PULSE: Paraprofessionals Unlocking Licensure in Special Education

The PULSE program is designed for special education paraprofessionals with at least 2 years of classroom experience seeking to earn their Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and their Professional Educator’s License (PEL) with a Learning Behavioral Specialist 1 (LBS 1) endorsement.  This program is fully online with coursework completed both synchronously and asynchronously. PULSE is streamlined from our traditional LBS 1 program and is designed to specifically meet the educational needs of adult learners and capitalize on your experiences as working paraprofessionals.  Keep your job, your pay, and your benefits all while completing the program!

Features

• 100% online, cohort-based, 2-year program
  
  • View the PULSE program plan of study
• Financial assistance available
• Dedicated academic advisor
• Course content designed specifically to help you transition from a paraprofessional to a fully licensed special education teacher
• Continue working while earning your degree, even during student teaching

Eligibility

Candidates need the following to be considered for the PULSE program by the start of the program:

• Associate's degree (Associate of Arts) or 60+ hours with IAI Requirements or General Education requirements completed
• Courses
  • PSY 110-General Psychology
  • SED 101-Intro to Special Education
  • AMALI Graduation Requirement
• At least 2 years of experience working as a paraprofessional in a special education setting
• Complete PULSE Employer Acknowledgement Form; this form should be completed by an administrator in your district/cooperative and demonstrate their support for you completing the program, including clinicals and student teaching, while employed as a paraprofessional.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available. The first step in determining eligibility is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Application Process

• To initiate the pre-admission process, submit the pre-application form.  This is not an official application, but rather a way to express interest in finding out more details about the program.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
• Submit the PULSE Employer Acknowledgement Form.
• Based on this information, our academic advisors will review your work experience and educational history to determine eligibility.  An advisor will work and communicate with you directly.  
• Once you are pre-approved for the program, you will be given further instructions to complete your official application for admission to Illinois State University. 

Information Sessions: To learn more about the program, feel free to sign up for a virtual information session.

Submit Pre-Application Form 

Questions

Email Melissa Ramirez, Academic Advisor & Recruiter