Education is one the most rewarding careers. Particularly rewarding is special education. It is hard to find a field that brings you the same joy as special education. Special education teachers require a very special kind of person. You need to be patient, kind and compassionate. A career in special education may be right for you if you combine all of these elements.
You must have a license to teach special education. To be eligible for a teaching license, you must have at least a bachelor’s and an approved training program in special education. Some states require a master’s degree. It is easy to obtain the training. There are many colleges that offer courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate levels in this field. Teachers who choose to specialize in special education may need to undergo longer training periods than those who teach other subjects. You have the option to either specialize in special education or pursue general special education training. The final year of your training typically involves working in a classroom with a certified teacher.
Special education teachers often have to receive general training before they can be trained in a specific area to help them work with those with mental, physical or emotional disabilities. You may need to be licensed to teach students with disabilities, or any of the sub-specialties within special education depending on where you live. To find out the specific requirements for certification, you should contact your state’s board of education.
You can also pursue a career as a special educator by taking other routes. Certain states permit individuals with at least a bachelor’s degree to teach in special education. They must pass an assessment test and receive supervised training from a college or accredited program. These alternative certification classes are intended to encourage those without a traditional teaching background into the profession. These teachers might have unique skills in music or art that they can use to reach students who are not able to access traditional teaching methods.
Teaching people with special needs takes more than just academic training. To master this craft, it takes commitment. Many people who have excellent teaching credentials and an interest in helping students with special needs have failed to succeed in special education. Even the most dedicated individuals can be frustrated by working with people with special disabilities. Many people enter the field with unrealistic expectations about the impact they can make on the students they teach. Sometimes the learning pace is slow, or students and new teachers fail to communicate.
Many new teachers are a good fit. They can reach students and assist them in making remarkable progress. Others are patient with their students and will accept incremental improvements. Sometimes special education teachers are able make significant breakthroughs. These teachers may have a natural instinct for students and their classrooms. They might also be able to find innovative ways to reach students and make them progress. The new methods can be shared with other professionals in the field.
A successful career requires patience, creativity, organization and the ability understand and accept the differences of others. Teachers who can identify, appreciate, and celebrate small victories together with their students often find it easier to work alongside students with special needs. There are no set rules. While teachers must be able to teach the basics of education, they also need to be perceptive, and above all, patient.