5 Steps To Starting Your Careers As a Special Education Teacher

You've decided that you need a change in life. You feel the need to do something meaningful that will help others. You've investigated and gained information and you've concluded that you'd like to become a teacher, not only a teacher, but a special education teacher. Your aspiration is praiseworthy and now is the time to explore the profession and determine if it's REALLY something that you want. Teaching is one of the most significant careers that anyone can become involved with. You must be passionate, temperate, and dedicated and that's just the beginning. Do keep in mind that each student touched is a life that you'll imprint forever. That imprint can be the incentive for good or the impetus for harm. It all depends on how you the teacher will emboss your stamp on that student.

So what's the process? How can you become a teacher who specializes in special education? Well the first step is to do research and garner information. Begin by asking the question what is a special education teacher? She/he is a teacher that devotes their career to working with students that have diverse disabilities. As such you will encounter students with learning disabilities that range from mild to severe, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, and emotional issues. You'll need to be organized, methodical, and meticulous as your students will often be the opposite and will need you to help keep them on task. You'll encounter students with speech impediments, hearing impairment, autism, and much more so you will have to be resilient. During this phase learn all that you can about this profession and determine if this is truly what you want to do.

The second step is to establish the educational requirements and salary proportions. Firstly you must obtain a bachelors degree, preferably in special education.

The Secret To Being A Good Special Education Teacher

Education is one of the most rewarding professions. Special education is particularly rewarding. The joy you feel when a person who is having problems makes some progress is unmatched in any other field. But to be a special education teacher takes a special type of person. It not only requires special training, one must also be very patient and love people no matter what their special needs. If you are the type of person who combines all these elements then a career in special education could be for you.

To teach special education you must be licensed. Getting a license requires you to have at least a bachelor's degree and complete an approved training course in teaching special education. Some states require a master's degree. Acquiring the training is not very difficult. Many colleges offer undergraduate, graduate and doctorate level courses in the field. Teachers who want to focus on special education often have to complete longer periods of training than teachers in other areas. You can choose to specialize within the special education field or you may pursue general special education training. The last year of training usually entails working in a classroom under the supervision of a certified teacher.

Teachers wishing to work in special education often receive general training and must then receive further training in a particular area that prepares them to work with people with physical, mental or emotional difficulties.