Meet These Requirements If You Want to Teach Special Education

Every teacher in today's society must be equipped to work with special education students. School districts know that mainstreaming these boys and girls into regular classroom settings-choosing the least restrictive environment-is generally the best option. Special education is a field in growing demand. There are special education teachers whose instruction takes place in self-contained classrooms. In many cases, however, they work cooperatively with regular classroom teachers.

In order to succeed as a special education teacher, you must be able to compassionately accept and understand students' differences and needs. You will be entrusted with a good share of their emotional, developmental, and physical growth. Those who earn special education degrees receive training in the programs and methods that work best for a distinct cluster of students. If you are considering a degree in special education, you will need to fulfill certain educational requirements.

Bachelor's Degree

Undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees are all available in special education. Most commonly, teachers earn their special education degrees in 4-year undergraduate bachelor's programs. The course of study includes classes targeted toward regular as well as special education. Many school districts are now requiring a fifth year of education. Some districts offer alternative routes to teaching for a student who has a bachelor's degree that isn't in education.

Special Education Courses

Specifically-designed classes that you can expect in the special education curriculum might include the following: curriculum and instructional needs of students with disabilities; special education and the law; behavior management; students with learning disabilities; assessing individual students' needs; education and the exceptional child.

Student Teaching

Individuals learning to be special education teachers are generally placed into classroom settings early-on to conduct observations and research. Student teaching is often reserved for the final semester of college. A student is assigned to her particular concentration area/s and is placed under the supervision of an experienced teacher and a college instructor. This segment lasts for approximately 12 to 18 weeks, as a general rule. Student teaching is coordinated between the university and local school districts.

Assessment Test

In order to be certified to teach in most states, it is necessary to pass a professional competency test with adequate scores. In many cases, the Praxis test is the assessment tool. Students generally take preparation classes for the exam.

License and Certification

Every state has its own licensing standards for special education teachers. Check with your state Department of Education. Some states require additional certifications in special education expertise areas, as well as the general education license.

Master's Degree

Most teachers work toward getting their master's degrees within five years of accepting a job. There are districts in which a master's degree is a requirement for teaching in the special education department. Check with the school district before you apply.

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