Expand Your Impact as a Teacher with an LBS1 Endorsement
BY Amanda “Amy” Passmore, Ph.D. | 4 MIN READ
Classrooms today reflect an incredible diversity of learners. Educators regularly work with students who bring different academic strengths, learning styles, behavioral needs and life experiences into the classroom. Among these learners are students with disabilities who benefit from specialized instructional strategies, individualized supports and collaborative planning (Walker et al., 2023).
Can All Teachers Benefit From a Special Education Credential?
Today, students with disabilities are receiving the majority of their instruction in general education settings (Williamson et al., 2019). As schools continue to emphasize inclusive learning environments, the role of educators who understand how to support students with disabilities has become increasingly important. One way teachers can strengthen their ability to serve all students in Illinois is by pursuing a Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement.
Although the LBS1 (K-22) endorsement is commonly associated with special education teachers, a special education credential is also a valuable professional pathway for all educators interested in expanding their instructional expertise toward equity in education. For many teachers, the process of earning this endorsement may be more accessible than they expect.
What is the Learning Behavior Specialist I Endorsement?
The LBS1 endorsement prepares educators to support students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings, including the general education setting. The endorsement focuses on developing knowledge and skills related to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), specialized instruction, assessment, collaboration and individualized planning—all grounding in special education high-leverage practices (CEC, 2024).
What Classroom Strategies Will I Learn With the LBS1 Endorsement?
Educators pursuing the endorsement typically deepen their understanding of the following strategies:
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles
- Differentiated instruction
- Data-based decision making and progress monitoring
- Collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams
- Disability categories and learning differences
- Development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Importantly, the classroom strategies learned through LBS1 preparation extend beyond special education settings. Many of the instructional practices emphasized in these programs—such as scaffolding to provide differentiated instruction, analyzing student data, and designing flexible learning supports—are widely recognized as effective for all learners, not just students with disabilities.
Building on What You Already Know
One of the most encouraging aspects of pursuing an LBS1 endorsement is that many educators have already completed some of the required coursework during their teacher preparation programs. As a result, many teachers find that earning a special education credential simply involves completing a smaller number of additional courses.
Rather than beginning entirely from scratch, educators are building on knowledge they have already developed throughout their training and classroom experience. For teachers who are already passionate about supporting diverse learners, the endorsement becomes a natural extension of their professional growth.
Additionally, many special education endorsement programs, including the LBS1 program at Elmhurst University, are designed with working educators in mind. Courses are often offered in flexible formats that allow teachers to continue working in schools while completing the required coursework. This structure enables educators to immediately connect what they are learning in their coursework to the realities of their classroom practice.
Next Steps
At Elmhurst, licensed educators can earn the LBS1 endorsement by taking four to five core courses and completing the State of Illinois LBS1 exam. The endorsement may also be earned as part of 34-semester-hour M.S.Ed. in Special Education or as a component of the M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership. To learn more about the how LBS1 endorsement at Elmhurst University can boost your career as an educator and help you better serve students, fill out the form below.
