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Illinois Teachers get Your LBS-1 Endorsement

LBS-1 Endorsement

Advance your teaching career by earning your

LBS-1 Endorsement

The LBS-1 Endorsement programs are pre-approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) through our partnership with Andrews University

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Calumet College
Esl endorsement program illinois
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Unlock Your Potential in Special Education

Embark on your journey to becoming a highly qualified and compassionate special education professional with the LBS-1 endorsement. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your career, investing in specialized training and credentials can empower you to make a positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities and their families.

Ready to take the next step? Explore accredited programs, resources, and support services available to Illinois educators seeking to obtain their LBS-1 endorsement and embark on a rewarding path in special education. Your dedication and commitment to inclusive education are the keys to unlocking limitless opportunities for student success.

Unlocking Opportunities in Special Education: Your Path to LBS-1 Endorsement

Are you an educator in Illinois looking to expand your expertise and career opportunities in special education? The LBS-1 (Learning Behavior Specialist I) endorsement on your teaching license could be your gateway to a fulfilling journey in serving students with diverse learning needs.

What is the LBS-1 Endorsement?

The LBS-1 endorsement equips educators with specialized skills and knowledge to effectively support students with disabilities in various educational settings. Whether you're a general education teacher seeking to better serve students with special needs in your classroom or an aspiring special education teacher, obtaining the LBS-1 endorsement is a valuable step in advancing your career and making a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Why Pursue the LBS-1 Endorsement?

  • Enhanced Skillset: Gain expertise in creating inclusive learning environments, designing individualized education plans (IEPs), implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, and effectively managing behavior challenges.
  • Expanded Career Opportunities: Open doors to a wider range of career opportunities in special education, including positions as special education teachers, resource specialists, behavior interventionists, and instructional coaches.
  • Increased Earning Potential: With specialized training and credentials, you may qualify for higher-paying positions and salary increments within your school district or educational organization.

How to Obtain Your LBS-1 Endorsement

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for the LBS-1 endorsement, you must hold a valid Illinois teaching license in a content area or grade level and meet specific coursework and examination requirements outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
  2. Complete Required Coursework: Enroll in our approved coursework that covers key topics in special education, such as assessment and evaluation, instructional methods, collaboration and consultation, and legal and ethical considerations. Courses may be offered through accredited colleges and universities, professional development providers, or online platforms.
  3. Pass LBS-1 Content Area Test: Successfully complete the Illinois LBS-1 content area test administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS). The test assesses your knowledge and competencies in special education content areas and is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the endorsement.
  4. Apply for Endorsement: Once you have fulfilled all eligibility criteria, submit your application for the LBS-1 endorsement through the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) maintained by ISBE. Be sure to include documentation of your completed coursework and passing test scores.
  5. Maintain Endorsement: Keep your LBS-1 endorsement active by fulfilling any renewal requirements specified by ISBE, such as completing continuing education credits or professional development activities in special education.

When We Say Affordable, We Mean It.

As fellow teachers, we know these are 2 of the biggest factors. That's why our endorsement courses are priced the lowest on the market. And our courses have the most flexible scheduling of any program available.

Total tuition cost for either endorsement: $2,400. That's 12 hours at $200 per credit hour. No hidden application fees, book fees, technology fees, library fees, or anything else. Total transparency for your piece of mind.

As fellow teachers, we also know the limits of your time. That's why all of our endorsement courses are added to our online programs. This means each of your classes is only 5 weeks long and is delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning you can log in and complete assignments when you have time in your busy schedule. Multiple classes run at the same time, meaning you have choices in the speed you move through our program.

And unlike almost all of the other schools, we allow you to choose the order of the courses you want to take. There are no prerequisites, meaning you can jump in and start taking classes at any time.

We believe you should take classes when you are ready, therefore we're always ready to help you get started. No waiting lists here.

You also get to choose the speed of the program. Take 2 classes at a time and finish in as fast as 10 weeks, or space them out and take longer. We realize not everyone has the same schedule, or the same ability to pay. So we leave it up to you to decide how fast you want to go.

Courses and Competencies

To complete your ISBE approved LBS-1 Endorsement, you must complete these 4 courses below with a Grade of B or Higher.

After completing these 4 courses ISBE requires a passing score on the LBS I (155 or 290) test.

To qualify for an evaluation, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. View the requirements for Illinois licensure to determine what endorsements and grade levels are available so you apply appropriately.
  2. Create an account in the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS). Once you create an account you can apply for the desired credential. View screen-by-screen tutorials under \"ELIS How-To Demonstrations\" for assistance.
  3. Have your regionally accredited institution send official* transcripts directly to ONE of the following addresses:

    Please send other documentation that pertains to the license for which you applied to [email protected].

*Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution. If sent by educator, official transcripts must be in the sealed (unopened) envelope from the institution addressed to the educator.

Once your license has been issued, you must register your license in your ELIS account and pay applicable registration fees. The license is not valid for employment until these fees are paid.

If you need further assistance from ISBE (or have more questions), the licensure staff at your local ROE. A complete list can be found on their website by clicking this link.