Intervention Specialist (B.S.)
The intervention specialist program prepares you to be a highly qualified teacher with an understanding of the learner at various ages and stages of development, and from various cultures, socioeconomic levels, ethnic groups and ranges of abilities. You will learn how family diversity (i.e. economic, linguistic, cultural and ethnic lines) impacts the learner, as well as understand how disabilities affect each learner.
Integrating material from across grade levels prepares you to teach learners with mild to moderate special needs learning in kindergarten through grade 12. This program results in provisional licensure to teach students who have learning disabilities, mild to moderate retardation or mild behavior disorders, both in general education classrooms and special education settings.
As an intervention specialist major, you will both learn and teach in a variety of classrooms, community settings and job sites. These field and clinical experiences provide you with firsthand knowledge of the typical, as well as the divergent, learner. Through clinical activities, varied field experiences and student teaching, you will have multiple opportunities to plan for groups and individual students.
Throughout all four years, you will participate in teaching experiences in area schools, completing extensive hours of field-based experience before student teaching. During these experiences, you will be supported by department faculty and cooperating teacher educators on local schools staffs. Methods courses are offered during a one-term block format, allowing you to integrate curriculum, methods, assessment and career/vocational planning for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
In order to be approved for student teaching and recommended for licensure, you must maintain a 2.5 grade point average overall, both in professional education courses and in your teaching field, and display professional and ethical behavior.
Licensure
The School of Education and Allied Professions is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Generally, Ohio licensure granted in the School of Education and Allied Professions extends to most states. By the end of your first year, you must pass the Praxis I, which assesses reading, writing and mathematics skills. Licensure is contingent on successfully passing a state-mandated exit examination, Praxis II, that tests your knowledge in the principles of learning and teaching, and the content area of specialization. Passing scores for the Praxis II are established by the state of Ohio.
Students completing the intervention specialist program will receive a two-year Ohio Provisional Teacher License, K-12. Students who graduate from the intervention specialist program meet the Ohio 12-semester-hour reading course requirement.
Career Opportunities
When it comes time for you to graduate, Career Services will assist you in securing a teaching position. Career fairs and interviews with prospective employers are conducted on campus. Research indicates teachers licensed in special education are in high demand. A variety of job possibilities are available, which you can view through the Council for Exceptional Children or the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education.