Department of Special Education
Learn how to teach and reach ALL students
Ready to add one of the most sought-after minors at University of Northern Iowa? Are you a practicing teacher set to continue your growth and advancement for generalists and specialists alike?
Department of Special Education programs and faculty ensure you have the foundation to support diverse learners in the inclusive classrooms of today and tomorrow. You’ll gain the specialized knowledge to work with students who have a wide range of learning, behavioral, intellectual and/or physical disabilities. You’ll learn from renowned faculty who bring their insight and expertise to your classes as educators, researchers and advocates in the field.
Our goal is simple: to help you help children who learn differently. To eliminate barriers to help your students reach their full potential. And to become an effective teacher of all students.
Leading Minor
A major choice among minors, second-most selected by all UNI students.
Placement
High demand promises ongoing high placement
Dedicated Time in Field
Enriching hands-on experience specific to special education
I thought that adding a special education minor (instructional strategist 1) would be a great way to make me a better general education teacher, never thinking I would exclusively be a special education teacher. Once I got into my special education field experiences, though, I realized it was the perfect place for me. I'm now graduating from UNI with a job already lined up as a K-3 special education teacher and I am so beyond excited.
A minor in demand
As the second-most popular minor at UNI, and with 99 percent placement at the undergrad level, the minor in special education fits the definition of “in demand.” With your choice of courses, you’ll be ready to seek endorsements known as:
- Instructional Strategist I, for teaching students K-8 or 5-1 with mild or moderate disabilities.
- Instructional Strategist II, for teaching students with intellectual disabilities, K-12
Pair this minor with an early childhood, elementary or secondary teaching major.
Special education for Pre-K through K
With additional classes, this minor prepares you to seek an endorsement in early childhood special education teaching (pre-K through kindergarten). As with the special education minor, you benefit from field experience required of both your major and minor.
A minor in demand
As the second-most popular minor at UNI, and with 99 percent placement at the undergrad level, the minor in special education fits the definition of “in demand.” With your choice of courses, you’ll be ready to seek endorsements known as:
- Instructional Strategist I, for teaching students K-8 or 5-1 with mild or moderate disabilities.
- Instructional Strategist II, for teaching students with intellectual disabilities, K-12
Pair this minor with an early childhood, elementary or secondary teaching major.
Special education for Pre-K through K
With additional classes, this minor prepares you to seek an endorsement in early childhood special education teaching (pre-K through kindergarten). As with the special education minor, you benefit from field experience required of both your major and minor.
Broadening the Definition of Inclusion
The Department of Special Education is all about continuing to respond to an ever-widening understanding and definition of inclusion — and capability. Our focus encompasses inclusive classrooms of regular and special education students. No two classrooms are alike, but all have a diverse blend of students. Our philosophy? By having the knowledge, skills and experience of working with students with unique needs, you will be a much more understanding and effective teacher for all students.
Learning. Together.
Within special education, you’ll learn as part of a cohort, progressing through your studies with a common group of students. Together, you’ll learn to adapt core content, design specialized instruction or teach with and support students using assistive technology or augmentative and alternative communication.
Early. Extended. Enriching.
Field experience is a huge part of UNI teacher education and plays a role at the graduate level as well. As a special education minor, you’ll get an additional two semesters of experience specific to special education. Along with coursework, these experiences add to your ability to work with students with mild, moderate and high needs as well as assist children who need language, behavior or learning supports.
Advocates and teachers
You can find our special education faculty speaking at regional events. Leading discussion on legal issues in the field. Coordinating educational forums on diversity, equity and inclusion. Our special education faculty are actively involved — and bring their expertise and insights to your classrooms and coursework.