Special education teaching credentials provide educators with the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful special education teacher. Special education teachers will learn how to work with students who have a variety of special needs, including physical and mental disabilities, as well as gifted students.
A special education teaching credential authorizes a teacher to instruct students in public schools who have been identified with a disability and require special services, instruction, and support.
The credential may be obtained as part of an initial teaching credential or as an additional authorization for a credential holder who has already obtained a valid teaching credential.
At the elementary level, special education teachers are trained to work with students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. This can include students with learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, speech impairment, physical disabilities, or developmental delays.
At the secondary level, special education teachers are trained to work with students with severe-to-profound disabilities. This can include students with mental retardation, multiple disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, or other health impairments such as blindness and deafness.
A special education teaching credential is a license that authorizes the holder to teach children with disabilities. A special education credential is usually earned through a college or university program and may be required for teaching jobs in some states.
In addition to studying educational theories, techniques, methods, and materials, students learn how to apply these elements to the unique needs of children with disabilities. Courses include child growth and development, reading instruction, classroom management, language acquisition, and assessments.
As a special education teacher, you will have the opportunity to help students with disabilities reach their full potential and achieve their educational goals. To become a special education teacher, you will need to meet your state’s requirements for teaching credentials.
A special education teacher is a teacher who has been trained to educate children with physical or mental disabilities. If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, you will likely need to complete a special education teaching program.
Special education programs provide both academic and behavioral services to students with special needs. These programs are often set up for students in elementary school through high school. However, there are also special education programs for adults. Special education teachers can be found in public schools, private schools, and through the public school system but run by a public agency. These individuals are trained to work with students who have a wide range of physical, mental, or emotional needs.
Special education is a field that requires practitioners who are willing and able to work with students who have any number of physical and mental challenges. The most popular route to training in this field is through a bachelor’s degree program in special education, but some schools offer accelerated programs that can help you earn your teaching certificate in less time than you’d spend in a traditional undergraduate program. There are also master’s degree programs available for those who already hold a teaching license and wish to specialize in special education or take on administrative roles. Below we’ve outlined typical requirements for both types of programs, as well as what to look for when selecting the right school.