A Certified Special Education Teacher is a highly educated individual with a passion for the special education field. They are willing to work hard in order to give their students the best learning experience possible. A Certified Special Education Teacher has been specially trained and certified to work with children and adults with special needs.
A certified special education teacher is someone who possesses the requisite skills, knowledge, and expertise to work with children and adolescents in a variety of settings.
The purpose of this certification is to ensure that students are not only able to successfully complete their studies but also receive the appropriate level of instruction that will prepare them for future careers and advancement.
In general, certified special education teachers must be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice. However, some states do not require a license; rather they require only certification. This certification is granted by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE).
Certified special education teachers must complete a college degree program with state-mandated coursework in special education. Teachers must also complete field work in the form of student teaching or an internship to gain experience in the classroom. The teacher must then pass a test to become certified or licensed by the state’s department of education.
Special education teachers work with students from preschool through high school, and sometimes into college. They often work one-on-one with students to find accommodations for their specific needs. They also consult with parents and other professionals in order to help the student succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Special education teachers need to understand the law as it pertains to their field, be able to communicate effectively with parents, administrators, and other professionals, and be adaptable enough to change strategies when one isn’t working for the student.
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.
In general, someone can become a certified special education teacher by completing a bachelor’s degree in an accredited program and then passing a state-administered exam called the Praxis II Special Education test.
The person must also have experience in teaching or working with students with disabilities. Then, they can submit their application to the state board of education and be accepted as a certified teacher. In some states, teachers must complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification while in other states, certifications do not expire.
The purpose of a special education teacher is to provide students with an appropriate education that addresses their individual needs. Special education teachers are expected to be able to modify general curriculum for students with disabilities. They can teach basic skills such as reading and writing and also work on social development.
Special education teachers often work alongside other educators in the classroom, including psychologists, other teachers, speech-language pathologists, vocational counselors, and social workers.
They provide assessments and evaluations for students who may be eligible for special education services. This can include observing the student’s behaviors at school and collecting information from others who have worked with the child in the past.
They provide instruction to students who have a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities (such as mobility impairments), mental retardation, specific learning disabilities (such as dyslexia or dyscalculia), speech impairment (such as stuttering), emotional disorders (such as anxiety or depression), health impairment (such as asthma), autistic spectrum disorders (such as Asperger syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) or other health-related issues.
Certified Special Education Teachers work in a number of different environments, including public school classrooms, private schools and tutoring centers. Because of the diversity of needs in this population, the scope of these teachers’ responsibilities varies widely.
Earning a special education certification requires a few more steps than earning a general teaching certification, though. In addition to applying for your state teaching certification, you’ll need to apply for your special education teacher certification. You can find more information on your state’s requirements through their department of education website.