GROWING THE NEST
Expanding opportunities for Redbird Educators
By Olivia Schickel
As the teacher and administrator shortage continues, the College of Education is committed to preparing teachers and administrators for some of the highest need education areas. These new programs create expanded opportunities for licensure and career growth.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MINOR
The School of Teaching and Learning (TCH) now offers an early childhood education minor for teacher education majors at Illinois State. This six-course sequence includes classes taken during summer and academic year terms. Students who complete the minor and who also pass the early childhood licensure test qualify for a subsequent endorsement in birth to grade two. This minor will provide an opportunity for more teachers to be licensed to work with young students.
LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST (LBS 1) MINOR
The Department of Special Education (SED) is launching the learning and behavior specialist I (LBS I) minor designed to help general education teachers gain additional expertise in working with students with disabilities. The minor is focused on the essential skills and knowledge general education teachers need to foster an accessible and inclusive classroom. As special education teaching positions continue to have the highest vacancy rates across Illinois, this program will strengthen the educator workforce by preparing teachers with diverse skillsets to support a variety of K-12 learners. Any student majoring in a teacher education area can apply for the minor.
MIDDLE LEVEL ENDORSEMENTS
TCH expanded opportunities for middle level endorsements by creating an endorsement pathway for fifth to eighth grade licensure. This expansion includes English as a second language, mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies, each of which can be added to a K-12, secondary, and elementary professional educator license. Students in any teacher education program can now attain a middle grades endorsement in areas where they have, or plan to, complete at least 18 credit hours of coursework in that content area. Middle grade endorsements enable graduates to contribute to middle level teams and classrooms that inspire young adolescents.
LOW VISION AND BLINDNESS MASTERS
SED is offering a fully online master’s degree and certification program for low vision and blindness (LVB). This program opens the door for working teachers to remain in their current position while completing their graduate degree and LVB endorsement in a supportive and accessible virtual setting. As a licensed teacher for the visually impaired, graduates will be prepared to teach students from preschool through high school in a variety of classroom and residential settings. Teachers are trained in braille reading and writing, and the integration of assistive technology for a range of student needs. Students complete their clinical hours at their local school in partnership with the local teachers for the visually impaired and an ISU instructor.
PRINCIPAL PREPARATION AND DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Principal Prep Program (PPP) in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations (EAF) transitioned to a fully online program. The PPP is a 36-hour master’s degree program for licensed, working teachers to receive their Principal Endorsement. The program has successfully transitioned to an online, synchronous class model, allowing students a better work-life balance by eliminating travel time.
New for fall 2024, EAF and SED are collaborating to offer a 42-hour master’s degree program in educational administration resulting in both the principal licensure and a Director of Special Education (DOSE) Certificate. This dual program will produce marketable administrators helping to address the shortage of both school administrators and special education program directors. Graduates will be qualified and prepared to lead diverse school communities with a tailored blend of administrative and educational expertise.