LBS II Endorsement: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career

If you're a special education teacher looking to take your skills to the next level, getting a Learning Behavior Specialist II (LBS II) Endorsement can be a great way to do that. This advanced credential is for teachers who already have a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I) endorsement and want to specialize in a specific area, like adapting curriculum, using technology, or planning transitions. It's perfect for experienced special educators who want to become experts in one area rather than trying to be generalists in all areas of special education. National Louis University's National College of Education offers programs for this endorsement, which can help you develop a deeper understanding of your chosen specialty. By adding this endorsement to your existing special education license, you can gain a new level of expertise and make a bigger impact on your students' lives.

What Is an LBS II Endorsement?

To become an expert in a specific area of special education, teachers can get an LBS II endorsement. But first, they need an LBS I endorsement, which qualifies them to teach students with disabilities ages 5 to 21. The LBS II endorsement adds a special area of focus to their existing credential. You can choose from several areas, such as Curriculum Adaptation Specialist, where you learn to modify lessons and teaching methods for students who need more support. Another option is to become a Technology Specialist, which involves using technology to help students with disabilities. Another option is to become a Transition Specialist, who helps students with disabilities plan for life after school, whether that's finding a job, going to college, or something else. These specialty areas can really make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

National Louis University has a few special programs for teachers who want to work with kids with special needs. They offer three different endorsements: one for adapting curricula, one for using technology, and one for helping kids transition. To earn one of these endorsements, you must already have a teaching license and complete additional requirements. Even if you're not getting a full degree, you still need to be accepted to National Louis University to get one of these endorsements. These programs are for teachers who already have some experience working with kids with special needs and want to learn more.

Why Pursue an LBS II Endorsement?

Special education teachers often choose to get an LBS II endorsement when they want to become really good at one specific area of teaching. This usually happens after they gain experience as a general special education teacher with their LBS I license. Instead of trying to be good at everything, an LBS II specialization lets a teacher focus on one area where they can really make a difference - and this is something that many schools really value. By doing this, teachers can not only work directly with students who need extra help, but also share their expertise with colleagues and become a go-to person at their school. This can be a great way for teachers to take their skills to the next level and make a bigger impact on their students' lives.

For special education teachers wanting to move up in their careers and be more in demand, this endorsement is a great option. It doesn't mean they have to become administrators, though. With an LBS II specialist endorsement, teachers can take on more specialized roles, which often come with better pay, and still work directly with students and colleagues. This way, they don't have to switch to a job that's only about administration.

Key Questions About This Endorsement

Do I need to hold an LBS I endorsement already to pursue an LBS II?

So, LBS II endorsements are meant for teachers who already have an LBS I endorsement - they're like an extra step up. You can't get an LBS II endorsement on its own; you need the first one already. It's a way for special education teachers to advance their skills and credentials, but it's not a starting point for new teachers.

What specialty areas are typically available?

Common LBS II specialty areas include Curriculum Adaptation Specialist (modifying instruction and curriculum for students with more significant needs), Technology Specialist (assistive technology for students with disabilities), and Transition Specialist (supporting students' transition to adult life, employment, or postsecondary education after high school). NLU offers all three of these specialty areas.

Is this the same as the general Technology Specialist Endorsement?

So, a general Technology Specialist Endorsement is pretty broad - it's about using technology in education for any teacher. On the other hand, the LBS II Technology Specialist endorsement is more specific; it focuses on using technology to help students with disabilities. To get this endorsement, you already need an LBS I special education endorsement, which makes it a more specialized credential.

Do I need to enroll in a full degree program to pursue this endorsement?

It's not always the case - some programs, like those at National Louis University, offer LBS II endorsements on their own, without needing to be part of a full degree. Even so, students usually must be officially accepted into the institution, even if they're only pursuing the endorsement. 

Career Impact

Completing an LBS II endorsement prepares teachers for high-demand special education roles. These roles are specialized and can't be fully covered by a general LBS I credential. The LBS II Endorsement program provides teachers with the training they need to fill these in-demand positions in Illinois. This matters because these specialized special education roles face a persistent teacher shortage. With this endorsement, teachers can gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a bigger impact in their students' lives.

With a specialty, graduates can work in roles like adapting schoolwork for students with disabilities, supporting assistive technology, or planning for students' postsecondary plans. These jobs are often more specialized and can pay better than regular special education teaching. However, they still focus on helping students and other teachers directly, rather than just doing administrative work.

LBS II Endorsement at National Louis University

National Louis University offers a special program for teachers who want to support students with special needs. They offer three areas to specialize in: adapting schoolwork to each child's needs, using technology to make learning easier, and helping kids move from one stage of school to the next. To join this program, teachers must already have a certain level of training, called an LBS I Endorsement, which covers working with kids from preschool to age 21. The university's education department is recognized for its high standards by a national group that checks teacher training programs.