As a special education teacher, you’ll be responsible for planning and implementing individualized lessons designed to help special needs students master content in line with state academic standards. In many cases, you’ll also have the opportunity to assess students’ progress and work with parents to identify appropriate goals.
To become a special education teacher, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and a state-issued license or certificate. You may also need to fulfill requirements for certification in special education, which are set by individual states. In most cases, prospective special education teachers must complete an approved teacher preparation program and student teaching experience prior to obtaining licensure.
Bachelor’s degree programs in education typically include coursework in child development and learning strategies, as well as general education requirements. If you are pursuing a license or certification to teach special education, your coursework will include additional classes on topics such as behavior management techniques, working with non-verbal students, IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), and assessment methods for students with disabilities.
As a special education teacher, you’ll be responsible for planning and implementing individualized lessons designed to help special needs students master content in line with state academic standards. In many cases, you’ll also have the opportunity to assess students’ progress and work with parents to identify appropriate goals.
Aspiring special education teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis on special education; however, some states require that the teacher have a master’s degree in special education. Most schools require candidates for this position to complete an approved teacher preparation program and student teaching experience. Typically, these programs include coursework in instructional methods and classroom management as well as fieldwork.
Typical coursework for teacher preparation programs includes classes on child development, classroom management, instructional methods and assessment strategies. Special education courses typically include subjects such as strategies for teaching students with disabilities and collaboration between general-education and special-education teachers.
After completing the required coursework and supervised training, individuals must pass a licensing exam in order to be certified as special education teachers in the state where they plan to work. Some states require prospective teachers to pass additional exams that test their knowledge in specific areas of special education.
Becoming a special education teacher is a rewarding process that can take several years to complete. The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. For admission into a bachelor’s degree program, most institutions require high school transcripts, standardized test scores and letters of recommendation. Students interested in becoming special education teachers must also earn an accredited teacher preparation program and student teaching experience prior to obtaining licensure.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, aspiring special education teachers can enroll in a master’s degree program in special education or pursue a graduate certificate in special education. Most states require public school teachers to have completed at least a master’s degree. Continuing education courses can help special educators meet state certification requirements, while also preparing them to work with students who have multiple disabilities or severe disabilities.
Special education teachers work with students who have a variety of disabilities, from cognitive impairments to physical and developmental disabilities. They are trained to instruct these students using a variety of techniques that may be more accommodating than traditional methods.
Most states require public school teachers—including special education teachers—to be licensed. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but most include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completing an approved teacher preparation program (or student teaching experience), and passing one or more examinations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in order to become a licensed special education teacher, you must earn certification from the state board of education or department of public instruction in the state where you want to work. Commonly, this involves graduating from an accredited teacher preparation program with a major in special education and completing student teaching experience. Some states require passing scores on exams that measure general teaching skills and knowledge as well as specialized skills and knowledge related to teaching students with disabilities.
While the specific requirements vary by state, most states require prospective teachers to complete an approved teacher preparation program and supervised clinical practice or student teaching to become licensed. Some states require prospective teachers to pass one or more assessments, such as the Praxis II exam, before they can become licensed.