Elementary Special Education

Special Education

B.S.Ed. in Special Education/Elementary Education (Teaching All Learners)

Earn dual licensure in elementary general and special education!

Improve the lives of all students by becoming a teacher through the Teaching All Learners (TAL) program.

TAL students are committed to helping children in kindergarten through sixth grade reach their full potential, regardless of their socio-economic status, cultural background, or disability. Through TAL coursework, field placements in several kinds of schools and classrooms, faculty support, and mentorship in the field, TAL helps develop innovative and effective teachers.

Highlights include:

  • Dynamic coursework covering the fundamentals of teaching (e.g., literacy, math, science, and social studies) and extending beyond those essentials, to include strategies needed in today's schools, such as effective instruction, classroom and behavior management, assistive technology, assessment, and collaboration.
  • Integrated Urban Education field placement
  • Innovative year-long student teaching experience
  • Global Gateway for Teachers opportunities where you can spend time student teaching overseas, in the Navajo Nation, or Chicago Public Schools
  • Dual licensure in elementary education and special education
  • Admissions Requirements
    Direct Admit Scholars

    To be considered for direct admission into the School of Education, students must first be admitted to IU with an intended major within the School of Education. Students who meet the Direct Admit Scholars qualifications are invited to apply to the program.

    Certification from University Division

    Students should meet with a University Division advisor, who can provide guidance in meeting certification requirements. These requirements include:

    • An overall IU grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
    • 30 credit hours of college level coursework completed
    • Completion of EDUC-G203: Communication for Youth Serving Professionals, with a grade of C or better. (Under certain circumstances, students may substitute another college level public speaking or interpersonal communication class.)

    Learn more about how to apply

  • Financial Aid

    We offer a range of scholarships for qualified students. Current students can be considered for most School of Education scholarships by completing one application each year.

    We also encourage students to visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.

    If you are a prospective student who applies to our Direct Admit Scholars program, you’ll be considered for scholarship opportunities as an entering freshman.

  • Student Teaching
    • The TAL program culminates in an innovative year-long student teaching experience in elementary classrooms where you will prepare lessons and learn to independently lead classes under the guidance of a mentor teacher. One semester will be spent in a general education setting and one semester in a special education placement.
    • You will also participate in field placements as early as your sophomore year through our early field experiences program. One of these includes the opportunity to experience teaching in an Urban Setting, in your Urban field placement in the Indianapolis Public Schools.
  • Licensing

    The Teaching All Learners (TAL) degree program leads to one original license covering:

    • Elementary Generalist (K-6)
    • Mild Intervention (K-6)

    Learn more about applying for your initial license.

  • Current Students

    Visit the Undergraduate Portal for forms, course requirements, and other resources you'll need as you work to complete your program.

Beyond IU

Because of the high demand for teachers who are qualified to meet the individual needs of exceptional students, TAL graduates are offered a broad variety of career opportunities. TAL graduates can choose to teach in general education classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and resource rooms in school districts across the country.

In addition to having the skills to teach in traditional elementary programs, graduates are prepared to work as consultant teachers, co-teachers in inclusive settings, and a in range of other roles designed for students with a wide range of needs.

Contact Us

Office of Teacher Education
ED 1000
(812) 856-8500
edhelp@indiana.edu

Ana Maria Brannan
Program Co-Director
(812) 856-8119
brannana@indiana.edu

Start your life-changing journey

Schedule a visit   Request information