Teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12
With the 2004 Authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) the demand for teachers with an intervention specialist licensure is growing now more than ever. Schools are looking for teachers who are innovative, creative and want to work with students of all ages. If you're looking for a teaching position that allows you to tackle new challenges each day and watch your students grow from children into young adults, Findlay's Intervention Specialist licensure program is for you.
To become an intervention specialist in the state of Ohio requirements for an Ohio teacher certification include a bachelor’s degree, graduation from a state-approved educator preparation program, and passage of the related Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) test.
The University of Findlay's licensure programs meet Ohio licensure requirements, candidates interested in being licensed in another state need to work with that state’s department of education to determine eligibility for the other state.
The University of Findlay's College of Education prepares students to become teachers through:
"Making the decision to go to the University of Findlay was difficult. It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. The College of Education professors are understanding and they care about you, as a person. They want to see you succeed and cheer for you when you do. If you don't succeed, they will be there to help you up and give you the support you need to try again. They have modeled what it means to be a teacher. I hope that I can be half the teacher they are when I have my own classroom. "
-Canarissa Cline, Intervention Specialist Education Major
Course Information
University of Findlay's College of Education prepares students through a blend of classwork and fieldwork.
Classwork
Classwork in your first year will focus on teaching methodologies and introductory practices for teaching subject matter. Higher-level intervention specialist classes focus on education practices for students with special needs, working with agencies outside of schools and current laws and legislation relating to intervention specialist education.
Field Work
Year 1
Education majors in the first year of the program are must complete 10 hours of observation in a classroom as part of their classwork. They have the choice of observing in a school located in the Findlay area or in a school in their hometown. Students also participate in the University of Findlay and Van Buren Experience, a tutoring and reading program with one of our partnership schools.
Year 2
During the second year as an education major, students enter into the Pre-Professional block. All undergraduate teacher candidates will attend classes on the University of Findlay’s main campus for the first eight weeks of the semester. They participate in a 6-week field experience from the start of school until the lunch hour and in other professional development such as: school board meetings, faculty professional development seminars at the district or building level, Individualized Education Planning (IEP) meetings or attending parent-teacher conferences. Students return to campus at the end of the semester for reflection on their time in the classroom.
Year 3The Methods Field Experience block is conducted during the third year. Students will be in their assigned schools for 6-weeks from the beginning of the school day to the end of the school day. Students periodically return to main campus for seminars to review their field/clinical experience and address issues and concerns.
Year 4Teacher-candidates complete their 16-week student-teacher experience during their fourth year as an education major. Students have the opportunity to choose the school where they will be teaching, provided the school district of choice is able to accept the student. While the only class on Findlay’s main campus is a monthly seminar, mentors perform weekly visits to students at their placements to offer support and answer any questions.
Questions about the program? Contact Carrie Wysocki, carrie.w[email protected], 419-434-5465.
Accreditation
The University of Findlay offers an intervention specialist licensure program that is nationally accredited through the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Already have a degree?
If you have already graduated with a bachelor's degree but are looking to become a teacher, check out our Intervention Specialist Post-baccalaureate Licensure option.