Special Education - Director of Special Education
Overview
The program is designed to prepare educational professionals for leadership, organization, and administration of special education programs in Illinois. Completion of this post-Master's, non-degree certificate program enables qualified individuals to meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards leading to endorsement as a Director of Special Education. Candidates for the endorsement must also pass the State of Illinois DOSE Content Area Test.
This certificate requires 24 credit hours for completion.
For more information regarding our graduation rates, cost of instruction, and the median loan debts of students who complete the program, please review the gainful employment disclosures.
Point of Pride
The Department of Special Education has strong partnerships with school districts across the state, providing a wide range of clinical placements and collaborative opportunities.
Advising
Carrie Anna Courtad
(309) 438-7524
DeGarmo 543
How to Apply
University Admission Requirements
A student applying to a graduate certificate program must have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year.
Additional Program Admission Requirements
Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Special Education DOSE Program Coordinator who may ask you to submit additional information.
To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.
Degree and Licensure
You must have a master’s degree or its equivalent.
You also need a professional license in one of the following:
- Special Education
- School Psychology
- School Social Work
- Speech Language Pathology
GPA
You must have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all graduate level coursework.
Proof of Professional Experience
You must have two or more years of successful teaching experience or related service provision.
In the online application system, upload an official letter from a school or district employer documenting your teaching experience or related service experience working with students with disabilities.
Transcript
Provide one official copy of transcripts from all institutions in which you completed graduate courses.
Cover Letter and Resume
Upload a cover letter and current resume.
Your cover letter should outline your professional goals as related to special education administrative leadership.
Letter of Recommendation
Include one professional letter of recommendation. The letter should come from a person who has knowledge of your professional work, especially your work as a school or district leader.
The letter must address the following with examples or details:
- Leadership experiences
- Ability to make a difference in student performance
- Ability to work with colleagues and staff as a team
- Oral and written communication skills
- Potential to become a special education administrative leader who can motivate and support faculty and families and who can promote learning by students with disabilities
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2020 Term — July 1, 2020