A director of special education certification is designed to give teachers and administrators the skills they need to help special needs students succeed. The first step in becoming a director of special education is to earn a bachelor’s degree in special education. The second step is to earn a master’s degree in special education. After completing both degrees, you can begin your career as a director of special education.
A director of special education certification will allow you to work with students who have disabilities or learning differences. These students may include children on the autism spectrum, students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and students with dyslexia. Directors of special education must be able to understand the needs of these different groups and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly.
A director of special education certification is not only for teachers; it is also for administrators such as principals, superintendents, and school board members.
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of teaching experience (preferably in special education), an advanced degree in special education leadership or administration (preferably a doctorate), certification in educational administration or special education administration, prior management experience (preferably in the field of special education), knowledge of the technology used for special needs students, experience working with children with various challenges and disabilities, strong organizational skills, strong communication skills including public speaking ability, the ability to delegate effectively to subordinates, strong time management skills, proficient computer skills (preferably including Microsoft Office Suite).
The purpose of special education is to support a child’s learning and development. Special education services are designed to meet the unique needs of individual students with disabilities in order to help them achieve their goals.
These services may include specially designed instruction and related services such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy. They may also include assistive technology devices and services or accommodations for schoolwork.
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities. According to IDEA, a student is eligible for special education if he or she has been evaluated as having one of 13 specific disabilities, from autism to traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The Director of Special Education Certification program is designed to prepare certified teachers for administrative positions in special education and related services. The program emphasizes the development of administrative skills and knowledge needed by leaders in PK-12 schools, hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and state departments of education.
The Director of Special Education Certification is an advanced certificate for educators who wish to develop comprehensive leadership skills needed to work with individuals with disabilities. The program will prepare candidates to become leaders in special education, either as a director of special education or as a supervisor of special education teachers. The program provides training in the legal, organizational, and administrative aspects of special education.
To earn this certification, you must hold a valid certificate in any instructional area. You must also have completed at least three years of successful teaching experience and meet the requirements for a Level II Certificate.
The Director of Special Education Certification is a doctorate degree program for working professionals who wish to become licensed as special education directors in a school or district setting. It is intended for candidates who already hold a valid Michigan teaching certificate and have at least three years of experience teaching special education.
To become a special education teacher, you must first complete your undergraduate degree program in early childhood development and elementary education (or secondary English, math, science), followed by a master’s degree program in special education or related field such as human development psychology or speech language pathology (SLP). The graduate program should include an internship experience working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.”