Special Education (Instructional Strategist) Endorsements
Advance your teaching practice by enrolling in our online Special Education endorsements.
- Begin coursework in any term
- Enroll now and begin coursework in January!
Strategist I: Mild and Moderate Disabilities Endorsement (K-8)(5-12)
- Fulfills requirements for Iowa Endorsement #260 (K-8) and Endorsement #261 (5-12)
Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities Endorsement (K-12)
- Fulfills requirements for Iowa Endorsement #264 (K-12)
Strategist II: Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities Endorsement (K-12)
- Fulfills requirements for Iowa Endorsement #263 (K-12)
Admission Requirements
To enroll, students must:
- be a practicing K-12, licensed teacher*
- have a bachelor's degree
*Out-of-state students should check with their licensing board prior to beginning the program.
Here to Help
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have dedicated staff to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
 | Sandy Crain Secretary III College of Education, Special Education |
 | Lisa Jaeger Enrollment Contact lisa.jaeger@uni.edu |
Request Information
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered synchronously via Zoom and asynchronously using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates.
The practicum courses are competency-based and will be embedded in your daily work. They require that you reach a level of competency to complete the course.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Incorporate new programs, activities and approaches in the classroom
- Understand school mathematics goals and implement strategies as envisioned by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards
- Provide leadership to bring about positive change in their schools and districts.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered synchronously via Zoom and asynchronously using Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with fellow classmates.
The practicum courses are competency-based and will be embedded in your daily work. They require that you reach a level of competency to complete the course.
Our graduates are prepared to:
- Incorporate new programs, activities and approaches in the classroom
- Understand school mathematics goals and implement strategies as envisioned by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards
- Provide leadership to bring about positive change in their schools and districts.
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Course Pathways for Strategist I & II Endorsements
- Strategist I - Mild and Moderate Disabilities Endorsement (K-8)(5-12)
The sequence below assumes students have completed the EDPSYCH 2030 Dynamics of Human Development (3) course or equivalent.
Spring 2025
- SPED 4171/5171 Inclusive Learning Environments K-12 (3)
- SPED 4172/5172 Differentiated and intensive Methods: Elementary Mild/Moderate (3) OR SPED 4173/5173 Instructional Methods for Inclusive Learning 5-12 (3)
- SPED 4192/5192 Experiences: Practicum 2 for Strategist I K-8 or 5-12 (3)
Summer 2025
- SPED 4150/5150 Introduction to Special Education: Legal, Advocacy, and Assistive Technology Practices and Issues (3)
- SPED 4151/5151 Educational and Post-School Transition Programming for Individuals with Disabilities (3)
Fall 2025
- SPED 4161/5161 Constructions of Behavior and Humanistic Supports (3)
- SPED 4162/5162 Specialized Assessment and Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3)
- SPED 4163/5163 Field Experience (3)
- Strategist II - Intellectual Disabilities Endorsement (K-12)
The sequence below assumes students have completed the EDPSYCH 2030 Dynamics of Human Development (3) course or equivalent.
Spring 2025
- SPED 4171/5171 Creating and Sustaining Positive Inclusive Learning Environments (K-12) (3)
- SPED 4173/5173 Instructional Methods for Inclusive Learning (5-12) (3)
- SPED 4192/5192 Experiences in Special Education Practicum: Intellectual Disabilities (3)
Summer 2025
- SPED 4150/5150 Introduction to Special Education: Legal, Advocacy, and Assistive Technology Practices and Issues (3)
- SPED 4151/5151 Educational and Post-School Transition Programming for Individuals with Disabilities (3)
Fall 2025
- SPED 4161/5161 Constructions of Behavior and Humanistic Supports (3)
- SPED 4162/5162 Specialized Assessment and Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3)
- SPED 4163/5163 Field Experience in Specialized Assessment, Instruction and Management in Special Education (K-8) (3)
- Strategist II - Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities Endorsement (K-12)
The sequence below assumes students have completed the EDPSYCH 2030 Dynamics of Human Development (3) course or equivalent.
Spring 2025
- SPED 4171/5171 Creating and Sustaining Positive Inclusive Learning Environments (K-12) (3)
- SPED 4159/5159 Instructional Methods for Teaching Students with Learning or Behavioral Disabilities (3)
- SPED 4192/5192 Experiences in Special Education Practicum: Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (3)
Summer 2025
- SPED 4150/5150 Introduction to Special Education: Legal, Advocacy, and Assistive Technology Practices and Issues (3)
- SPED 4151/5151 Educational and Post-School Transition Programming for Individuals with Disabilities (3)
Fall 2025
- SPED 4161/5161 Constructions of Behavior and Humanistic Supports (3)
- SPED 4162/5162 Specialized Assessment and Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3)
- SPED 4163/5163 Field Experience in Specialized Assessment, Instruction and Management in Special Education (K-8) (3)
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Request a Transcript Evaluation
If you are not a UNI alumni, we recommend consulting with the Iowa BOEE for a transcript evaluation prior to enrolling.
If you are a UNI alumni, contact Sandy Crain at sandra.crain@uni.edu
Enroll
To enroll, students need to complete our online enrollment request form. Questions about enrolling in the program can be directed to lisa.jaeger@uni.edu or 319-273-2504.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Add your endorsement to your teaching license
Students who complete the Strategist I - Mild and Moderate Disabilities Endorsement or the Strategist II - Intellectual Disabilities Endorsement will be recommended by UNI to the BOEE for the endorsement.
Students pursuing the Strategist II - Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities Endorsement will need to complete this application from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBOEE).
Questions can be addressed to the IBOEE here.