Overview
Special Education at SIUE
The special education program in the Department of Teaching and Learning at SIUE is a nationally recognized program delivered through a collaborative partnership agreement between SIUE and public school districts. Classroom teachers and university professors work together to provide special education candidates a unique opportunity to regularly interact with children with disabilities from Pre-Kindergarten to Age 21. In the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at SIUE, we provide a combination of classroom instruction and ample opportunities for practical experiences in a variety of settings.
In conjunction with the early childhood program, the special education program also provides courses required for early childhood special education approval. The special education program offers Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation-approved programs at the undergraduate level for teaching licensure as a learning behavior specialist (LBS I).
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the undergraduate special education program have a wide range of options for employment. Not only are our graduates licensed in ages Pre-Kindergarten through age 21, but also in a wide range of disabilities. There is a growing need for special educators nationwide, and that growth is anticipated to continue in the years to come. Special education teachers are currently considered a teacher shortage area in Illinois.
Diversity Statement
SIUE’s teacher education programs foster teacher candidates’ ability to understand and meet professional responsibilities by modeling respect and value for diversity. Candidates create and engage their students in practices that develop awareness, understanding, respect and a valuing of the forms of diversity that exist in society and their importance in learning and teaching. The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior teacher education programs are dedicated to supporting all teacher education candidates, regardless of their economic or social status, and advocates for the rights of students free from discrimination based on race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, ability or age.
