Special Education (Instructional Strategist) Endorsements
Advance your teaching practice by enrolling in our online Special Education endorsements.
- Begin coursework in any term
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 Disabilities/Learning Disorders 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.
Summer 2024
- 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 2024
- 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)
Spring 2025
- SPED 4171/5171 Creating and Sustaining Positive Inclusive Learning Environments (K-12) (3)
- SPED 4172/5172 Differentiated & Intensive Methods in Literacy & Mathematics: Elementary Mild/Mod Disabilities (K-8) (3) OR SPED 4173/5173 Instructional Methods for Inclusive Learning (5-12) (3)
- SPED 4192/5192 Experiences in Special Education Practicum (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.
Summer 2024
- 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 2024
- 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)
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)
- Strategist II - Behavioral Disabilities/Learning Disorders Endorsement (K-12)
The sequence below assumes students have completed the EDPSYCH 2030 Dynamics of Human Development (3) course or equivalent.
Summer 2024
- 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 2024
- 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)
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)
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information, and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Enroll Now
To enroll, students need to complete our online enrollment request form. Questions about course enrollment can be directed to lisa.jaeger@uni.edu or 319-273-2504.
Add the 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 Disabilities/Learning Disorders Endorsement will need to complete this application from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBOEE).
Questions can be addressed to the IBOEE here.
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.