Earn Your LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement Online

Special education creates inclusive classrooms by providing individualized support, specialized strategies, and assistive technology that enable students with disabilities to participate fully in general education settings. Both students with and without disabilities benefit from these practices, which enhance academic achievement and foster the development of improved social and communication skills. As a result, students without disabilities strengthen their empathy, acceptance, compassion, understanding, and respect for all their peers in an inclusive classroom.

A Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS 1) special education endorsement allows educators to teach students with disabilities in various instructional settings. This endorsement prepares licensed teachers to support diverse learners by providing specialized knowledge and skills in areas like behavior and emotional issues, inclusion, resource rooms, and writing individualized education programs (IEPs).

Aurora University’s online Special Education Endorsement: LBS 1 program offers flexible special education training for working educators with an Illinois teaching license. Students will learn to expand their teaching scope, develop key skills, and provide specialized instruction to each student who enters their classroom. This article explains the value of an LBS 1 endorsement, program coursework, how the endorsement can impact your career, and the advantages of Aurora University’s online program.

Why Pursue a Special Education Endorsement?

A specialized endorsement expands on a teaching license by providing specialized training to work with students with disabilities, making educators marketable and eligible for diverse positions within schools and other academic settings. It opens career options beyond the general classroom, including roles such as lead special education teacher, instructional support specialist, and behavior analyst. Educators with an LBS 1 endorsement often transition into administrative roles, such as director or program manager, or pursue careers outside the classroom, including education writing and consulting.

With a rising demand for educators in special education, obtaining an LBS 1 endorsement significantly increases opportunities for employment and advancement within your chosen career track. A nationwide shortage of special education teachers stems from understaffing and a lack of qualified educators who can handle the demands of special education. While this shortage isn’t new, its persistence in 2025 is a sign of a deeper, more systemic issue. According to data from the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), nearly every state continues to cite special education as a high-need area.

Aurora University’s LBS 1 special education endorsement is designed for teachers with an Illinois teaching license seeking specialization and advancement. This license broadens their instructional expertise and makes them marketable for special education roles, while enabling them to better support students. With this endorsement, general education teachers advance to collaborative, high-level roles by developing a strong leadership philosophy, and existing special education teachers deepen their practical skills and gain a well-rounded understanding of their students’ needs.

What Will You Study in Aurora University’s Online LBS 1 Program?

According to the Society for Research in Child Development, promoting better understanding and inclusion of children with disabilities in the classroom is more important than ever. Educators in Aurora University’s LBS 1 graduate program gain a foundation to support students from core courses, where they learn to evaluate current research, conduct their own research in the classroom, and apply adaptable instructional strategies and current practices in behavior management. Additionally, Aurora University’s practitioner-based faculty members instill in each student an understanding of the legal and ethical foundations and evidence-based interventions, preparing them for real-world scenarios.

Upon completion of this endorsement, teachers can expect to gain a variety of skills ready to be applied in school environments, including lesson design, compliance, evaluation, assessment modification, cognitive development, disability identification, and social-emotional development. These skills set graduates up to strengthen collaboration, communication, and empathy in the classroom and the larger school community. Aurora University’s online programs are designed for working professionals and built with flexibility at the forefront, meaning students have the support they need to balance studies with professional and personal responsibilities.

Career Impact of an LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement

An LBS 1 endorsement qualifies teachers for special education and intervention roles, strengthening their eligibility for specialized assignments and leadership positions. This graduate-level endorsement supports professional growth, allowing students to advance their careers and make a larger impact in their chosen field. With this endorsement, job prospects expand beyond the general education classroom, qualifying graduates for various in-demand special education roles, including the following:

• Special education teachers work with students with mild to moderate disabilities from kindergarten through age 22.
• Inclusion co-teachers partner with general education instructors to provide support in an inclusion classroom environment.
• Resource room teachers work with small groups of students with disabilities to provide individualized instruction.
• Behavior specialists assess and improve student behavior in schools, residential treatment centers, and other similar settings.
• Disability case managers plan and manage services and support for students with disabilities on a case-by-case basis.
• Hospital and treatment center teachers instruct students in alternative settings, such as those outside the traditional classroom or school environment.

Many school districts offer higher pay and occasional stipends for teachers with an LBS 1 endorsement, thanks to the persistent need for qualified special educators. Despite the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting a decline in overall employment from 2024 to 2034, the field will still see nearly 38,000 openings for special education teachers each year as many existing educators are expected to exit the labor force. In a strong job market, specialized skills can command a premium during salary negotiations, advancing your earning potential and setting you on a career path with room for growth and advancement.

Why Choose Aurora University for Online Special Education Training?

Aurora University’s online LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and designed to provide a comprehensive curriculum focused on practical skills that educators can apply in the classroom from day one. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-accredited program is led by dedicated professors and supported by academic tutors and advisors to encourage professional growth. The online format provides flexibility for teachers to further their education without putting their lives on hold.

A practitioner-focused faculty and supportive environment mean students benefit from diverse experiences within the program’s tight-knit community. This support fosters development and collaborative learning practices ready for application in any classroom, and the practical skills gained equip graduates with the confidence and knowledge to work effectively with students in any setting. Aurora University’s affordable tuition provides a convenient and budget-friendly option for online special education training and development for teaching professionals.

Take the Next Step to Earn Your LBS 1 Endorsement

With a wide range of career opportunities and the potential for advancement into leadership positions, the benefits of an LBS 1 endorsement from Aurora University make it a worthwhile investment for educators with an Illinois teaching license. This flexible, affordable program is designed with working teachers in mind. Rolling start dates give students more opportunities to begin their studies at a time that suits their personal lives.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the program details and apply online today to AU’s online LBS 1 Special Education Endorsement program.