Why This Program?

Understand more students who are differently abled. 

Briar Cliff offers a Special Education Instructional Strategist endorsement for elementary education and secondary education majors. This endorsement will prepare you to teach students with special needs or disabilities, and to serve as an instructional strategist in both public and private school settings.

• Boost Your Résumé: Special Education Teachers are highly sought after. According to the Special Education Personnel Shortages Factsheet, 49 states report a shortage of special education teachers. 
• Student Teaching Experience: Leveraging our relationship with local Siouxland Community public and private schools, Briar Cliff will make sure you're prepared and facilitate your student teaching internship assignment(s). Generally, this will take place in the final year of your college career, and the internship is a full-time responsibility, as you are required to follow the schedule and activities of the cooperating teacher, including after-school meetings and activities. Our graduates say the student teaching experience for credit is both the most challenging and rewarding part of being an education major.

With small class sizes, careful student advising, and personalized attention, Briar Cliff's Teacher Preparation Programs are known for producing caring and distinguished teachers. Our programs are fully approved by the Iowa Department of Education.