Becoming a teacher is a challenging process, but Lincoln Memorial University's Teacher Education Program will give you the guidance, support, and knowledge to become the teacher you want to be. As a graduate of our program, you will belong to a tradition of great teachers specializing in special education. For more than one hundred years, LMU has provided public schools with teachers who embody the highest standards of quality and professionalism and the care that students of all ages deserve.
Special Education Licensure Highlights
This four-year professional program combines academic experiences with real-world practice in K-12 classrooms in the university classroom.
Our faculty members have had extensive experience as classroom teachers and school administrators. Their diverse expertise allows you to learn practical information you can apply in your classroom. As a candidate for licensure in the programs, you will benefit from a wide range of clinical and field experiences, working alongside teachers in real classrooms.
Course Information
LMU's undergraduate teacher education program for special education licensure offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in compliance with Tennessee Department of Education licensure standards.
Your preparation begins with general studies courses to establish a knowledge base. It continues through the development of the major and the Professional Education Core, culminating in the Clinical Practice Experience (student teaching).
Your advisor will help you map out an educational plan to suit your particular needs, including transfer hours from community colleges and other institutions. Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from accredited community colleges in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia fulfill the LMU General Education requirements except for the 1-hour LINC 100 course.
Explore Special Education Tracks
What kind of educator will you become? Learn more about the different levels of teacher certification programs offered here at LMU.
Initial Licensure Undergraduate Program Requirements
To earn your bachelor's degree and teacher certificate from LMU, you must meet specific benchmarks during your program studies. You are responsible for meeting or exceeding the following as according to your specific education bachelor's degree pathway:
- Required scores on the ACT, SAT, Praxis CORE exams
- Required program interviews
- Educator Disposition Assessments
- Relevant course grades
- Required clinical experiences placements and documentation
- All Praxis II required exams
- edTPA Assessment
See the Undergraduate Initial Teacher Licensure Handbook for the complete list of initial teacher licensure requirements for candidates.
Teacher Licensure Prerequisites and Co-requisites
Each teacher initial licensure degree program has its own unique suggested 4-year plan with set curriculums. However, some courses must be completed as prerequisites or co-requisites:
- EDUC 290 - Prerequisite to all other professional education core courses*
*EDUC 210 can be taken before being enrolled in EDUC 290, but this is not recommended. - EDUC 210 - Prerequisite to all professional education core courses except EDUC 290
- SPED 320 - Prerequisite to EDUC 480
- PSYC 221 - Prerequisite to EDUC 480
Resources for Special Education Certification
Related Programs in the Carter & Moyers School of Education
Contact Us
Dr. Rebecca Burleson
423.869.6387
rebecca.burleson@LMUnet.edu
Carter & Moyers School of Education
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway,
Harrogate, TN 37752
423.869.3611
800.325.0900