Special education teacher or teacher speech therapist

The study program will ensure the preparation of qualified specialists for work in the field of special education and speech therapy, preparing teachers who understand the individual needs of children and are able to provide the necessary support for obtaining a quality education.

The goal of the program is to prepare high-level specialists for the needs of inclusive education, developing the necessary competencies to independently carry out corrective and developmental activities at any level of education in general or special education.

The goal of the sub-program “Special Education Teacher” is to develop and strengthen the theoretical knowledge, skills and competence necessary for a special education teacher.

The goal of the sub-program “Teacher Speech Therapist” is to develop and strengthen the theoretical knowledge, skills and competence necessary for a teacher speech therapist.

Graduates of the program have wide job opportunities - graduates can work in preschool educational institutions, general education schools, educational institutions that implement special education programs in accordance with the acquired qualification as a special education teacher, also a special educator or speech therapist teacher. After graduating from the study program, the right to study in second-cycle higher education study programs.

General requirements

Previous education:

1) first-cycle professional higher education in pedagogy or educational sciences, or equivalent higher education and mandatory at least 6 months of pedagogical work experience in an educational institution or

2) short-cycle professional higher education in pedagogy in the specialization of preschool teacher and mandatory at least 3 years of pedagogical work experience in an educational institution after graduation, or

3) first-cycle higher education or equivalent higher education and completed a professional development program of at least 72 hours and obtained a certificate in pedagogy, and mandatory at least 3 years of pedagogical work experience in an educational institution;

Competition evaluation calculation formula: weighted average grade (15 x 10 = 150) + entrance examination (1 x 850 = 850), minimum number of points in the entrance examination for admission – 400;

Additional condition: description of life and work history (CV) to confirm professional experience;

Note: When applying for studies, you must specify the subprogram: speech therapist teacher or special education teacher. The results of the competition are determined by the subprograms.

The entrance examination consists of two parts:

Part 1, written 45 minutes - in the written part, an argumentative essay on current events in special education or speech therapy and problems in educational practice. Applicants express and justify their opinion on the raised issue in writing (200-300 words).

Part 2, oral, in the form of an interview - the applicant expresses and justifies their opinion on their previous experience in the field of special education, speech therapy, inclusive education and motivation for studying in this program, answers the questions of the commission.

Additional condition: a description of life and work history (CV) for confirmation of professional experience (submitted when applying)

Criteria for assessing entrance examinations:

• ability to orientate and reflect on current events in the field of professional activity and related developments in society;
• professional motivation;
• competence in the use of the Latvian language (logic of text presentation, language style and spelling, pronunciation);
• communication skills and quality of speech.

Director of the study program:

Dr.paed., doc. Ilze Šūmane, 

e-mail: ilze.sumane@lu.lv

Imantas 7th line 1, Riga, room 236