Special Education Teacher Training

Ability and Capability

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and focus in special education both lead to the Illinois Learning/Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement and qualifies educators to teach PreK-21.

The role of a special educator varies greatly depending upon the school, district and students being served. Special educators may work in a team teaching setting, a resource setting, a self-contained classroom or a combination of the three.

At Olivet, the special education teacher training program teaches students to support their future students both academically and emotionally. Students in this program will learn to plan lessons and manage a classroom.

Before the student teaching experience, students will complete 130 hours of field experiences, including 85 hours working with students with disabilities in a multi-cultural setting. Once completed, they will spend 60 supervised days teaching in a real classroom.

Special Education Teaching is Ideal for those Who Enjoy:

Teaching students whom others have struggled to reach.
The challenges and rewards of helping children overcome difficulties.
Spending time with children and youth with disabilities.
The unique insights, gifts and contributions that come from students with disabilities.
Impacting children in a positive, lasting way.

By the Numbers:

Education at Olivet

98%
pass rate for seniors on edTPA license
100%
of faculty members have taught in PK-12 classrooms
2017
first graduates from new special education teacher training program
16
education majors, minors and concentrations

Specialized Education

From Art to Special Ed, Olivet students choose their area of focus, and spend valuable time as student and with students.

Math in Life

Many elementary, middle school and high school students say that math courses are their most difficult. Olivet math education grads excel in introducing students to the joys of learning.

Mentors and Professors

At Olivet, the classes are kept smaller, to ensure every student experience the one-on-one relationship with their academic mentors.

Tomorrow’s Educators

The School of Education strives for responsiveness in keeping its programs current. Within the last three years, the Early Childhood, Elementary Education and Middle Grades programs have been revised to meet licensing and hiring requirements. The newest program is the Special Education Teacher Training Program with the first graduates in the Class of 2017.

Special Education Teacher Training Program

Licensure

Olivet Nazarene University’s Teacher Education Program is a recognized education preparation program by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB). Each teaching program that is offered at Olivet has been individually approved for licensure, meaning that when a teaching candidate graduates with a teaching degree they will also have earned an Illinois Professional Educators License. The School of Education continues to update existing programs to meet and exceed the Illinois State Board of Education standards and is aligned with the top educational preparation standards in the nation.

Education with a Christian Purpose

The best way to see if Olivet is a good fit for you is to visit the campus. We offer unique, customized visit days every weekday, and special Purple & Gold days, too, where you can get up close at all things ONU.

Schedule a Visit