Special Education Endorsement
Program Details
Early Childhood with Emphasis on Special Education or Unified (Pre-K-K)
The Unified Endorsement (100) program focuses on the design of educational services to pre-school and school age children with special learning needs or disabilities. This program prepares individuals to teach such students.
Instructional Strategist I (K-8, 5-12)
The Instructional Strategist I Endorsement program focuses on the design of educational services at the elementary (260) and secondary level (261) for students with mild or moderate disabilities.
Instructional Strategist II (K-12)
The Instructional Strategist II (263) Endorsement program focuses on the design of educational services at the elementary and secondary level for students with behavioral and learning disabilities.
Special Education Consultant (graduate level only)
The Special Education Consultant (250) Endorsement program prepares individuals to collaborate with special education teachers, building assistance teams, and others to provide indirect services to children with disabilities. This program is appropriate for individuals with the following qualifications:
- Hold a MSE degree in Special Education or are in progress toward that degree
- Have at least 4 years of special education teaching experience
- Wish to further their knowledge in order to qualify for a position in an Area Education Agency
Special Education Work Experience Coordinator (graduate level only)
The Work Experience Coordinator (250) Endorsement program prepares individuals to collaborate with community resources and parents, to build assistance teams and to provide support service to secondary school programs (5-12). This endorsement is appropriate for individuals who already hold a secondary special education endorsement and who wish to work with older students having disabilities in areas of school to work transition.
Program Options
The Unified Endorsement is available in combination with the following degree programs.
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Master of Science in Teaching
- Master of Science in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development
The Special Education Instructional Strategist I and II Endorsements are available in combination with the following degree programs.
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Science in Teaching
- Master of Science in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development
For information about Drake's graduate-level special education program, visit the Master of Science in Special Education web page.
Program Contacts
Unified Endorsement
Catherine Gillespie, PhD
Professor, Teaching and Learning
catherine.gillespie@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, x4602
515-271-4602
Instructional Strategist I and II Endorsements
Michael Couvillon, PhD
Associate Professor
michael.couvillon@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, 4690
515-271-4690
Graduate Level Endorsements
Kathy Fejes, PhD
Professor, Special Education
kathy.fejes@drake.edu
1-800-44-DRAKE, 2168
515-271-2168
Learn More
- Financial Aid
- Iowa teacher shortage areas are designated annually by the Iowa Department of Education. Teachers in shortage areas may be eligible for college student forgiveable loans through both state and federal programs. TAG has been identified as a shortage area. Information regarding application for forgivable loans is available at the Iowa College Student Aid Commission website.
- Tuition and Fees
