Program Overview
Prepare to positively impact the lives of students with disabilities.
AU Online’s Special Education Endorsement: Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS 1) graduate program will provide you with a strong knowledge base to effectively support students with a wide range of disabilities. Guided by Aurora University’s expert faculty members, you will complete a comprehensive curriculum, learn to evaluate current research, and conduct your own research in the classroom. This Illinois LBS 1 endorsement program utilizes applied learning to prepare you with real-world skills you can apply right away in your district.
Complete assignments, projects, and key assessments that employ differentiated approaches to learning and focus on research and application within the field. Research-based key assessments are required for each course, ensuring they fulfill licensure requirements. The endorsement program is ISBE-approved and aligned with Illinois Professional Teaching Standards. The program is also aligned with the following:
- Council for Exceptional Children Professional Teaching Standards
- Illinois Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards
- Illinois Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards
- Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Standards
No internship is required to complete this Illinois LBS 1 endorsement program. You can finish in one calendar year, ready to make a difference in your school community.
Skills Gained in the Illinois LBS 1 Endorsement
Complete 18 credit hours led by expert faculty members to earn Aurora University’s special education endorsement online. Illinois teachers can complete this six-course program in just 12 months with new skills and expertise in:
- Assessment modification
- Assistive technology
- Cognitive development
- Collaborative teaching
- Curriculum-based assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Disability identification
- Disability law
- Intervention methods
- Reading disorders
- Research methods
- Social-emotional development
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Program Details
- Next Start Date:March 10, 2025
- Est. Program Length:1 Year
- Credit Hours:18
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$492
Course Offerings
To earn the SPED endorsement and qualify for LBS 1 certification, students must complete all six courses:
- SPED5515 Characteristics and Identification of Disabilities and the Law
- SPED5555 Prosocial Skills and Challenging Behaviors
- SPED5565 Strategies and Assistive Technology for Students with Low Incidence and Multiple Disabilities
- SPED5570 Trends: Collaboration, Differentiating Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom, and Transition
- SPED5615 Psychoeducational Assessment of Students with Disabilities
- SPED6520 Reading Disabilities Theory and Intervention
We offer six start dates per year for this program. All candidates seeking admission to the online SPED Endorsement program must have a valid Illinois PEL (early childhood, elementary, secondary, or preschool-12), eligible classroom teaching experience, and currently be under contract as a full-time classroom teacher.
In addition, applicants must provide:
- A completed Graduate Application for Admission.
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended: undergraduate degree indicating a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher or a graduate degree indicating a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, both based on a 4.0 scale.
- A current resume documenting teaching experience.
- An ISBE deficiency letter if some required coursework is already completed.
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Transferable course credit is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more details.
Online Special Education Endorsement (LBS 1) Career Outcomes
After successfully completing this program and receiving the LBS 1 endorsement, Illinois educators are qualified to design and deliver effective instruction and interventions for students with disabilities. Graduates of this program may pursue a range of rewarding positions, including:
- Adult education instructor ($67,660/year in Illinois1)
- Behavioral counselor ($63,450/year in Illinois1)
- Disability case manager ($58,581/year in the U.S.2)
- Elementary school SPED teacher ($75,640/year in Illinois1)
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Illinois.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm.
Next Steps
Apply Today
Fill out the free application to get started in the online endorsement courses.
Apply Now
 | Stay Connected: | Degrees: | ||
Risepoint maintains this website on behalf of Aurora University. Aurora University maintains responsibility for curriculum, teaching, admissions, tuition, financial aid, accreditation, and all other academic- and instruction-related functions and decisions. Learn more about Risepoint. Learn more about how to file a complaint. ©2025 Aurora University Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | ||||