In special education environments, teachers support the learning needs of students with disabilities. Illinois schools rely on educators who understand how to identify disabilities, adapt instruction, and foster inclusive classroom environments to enable student success.
At Aurora University, the online Special Education Endorsement: Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS 1) program equips licensed Illinois teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to address statewide special education teacher shortages. Learn more about what an LBS 1 program entails, the professional benefits of the endorsement, and how AU helps you advance your career and expand your impact.
What Is the LBS1 Special Education Endorsement Program?
The Illinois LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement authorizes a licensed teacher to work with students who have been identified as having disabilities. It qualifies educators to teach in special education settings across grade levels and to collaborate in inclusive classrooms. The skills that educators take from an LBS 1 endorsement program strengthen their abilities to adapt instruction and manage the needs of high- and low-incidence disabilities.
By completing LBS 1 graduate-level coursework, teachers expand their skill set to address challenges such as learning disorders, behavioral differences, and developmental delays. They also gain the knowledge required to comply with state and federal regulations while advocating for students and families.
The LBS 1 endorsement program addresses core competencies for educators. Through this program, accomplish the following:
- Learn assessment modification techniques to adapt testing and evaluation for students with disabilities.
- Gain skills in assistive technology that enhances accessibility for diverse learners.
- Develop an understanding of cognitive and social-emotional development and effective support strategies.
- Master intervention methods for addressing academic and behavioral challenges.
- Build collaborative teaching skills for working effectively with colleagues and specialists.
- Learn differentiated instruction approaches to meet individual student needs.
- Acquire knowledge of disability legal frameworks and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Develop research methods skills to inform evidence-based practice in special education.
Online Special Education Endorsement at Aurora University
The LBS 1 endorsement program at Aurora University is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and its online structure accommodates working teachers. Combining the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the individualized mentoring and support of a small college, the LBS 1 endorsement program lets students study on their own schedule without having to pause their careers. Innovative courses utilize modern technology to facilitate live classroom discussion and collaboration, virtual office hours, and career-focused activities.
Students in the LBS 1 endorsement program complete 18 credit hours over one year. Coursework aligns with Illinois Professional Teaching Standards, as well as the Council for Exceptional Children Professional Teaching Standards, the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards, the Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards, and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards.
This endorsement emphasizes applied learning, equipping teachers with skills they can immediately use to foster supportive and inclusive learning environments. Students complete six courses to qualify for the LBS 1 certification, each addressing an area of special education. These courses include:
- Characteristics and Identification of Disabilities and the Law
- Prosocial Skills and Challenging Behaviors
- Strategies and Assistive Technology for Students with Low Incidence and Multiple Disabilities
- Trends: Collaboration, Differentiating Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom, and Transition
- Psychoeducational Assessment of Students with Disabilities
- Reading Disabilities Theory and Intervention
Admission Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants to Aurora University’s online LBS 1 endorsement program must already hold an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). They must also have eligible classroom teaching experience and currently work full-time as a teacher.
Aurora University does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, and there is no application fee. To apply, prospective students must complete the graduate application for admission and provide documents showing the following information:
- Applicants must submit official transcripts.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in an undergraduate program or cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in a graduate program.
- Students must provide a current resume documenting teaching experience.
What Are the Career Benefits of the LBS 1 Endorsement?
The LBS 1 endorsement broadens career opportunities for Illinois teachers by qualifying them to serve as special education teachers across grade levels, from early childhood through high school, and to address a range of disabilities. With ISBE reports showing more than 1,200 vacant special education teacher roles, schools throughout the state require more LBS 1 educators to address these shortages and meet student needs.
In addition to expanding teaching qualifications to new roles, the LBS 1 endorsement may prepare special education teachers for further career advancement. Educators may pursue leadership roles in special education, such as instructional coach or coordinator, where they can influence program development and policy. Teachers who want to continue their education can build on the LBS 1 endorsement by pursuing a master’s degree, doctoral degree, or additional licensure.
Why Choose Aurora University?
Aurora University combines academic quality with individualized support. The faculty includes experienced educators who connect theory and practice to provide students with real-world perspectives and professional insight.
Courses reflect both current research and special education environments in a flexible, interactive setting. Aurora University facilitates interactive coursework and collaborative projects within an online learning community, helping students feel connected, regardless of their location.
Expand Your Role as a Special Education Teacher With an LBS 1 Endorsement at Aurora University
The LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement online degree from Aurora University allows Illinois special education teachers to expand their skill sets, address statewide needs, and enhance student outcomes. By gaining expertise in areas such as assessment, differentiated instruction, and behavioral intervention, educators improve their ability to reach and support students.
AU’s online LBS 1 Endorsement program combines flexibility, affordability, and quality instruction, making it a practical choice for working teachers. Review program details, consider how the LBS 1 endorsement program aligns with your goals, and apply today.
