Lewis University

What you'll study

This programme combines foundation courses in education with specialised study in special education, instructional strategies and assessment. Core areas typically include child and adolescent development, behaviour management, inclusive classroom practices, differentiated instruction, learning differences (including autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities), and assistive technology.

• Foundations of Education — philosophy and history of education, classroom management, and multicultural education.
• Special Education Core — characteristics of learners with diverse needs, legal and ethical issues in special education, individualised education programmes (IEPs), and transition planning.
• Assessment and Instruction — formal and informal assessment techniques, progress monitoring, curriculum adaptation and differentiated instruction.
• Behaviour and Classroom Support — positive behaviour supports, functional behaviour assessment, and behaviour intervention planning.
• Practicum and Student Teaching — supervised field experiences in inclusive and specialised settings that progress from observation to full student‑teaching placements.
• Electives and Supporting Content — courses in speech and language development, early intervention, assistive technology, and collaborative consultation with families and other professionals.

Faculty typically emphasise evidence‑based instructional strategies and use case studies, lesson planning, and video‑recorded practica to build teaching skills. The programme is designed to meet the coursework requirements for state teacher certification in special education; completers will usually need to pass any required licensure exams and complete fingerprint/background clearance as required by state authorities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually required to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and provide academic transcripts. Admissions may consider a combination of academic record, personal statement, and references. Some programmes welcome transfer students from community colleges or related fields.

• High school or equivalent qualification with a record of academic readiness for undergraduate study.
• Personal statement describing interest in special education and experience working with children or individuals with disabilities (volunteer, work, or family experience is beneficial).
• References or letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s suitability for a teaching career.
• Successful completion of any required pre‑placement health and background checks, immunisations, or screening before school placements.

Additionally, progression through the programme typically requires meeting professional dispositions, maintaining a minimum GPA, and receiving satisfactory evaluations in clinical placements. Some states or school districts may require standardised test scores or additional clearance steps for certification; applicants should consult the Lewis University education department and their state certification body for precise requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Special Education and Teaching commonly begin careers as certified special education teachers in public and private schools at elementary and secondary levels. Other immediate roles include resource room teacher, inclusion teacher, paraeducator leader and behaviour support specialist.

• Classroom special education teacher (elementary, middle, or high school)
• Inclusion or co‑teaching specialist
• Behaviour interventionist or classroom behaviour specialist
• Early intervention practitioner or preschool special education teacher
• Transition or vocational support coordinator for students with disabilities

With additional postgraduate study or certifications, graduates can move into roles such as educational diagnostician, special education administrator, curriculum specialist, or school psychologist. Graduates also find opportunities in related settings including non‑profit disability services, community agencies, and private therapy or tutoring services.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a practice‑oriented education grounded in a liberal arts and professional development framework. The university’s teacher education programmes emphasise small class sizes, personalised faculty mentoring and multiple, supervised field experiences in nearby schools, providing sustained opportunities to apply theory to practice.

• Close faculty supervision and mentoring from instructors with PK‑12 experience in special education.
• Robust practicum sequence and partnerships with regional school districts for diverse clinical placements.
• Supportive campus services for student teachers, including career advising, certification guidance and access to instructional technology labs.
• Commitment to inclusive education and preparing graduates to work ethically and collaboratively with families, multidisciplinary teams and community agencies.

Prospective students should speak with Lewis University’s teacher education advisors to confirm programme-specific certification pathways, local placement opportunities and any state licensure requirements before applying.