of special education for administrative and higher education positions. The Department of Special Education places a high value on personalizing each doctoral student's education. It is important for doctoral students to work alongside faculty members on projects that culminate in joint presentations at professional conferences and publications in professional journals.
A significant number of scholarships have been endowed to support students majoring in special education. I invite you to learn more about specific scholarships in our department and when you should apply.
The Special Education Assistive Technology Center and the Autism Spectrum Institute are housed in the Department of Special Education. These units provide national and statewide leadership to the special education community.
Faculty members in the Department of Special Education have a wide range of expertise and pride themselves in being a warm, welcoming group that works well with students and with one another. Individuals who are seeking tenure line or non-tenure line appointments are encouraged to for information on potential positions within the department.
The Department of Special Education recruits tenure line faculty who are interested in maintaining a balanced record of teaching, scholarship, and service to the profession. To obtain tenure in the department, faculty members must demonstrate that they are:
Non-tenure line faculty members also make essential contributions to the department and are highly valued colleagues. They are hired based on their expertise in teaching specific courses or supervising student field experiences. The department employs both full- and part-time faculty members to fill non-tenure line positions.
