The Department of Special Education has three academic programs that are recommended for restructuring.  These programs are and will continue to remain open for current and incoming students.  The Early Childhood, Instructional Strategist I (5-12), and Instructional Strategist II minors will all undergo restructuring over the next six months.  The coursework and requirements for each of these programs will be examined and possibly modified through the curricular process to address accessibility and options for completion.  Curricular changes will not impact students completing requirements under the current UNI catalog.

Please be assured that each of these programs will continue to be available to students and will meet the high standards of excellence that they have maintained over the past 25 years.  The programs in the Department of Special Education address high needs teaching areas of demand. There continues to be a shortage of qualified special educators  in Iowa and the nation, with a national demand for special educators expected to increase by 17% through 2018 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2009).

The Department of Special Education provides education, advocacy, and leadership at the local, state, and national level.  Through its scholarship, service, and teaching development and dissemination of innovative instructional practices for pre-service and practicing educators, the Department of Special Education supports students and families both with and without disabilities as well as those from minority and culturally diverse backgrounds.

Welcome from Frank Kohler, Department Head

Teaching continues to be a top priority within the Department of Special Education, and we derive a great deal of satisfaction from our high-caliber students. There are several important benefits of a special education minor/endorsement. First, you will gain specialized knowledge and expertise in a number of areas, including technology, differentiated instruction, assessment, management, advocacy, and teaming and collaboration. Second, 100 percent of our graduates find jobs because there is a shortage of special education teachers in Iowa and across the nation. And third, special education teachers fulfill a wide range of exciting roles within schools. They teach children, work closely with parents/families, and support and collaborate with general education teachers, school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, and AEA specialists. Because of their multiple roles and responsibilities, special education teachers can have a tremendous impact within schools.

If you have questions about our program, please call 319-273-6061 or use the Contact Us link on the left sidebar of this page.

Frank Kohler
Head, Department of Special Education