Special education teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree, a state-issued certification or license and classroom experience. State requirements vary, but all states require at least a bachelor’s degree in special education or a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in special education. Most states also require teachers to complete student teaching as part of their training.
All states require special education teachers in public schools to have at least a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, the degree must be in special education or a related field; however, some states only require that it be in elementary education with a specialization or concentration in special education. A few states allow individuals who have completed an alternative preparation program to become certified as special education teachers without having completed an undergraduate program specifically in special education or elementary education.
In general, special education teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Many states require special education teachers to have a concentration in the area of disability they plan to work with, such as learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorders.
Special education teachers may not need any experience, but many schools prefer candidates who have completed student teaching internships or worked as teacher assistants. Special education teachers need to be able to communicate effectively and work well with students, other teachers, parents, and school administrators. They should be understanding and patient and have excellent organizational skills.
A bachelor’s degree is required for most Special Education Teacher positions. Master’s degrees or higher are preferred and may be required for some positions, especially teaching positions in public schools and universities. A teaching license is also required for all Special Education Teacher jobs.
For those seeking a career as a Special Education Teacher, there are a wide range of possible careers to choose from. Below we’ve outlined what you’ll need for a career in each of these areas, as well as how much you can make in each profession.
To become a special education teacher in the U.S., you need to earn a bachelor’s degree and complete a teacher preparation program. In addition, you must successfully complete all relevant state requirements, including any licensure or certification exams necessary to teach special education in your state.
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. Special education teachers work with general education teachers to present the information in a way that students with disabilities can more easily understand. Although special education teachers may not know exactly what kind of challenges their students will face each day, they are prepared for anything.
Teaching students with special needs requires patience and creativity. Special education teachers must differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom. They must also collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure that each student has access to the best possible education.
Some special education teachers work with several different types of disabilities; others are specialists who work only with students who have specific disabilities. Most work in public schools; however, some also teach in private schools or open their own private practices.
Most special education teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition to earning the required degree, aspiring special education teachers must obtain state certification.