Introduction

The online LBS I Focus Program offered at Northeastern is designed for educators who hold current Illinois state teaching credentials and would like to obtain a full Illinois LBS I teaching endorsement. This comprehensive and rigorous pathway allows educators to earn LBS I endorsement without committing to a degree program.

Program courses focus on critical special education pedagogy and skills, including positive behavior supports, response to intervention, and working with students from diverse backgrounds. Designed to meet the scheduling needs of current classroom educators, all content courses are delivered exclusively online with a final in-person practicum course conveniently hosted at the William Itkin Children's Service Center on the Northeastern Main Campus. Additionally, enrolled educators living 50 miles outside the University radius may complete the in-person practicum course at a school of their arrangement. 

Upon completion of the LBS I Focus Program, candidates are eligible for the LBS I Endorsement (P-21) on an existing Professional Educator License (PEL).

ADMISSION INFORMATION

The program admits students for the fall and spring semesters.

Program Benefits

Northeastern offers flexible day, evening and weekend classes.

Students get personalized attention from skilled professors in small class sizes, and gain connections to internships, career fairs and conferences.

Northeastern offers an affordable tuition and convenient urban locations accessible by car or public transportation.

Completion of the Special Education - LBS I Focus Program will satisfy all standards for teacher licensure as required by the Illinois State Board of Education. Northeastern Illinois University has not made a determination as to whether this education degree program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in any of the other 54 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Specific requirements for licensure or certification in states other than Illinois vary from state-to-state. In some cases, you may need to take additional coursework or exams to meet individual state requirements and/or you may need to complete background checks.

Career Options

​Graduates of the Special Education - LBS I Focus Program will be prepared to work with P-21 students with exceptionalities across various disability categories within the state of Illinois. 

Please note: Enrolled educators must successfully pass requisite state exams for full endorsement, including the Special Education General Curriculum Test (#163), Learning Behavior Specialist (#155), and Assessment of Professional Teaching (#188). Additional state exams may be required depending on individual educator's valid credentials.

Academic Catalog Information

Take a closer look at the Special Education LBS I Focus Program and the courses offered toward the degree.

Special Education - LBS I Focus Program

Department and Contact Information

If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact Jason Gallardo, Program Advisor, at (773) 442-5933 or j-gallardo2@neiu.edu.

Special Education Department Homepage

About Northeastern

Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.

We offer an education with value.

Apply to Northeastern