Are you passionate about helping children with special needs? Do you want to make a difference in their lives? If so, then becoming a special education teacher may be the right career for you. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of disabilities, from learning disabilities to physical disabilities to emotional disabilities. They help these students learn and grow, and they play a vital role in their development. If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to get a bachelor’s degree in special education. Then, you need to complete a teacher certification program. Once you have your certification, you can start applying for jobs as a special education teacher. If you are dedicated to helping children with special needs, then becoming a special education teacher is a rewarding career that can make a real difference in the lives of your students. For more information on how to become a special education teacher, visit Kienhoc.com.
I. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
To become a special education teacher, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field. This degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work with students with disabilities.
There are many different colleges and universities that offer special education programs. When choosing a program, you should consider the size of the program, the faculty, and the location. You should also make sure that the program is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a teacher certification program. This program will provide you with the training you need to teach students with disabilities in a public school setting.
| School | Location | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | CEC |
| Teachers College, Columbia University | New York, NY | CEC |
| Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | CEC |
Coursework
The coursework for a special education degree typically includes classes in the following areas:
- Special education law
- Assessment and evaluation
- Instructional methods
- Behavior management
- Collaboration with parents and other professionals
In addition to coursework, you will also complete a practicum or internship in a special education setting. This will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
Once you have completed your coursework and practicum, you will be eligible to take the Praxis Special Education exam. This exam is required for teacher certification in most states.
After you have passed the Praxis exam, you will be able to apply for a teaching position in a public school setting.
Special education teachers work with students with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, and behavioral disabilities. They help students to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Special education teachers are in high demand, and there are many job opportunities available. If you are interested in working with students with disabilities, a career in special education may be the right choice for you.
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II. Complete Student Teaching
Working With Cooperating Teacher
You will spend the majority of your student teaching experience working closely with a cooperating teacher. This is a certified special education teacher who is highly experienced and can provide you with guidance and support. Your cooperating teacher will help you develop your teaching skills, create lesson plans, and assess student learning. It is important to build a strong relationship with your cooperating teacher and to seek their feedback on your work.
Creating Lesson Plans
During student teaching, you will be responsible for creating and delivering lesson plans. This is a critical task that requires you to have a deep understanding of the curriculum and the needs of your students. Your lesson plans should be engaging, relevant, and differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. You will also need to assess student learning and make adjustments to your lesson plans as needed.
Classroom Management
Classroom management is an essential skill for any teacher, but it is especially important for special education teachers. Students with disabilities may have difficulty following directions, staying on task, and interacting with others. You will need to develop a variety of classroom management strategies to help your students succeed. These strategies may include positive reinforcement, clear rules and expectations, and a structured environment.
| Type of Disability | Common Challenges | Support Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder | – Difficulty with social interaction – Repetitive behaviors – Sensory sensitivities | – Social skills training – Visual supports – Sensory breaks |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | – Difficulty paying attention – Impulsivity – Hyperactivity | – Medication – Behavioral interventions – Accommodations |
| Learning Disability | – Difficulty with reading, writing, or math – May have specific learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia) | – Special education instruction – Assistive technology – Accommodations |
III. Obtain State Certification
To become a special education teacher, you need to obtain state certification. The requirements for certification vary from state to state, but generally include a bachelor’s degree in special education, completion of a teacher preparation program, and passing a state certification exam.Learn More
Find an Approved Teacher Preparation Program
The first step to obtaining state certification is to find an approved teacher preparation program. These programs are typically offered by colleges and universities, and they provide the coursework and training you need to become a special education teacher. Look at the school’s ranking to make sure you are getting the quality education you deserve.Learn More
Complete the Program
Once you have found an approved program, you will need to complete all of the coursework and training required for certification. This typically includes courses in special education pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment. You will also need to complete a student teaching experience in a special education setting.Learn More
Applying For Your Teaching Certification
Once you have completed your teacher preparation program, you will need to apply for your teaching certificate. The application process varies from state to state, but generally includes submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and paying a fee.
Maintain Your Certification
Once you have obtained your teaching certificate, you will need to maintain it by completing professional development hours. The number of hours required varies from state to state, but generally ranges from 10 to 30 hours per year.Learn More
| Year | Enrollment | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1,000 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1,100 | 10% |
| 2012 | 1,200 | 9% |
- Study Hard
- Get Involved
- Ask for Help
IV. Gain Experience
Working with individuals with disabilities to understand their unique challenges and meet their specific needs, gaining firsthand experience in a special education environment, and volunteering or working at a camp, specialized preschool, or after-school program for individuals with disabilities can be rewarding. Here are some places where you can gain experience:
Volunteer Work
Volunteering at summer camps, after-school programs, or recreational activities for individuals with disabilities allows you to gain valuable experience in a less formal setting. Besides assisting with activities and providing extra support, you’ll get to interact with different people, learn how to design fun and therapeutic activities, and gain hands-on experience in a hands-on environment. Here are some platforms for volunteering:
| VolunteerMatch | United Way | Idealist.org |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Special Education | Special Education Lawyer | Special Education Jobs Near Me |
Working as a Paraprofessional
Working as a paraprofessional is a great way to gain experience working with individuals with disabilities in a supportive role. You will work closely with a special education teacher and students on a daily basis, assisting with the implementation of curriculum and providing instructional support to students with special needs. While working as a paraprofessional, you can develop teaching skills, learn new strategies for reaching students, and familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding special Education.
V. Consider a Master’s Degree
Benefits of a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree in special education can provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become a highly effective special education teacher. With a master’s degree, you will be able to:- Gain a deeper understanding of the theories and practices of special education- Develop specialized skills in working with students with disabilities- Learn how to create and implement effective individualized education programs (IEPs)- Stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in special education
Types of Master’s Degrees in Special Education
There are many different types of master’s degrees in special education available, so you can choose the program that best fits your interests and career goals. Some of the most common types of master’s degrees in special education include:- Master of Arts in Special Education- Master of Science in Special Education- Master of Education in Special Education- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Special Education
How to Choose a Master’s Degree Program in Special Education
When choosing a master’s degree program in special education, it is important to consider the following factors:- The program’s reputation and accreditation- The program’s curriculum and faculty- The program’s location and cost- The program’s admission requirements
Related Posts
– Master’s Degree in Special Education– Special Education Teacher Jobs– Special Education Schools
| Type of Master’s Degree | Focus | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts in Special Education | Theory and practice of special education | Special education teacher, special education administrator |
| Master of Science in Special Education | Research and best practices in special education | Special education researcher, special education consultant |
| Master of Education in Special Education | Teaching and learning in special education | Special education teacher, special education curriculum developer |
| Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Special Education | Teaching special education in a specific content area | Special education teacher in a specific content area (e.g., math, science, English) |
Related Posts
– Special Education Teacher Salary– Special Education Advocate– Special Education Lawyer
Conclusion
A master’s degree in special education can provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become a highly effective special education teacher. With a master’s degree, you will be able to make a real difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
