Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education
The educator every child deserves
In the Department of Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education (LESE), you’ll gain the skills and confidence to become the educator every child deserves. Whether you’re passionate about early learning, literacy, inclusive education or roles like teacher librarian, LESE prepares you to teach and lead with knowledge, empathy and purpose.
Be prepared to shape young minds in early childhood education. To support students of all abilities in inclusive classrooms. To strengthen your impact through leading minors in literacy and special education. And to advance your careers with online graduate degrees recognized nationally for their quality.
Learn from renowned faculty whose expertise gained through experience and research enriches your education. Start or continue your journey here—and become a Panther educator who brings excellence and equity in education to all.
The Way
Literacy education and special education are among the most chosen minors at UNI.
of Teacher Librarians
More than half of Iowa’s teacher librarians received their preparation at UNI.
Path
A blended early childhood education curriculum leads to endorsement #1001 to teach in inclusive classrooms.
Undergraduate Programs
An early start to learning
Prepare to teach young children from birth to third grade in both general and special education. Learn from faculty who focus on everything from STEM learning in infants to social emotional development and inclusivity in learning and teaching.
The fully unified curriculum leads to Endorsement #1001. Get your degree on campus or turn to the flexible Online Transfer Program option if you have your associate degree. You'll gain plenty of experience in opportunities in varied settings and for different age levels -- no matter your location -- including exposure within inclusive settings. All to prepare you for that next step after graduation.
Growing your skill base
The LESE department is here to help you expand your capabilities -- and marketability -- when you add the early childhood education minor to your elementary education major. Complete this, and you'll be qualified to teach preschool as well as gain additional understanding for working with kindergartners. Gain added flexibility for when you're seeking that first position!
An early start to learning
Prepare to teach young children from birth to third grade in both general and special education. Learn from faculty who focus on everything from STEM learning in infants to social emotional development and inclusivity in learning and teaching.
The fully unified curriculum leads to Endorsement #1001. Get your degree on campus or turn to the flexible Online Transfer Program option if you have your associate degree. You'll gain plenty of experience in opportunities in varied settings and for different age levels -- no matter your location -- including exposure within inclusive settings. All to prepare you for that next step after graduation.
Growing your skill base
The LESE department is here to help you expand your capabilities -- and marketability -- when you add the early childhood education minor to your elementary education major. Complete this, and you'll be qualified to teach preschool as well as gain additional understanding for working with kindergartners. Gain added flexibility for when you're seeking that first position!
Minors
A choice of minors in demand
Among the most in-demand programs on campus, minors in special education prepare you to lead inclusive classrooms and support students with diverse learning needs. These minors lead to endorsements in:
- Instructional Strategist I, for teaching students K-8 or 5-12 with mild or moderate disabilities.
- Instructional Strategist II, for teaching students with intellectual disabilities, K-12 or early childhood special education.
- Early childhood special education, giving you specialized knowledge to work with kids in preschool through kindergarten.
With strong field experiences, expert faculty and outstanding placement rates, you’ll be ready to help each child learn and thrive.
The essentials of literacy
Enhance your teaching degree with a minor in literacy education and help students build essential skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking.
One of the leading minors offered at UNI, this program combines in-depth coursework with hands-on experience in local classrooms and the UNI Literacy Clinic. You'll develop the expertise needed to teach literacy effectively and earn a K-8 or 5-12 reading endorsement. If you're passionate about literacy and want to boost your impact—and your résumé—this minor offers the perfect opportunity.
A choice of minors in demand
Among the most in-demand programs on campus, minors in special education prepare you to lead inclusive classrooms and support students with diverse learning needs. These minors lead to endorsements in:
- Instructional Strategist I, for teaching students K-8 or 5-12 with mild or moderate disabilities.
- Instructional Strategist II, for teaching students with intellectual disabilities, K-12 or early childhood special education.
- Early childhood special education, giving you specialized knowledge to work with kids in preschool through kindergarten.
With strong field experiences, expert faculty and outstanding placement rates, you’ll be ready to help each child learn and thrive.
The essentials of literacy
Enhance your teaching degree with a minor in literacy education and help students build essential skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and thinking.
One of the leading minors offered at UNI, this program combines in-depth coursework with hands-on experience in local classrooms and the UNI Literacy Clinic. You'll develop the expertise needed to teach literacy effectively and earn a K-8 or 5-12 reading endorsement. If you're passionate about literacy and want to boost your impact—and your résumé—this minor offers the perfect opportunity.
Centers of Excellence
Two College of Education Centers of Excellence are closely linked to the work of the Department of Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education and led by these LESE faculty:
- Iowa Regents' Center for Early Developmental Education, led by Beth Van Meeteren
- Richard O. Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy, led by Lori Norton-Meier