Special Educator Endorsement

"Special education at the Graduate School of Education & Counseling, Lewis & Clark College means studying with gifted practitioners who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of exceptional learners, research based practices and legally appropriate procedures, through their work in schools. Their goal is to assist you in providing appropriate instruction for students with disabilities."

- Christine Moore, Coordinator of Special Education Programs

Teaching in special education requires the knowledge, skills, and resources to work with colleagues to adapt curricula, instruction, and classroom and school environments for a culturally diverse student population with a variety of special needs. The Special Educator Endorsement Program at Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education & Counseling was developed to assist teachers, special educators, and administrators to work more effectively with students who have significant academic, behavioral and functional life skills challenges.

Endorsement candidates work with leaders in the field of special education to learn to analyze the educational impact of various disabilities, the applicability of scientifically based research, current assessment strategies and instructional practices with demonstrated effectiveness in improving the academic achievement and increasing the socially acceptable behaviors of students with special needs. An endorsement candidate’s knowledge and skills are applied in practicum experiences.

The program is designed for educators who have or are eligible for an Oregon Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) Initial, Transitional or Conditional Teaching License. The endorsement program consists of eight classes (18 semester hours), including professional practica that can be completed while you continue your current teaching assignment. For teachers holding an Oregon Initial License and teaching half time or more, the endorsement coursework includes the content and hours necessary to apply for a Continuing Teaching License, allowing eligible teachers to complete the academic requirements for the Special Educator Endorsement and the Continuing Teaching License at the same time. Teachers holding a Basic Teaching License can earn their Basic Exceptional Learner I Endorsement by completing the coursework required for the Special Educator Endorsement. They can also work with their adviser to develop an individualized program to earn their Standard Exceptional Learner Endorsement.

Contact information

For program information, contact:

Christine Moore
cmoore@lclark.edu
503-768-6128

For admissions information, contact:

Graduate School Office of Admissions
503-768-6200
gseadmit@lclark.edu