Director of Special Education
Director of Special Education Endorsement
Special Education is a high-needs area in the state of Illinois, including the need for qualified special education program directors. The Illinois State Board of Education policy allows for the addition of the Director of Special Education endorsement to a Professional Educator's License (PEL) with an existing administrative endorsement following the completion of 3 specified courses:
- Special Education Law
- Special Education Finance
- Supervision of Programs for Children with Disabilities
Special Education Director Eligibility
- Hold a professional educator license endorsed in an administrative field (or be currently enrolled in a program leading to an administrative endorsement).
- Complete a minimum of 21 graduate and/or undergraduate semester hours in special education including completion of a cross-categorical special education methods course.
The remainder of the semester hours may be in any of the following areas: curricular adaptation and modification and assistive technology, facilitation of least restrictive environment for all students, characteristics of students with disabilities, collaboration with parents and school personnel, transition services for students with disabilities, and educational and psychological diagnosis and remedial techniques.
- Provide evidence of 2 year's full-time experience providing special education services as a:
- Special education teacher
- Speech-language pathologist
- School counselor
- School nurse
- School social worker
- School psychologist
Curriculum
Courses are delivered 100% online in an asynchronous 8-week format. This gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere. Upon entry, candidates will complete the coursework in less than 2 semesters.
Director of Special Education Endorsement
Leads to eligibility for the State of Illinois Director of Special Education endorsement. In addition to earning or holding a Master's degree, candidates must:
- Hold a professional educator license endorsed in an administrative field (or be currently enrolled in a program leading to an administrative endorsement)
- Have completed a minimum of 21 graduate and/or undergraduate semester hours in special education including completion of a cross-categorical special education methods course
NOTE: The remainder of the required 21 semester hours may be in any of the following areas: curricular adaptation and modification and assistive technology, facilitation of least restrictive environment for all students, characteristics of students with disabilities, collaboration with parents and school personnel, transition services for students with disabilities and educational and psychological diagnosis and remedial techniques.
- Provide evidence of 2 year's full-time experience providing special education services as a:
- Special Education Teacher,
- Speech-language Pathologist,
- School Counselor,
- School Nurse,
- School Social Worker or
- School Psychologist
Nine credit hours to include:
How to Apply
The Director of Special Education endorsement is entitled by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Candidates apply for the endorsement through ISBE. Following completion of the 3 additional courses as well as clearing other deficiencies determined by ISBE, candidates submit evidence to ISBE who will then be entitled to the endorsement.
Application Process
1. Complete the free North Central College online application. You will also need to submit additional items depending on your program; these items will be viewable on your applicant portal checklist. All applicants must submit:
- Statement of purpose that discusses long-range goals, interest in the chosen discipline, and the reason(s) for applying to this program.
- A current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.
2. Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to Graduate Admission directly from the institution attended.
Official transcripts should be sent electronically from verified services, such as Parchment, to North Central College.
Alternatively, transcripts can be sent from your institution by mail to:
Office of Graduate Admission
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 60540
Hard copy transcripts hand-delivered by students will be accepted if received in an official sealed envelope from the institution
Transcripts must show an earned bachelor's degree (if currently enrolled in a Master's degree program) or a Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum grade point average of 3.00 during the last 60 hours of a bachelor's degree or 3.00 for a Master's degree program.
3. Request a transcript evaluation for the Director of Special Education endorsement from the ISBE.* Apply for the Director of Special Education (DSE) endorsement and request a transcript evaluation from the Illinois State Board of Education via the process outlined under "Application Process." Visit ISBE Educator Licensure Application (https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Application.aspx). ISBE will issue a "deficiency letter" indicating the need for 3 additional courses (as well as other deficiencies to be resolved to qualify for the DSE endorsement).
*The ISBE deficiency letter must be submitted prior to the start of the first course.
Tuition and fees
Cost of Attendance
For more information on graduate tuition and fees, please visit our Cost of Attendance page.
Education Alliance Partnership
A 20% tuition benefit is available for educators working for one of North Central's Education Alliance Partner school districts. If you don't see your district on one of the lists on our website, please contact grad@noctrl.edu to see how your district can become a partner with North Central.