The School Social Work specialization gives you the skills and experience to help students when they need it the most. You will spend one academic year in a school setting practicum placement. This experience gives you the opportunity to work collaboratively with teachers and families. Together, you will help create individualized education plans (IEPs) to address students’ needs. You will also provide counseling services for individuals, groups, and families. Sometimes students need resources outside of their school. In these situations, you will serve as an advocate for their needs. Illinois State Board of Education requires all students pursuing the School Social Work specialization to pass the Illinois social work content exam to be eligible for the Professional Educator’s License with a School Social Work endorsement. The content exam must be passed by the end of the fall semester during your specialist practicum placement to be eligible to advance into the spring semester of your specialist practicum placement. Our program prepares you for completion of this content exam and eligibility for the Professional Educator’s License with a School Social Work endorsement. This is the credential required in Illinois to obtain employment as a school social worker.