Otterbein College

Programme overview

Otterbein’s K-12 Intervention Specialist B.S.Ed. prepares students for Ohio licensure as an Intervention Specialist (Special Educator) for K–12 in either Mild to Moderate or Moderate to Intensive areas. The program emphasizes extensive field placements, literacy instruction (including phonics), and structured decision points tied to student teaching and licensure. It can be combined with other education majors (notably middle-level programs) to be completed within four years.

What you'll study

The curriculum blends foundational liberal-arts courses, professional education coursework, and specialty methods for learners with disabilities. The program follows a recommended four-year plan with field components throughout. Representative courses and experiences include:

• First-year seminar and general education courses (FYS 1000 or TYS 2000; INST sequence; Math options)
• EDUC 1600 Study of the School — writing-intensive with a 40-hour field component
• EDUC 2000 Educational Psychology — includes a 20-hour field placement
• EDUC 1700 or 1710 Systemic and Explicit Phonics Instruction (required for the K-12 license)
• EDUC 2520/2510 Exceptional Children (adolescence or early childhood options)
• EDUC 2530 Behavior and the Learning Environment
• EDUC 3370 Technology in Special Education and EDUC 3390 Science of Reading (specialized instruction for students with reading disabilities) — both include field hours
• EDUC 3360/3361 Assessment and Progress Monitoring; EDUC 3320 Specialized Instructional Planning
• EDUC 3350/3351 Methods of Teaming and Collaboration for Learners with Disabilities — includes a 30-hour field placement
• EDUC 3800 Content Area Literacy or EDUC 3850 Using Literacy Across Disciplines in Middle Childhood
• Senior practicum and student teaching: EDUC 4555 Intervention Specialist Practicum; EDUC 4550 Intervention Specialist Methods (75 field hours); EDUC 4100 Student Teaching: AYA/Multi-Age (10 credits) and EDUC 4110 Student Teaching Seminar
• Additional integrative and INST courses (creativity, global cultures, reflection, senior integrative seminar) and a Senior Year Experience

Field placement hours are specified across many courses (e.g., 20–40 hours in early courses; 30 hours in teaming methods; 75 hours in methods; full student teaching placement). Student teaching requires a successful Decision Point 3 review.

Entry requirements

Students must apply for admission to Teacher Education during Year 2 (EDUC 2000). To enroll in EDUC 1600, candidates need a minimum 2.5 overall GPA, applicable test scores, and a current FBI/BCI background check on file. To take year‑3 EDUC courses with field components, students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program (Decision Point 2) and maintain a current FBI/BCI background check. The K-12 license requires completion of 12 literacy hours including a phonics course (EDUC 1700 or 1710).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for K–12 special education positions in Ohio holding a two-year Resident Educator Intervention Specialist license in Mild to Moderate or Moderate to Intensive. The program readies candidates for roles that involve individual and team-based support for learners with disabilities, literacy intervention, assessment and progress monitoring, and collaboration with families and school professionals.

Scholarships & funding angle

Specific scholarship and funding details are not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult Otterbein’s financial aid and scholarship offices and discuss funding opportunities with their advisor early, since program sequencing and student-teaching semester planning affect course load and eligibility.