Primary Intervention Specialist Blended (PreK-5) BSE
Graduate ready to teach in inclusive PreK-5 classrooms with two Ohio teaching licenses: Primary Education (PreK-5) and Primary Intervention Specialist (PreK-5). The program builds in 700+ hours of clinical experience starting your first semester.
Program Overview
Shawnee State University’s Primary Intervention Specialist Blended Licensure Program prepares educators to lead in inclusive PreK–5 classrooms, with the added value of earning two licensure areas:
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Primary Education (PreK–5)
- Primary Intervention Specialist (PreK–5)
Built on a clinical model, the program integrates 700+ hours of field experience throughout the 4-year degree. Students begin working in real classrooms during their first semester, significantly exceeding the 240-hour fieldwork minimum required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
This dual-licensure program develops learner-centered, inquiring professionals who understand how to teach both general education students and those with exceptional learning needs. Courses such as Educational Psychology, Exceptional Learning Needs, and Behavior Interventions and Classroom Management ensure graduates are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Students will graduate with a deep understanding of curriculum, assessment, inclusive instruction, and the moral commitment required to help every child thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Primary Intervention Specialist Blended (PreK-5) BSE
Degree
BSE
Format
On campus
Length
4 years (full-time)
Credits
124
Why Study Primary Intervention Specialist Blended (PreK-5) BSE at Shawnee University
Two licenses in four years. You qualify for both Ohio Primary Education (PreK-5) and Ohio Primary Intervention Specialist (PreK-5) - more flexibility on day one of your career.
Clinical model from semester one. You're in real PreK-5 classrooms early and stay there. By graduation you'll have 700+ field hours, well above Ohio's 240-hour minimum.
Built for inclusive teaching. Courses in Exceptional Learning Needs, Educational Psychology, and Behavior Interventions and Classroom Management prepare you to teach across general and special education.
Small classes and expert faculty. You'll have direct mentorship, not lecture-hall anonymity.
Strong demand. Schools across Ohio and the country are short on intervention specialists - dual-licensed teachers are especially employable.
The 124-credit dual-licensure degree combines general education, content for elementary teachers, and three levels of professional education coursework focused on general and intervention practice.
- General Education Program (40 credits)
- First-Year Experience (1 credit): University Foundations
- Curriculum Content (22 credits): art in the curriculum, math for PreK-5, scientific reasoning, intro to sign language, physical science by inquiry, intro to theater
- Related Studies (6 credits)
- Professional Education Requirements (55 credits) across three levels: foundations and intro to primary education; cultural diversity, exceptional learning needs, literacy, phonics, primary ed admin; foundations for intervention, assessment and intervention planning, behavior interventions, classroom management, integrated curriculum and assessment; instructional accommodations, capstones, math and science methods, language arts and social studies methods, directed teaching and seminar
You start in PreK-5 classrooms in your first semester and stay in them every semester. Across 700+ hours of fieldwork you'll work with both general and special education students in diverse classrooms. The capstone is a semester-long directed teaching placement with a licensed mentor and university faculty.
- Deliver effective instruction for both general and special education learners
- Create inclusive, supportive classroom environments
- Assess student learning and plan individualized instruction
- Apply culturally responsive, evidence-based teaching methods
- Use positive, research-based behavior management
- Apply laws and ethical practices in special education
On campus at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. Field placements and student teaching happen in local PreK-5 schools.
- Dual-licensed PreK-5 classroom teacher (general and intervention specialist)
- Intervention specialist in inclusive elementary classrooms
- Resource room or co-teaching specialist (PreK-5)
- Special education program coordinator (with experience)
- Graduate study in intervention specialist licensure, literacy, or curriculum
Graduates work in public and private PreK-5 schools across Ohio - especially in inclusive and co-teaching models. Dual licensure increases hiring options and pay potential in many districts.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
Primary Intervention Specialist Blended (PreK-5) BSE Frequently Asked Questions
Both Ohio Primary Education (PreK-5) and Ohio Primary Intervention Specialist (PreK-5).
Your first semester, and they continue through graduation.
Yes. It's approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and prepares you for dual licensure in Ohio.
Yes. The program includes extensive coursework in special education, behavior interventions, assessment, and classroom management.
Program handbook
Contact the program coordinator (ckemp@shawnee.edu or (740) 351-3049) for the current Primary Intervention Specialist Blended handbook. Course descriptions and degree requirements are in the Academic Catalog.
Below are the degree requirements for Primary Intervention Specialist Blended in sequence.
To view them, you will need Microsoft Excel. If you can’t open this document please contact scline@shawnee.edu for an alternative.
Accreditation
Approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and aligned with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Graduates meet the requirements for Ohio PreK-5 Teaching Licensure and Ohio Primary Intervention Specialist Licensure. Shawnee State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
