6 answers
Emma
Student
Alabaster, Alabama
1
Question
Asked
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How do i become a SPED teacher
I want to become a SPED teacher but cannot decide how. #teaching #teaching #teaching #teaching
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6 answers
Dave Henry
High school teacher
27
Answers
Maryville, Tennessee
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Good day Emma!
I was a special education teacher for 40 years. During that time I taught classes with students of developmental delays, more commonly known as mentally challenged, or mentally handicapped. There are several categories within this realm as well the more severe, the moderate, and the mild mental handicaps. You also have learning disabled children into categories. Then there are blind students, deaf students, physically handicapped students, socially maladapted students. In addition there are groups of students who are multi handicapped, meaning they have several disabilities. I got my start working as a volunteer in a special recreation program offered by the city parks department. From there I got involved in special olympics. And in fact, I was at the very first special Olympic meet in Chicago Illinois. I have been a special Olympic coach for over 50 years now. Going back to teaching, I went to my state school and enrolled in the special education department. Normally they give you an overall view of different kinds of handicaps. But you can specialize in each one of the above areas. When I graduated I had a double major in two of those areas plus a minor in psychology. special education requires more than a minimum requirements for college education. Because with it you also get the certificate so that you can teach regular education classes. I went back to school for a master's degree in administration period along the way I picked up several endorsements, among those as a vocational teacher. You might want to remember that special education teachers with self-contained classes, that is those classes that are with you all day in special ed, that you must teach multiple subjects. I taught woodshop, math, science, music, art, history, English just to name a few. This job does not necessarily require patience, but it does require that you understand the level of ability that each student has and that you teach according to their ability and needs. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out on every one of the students. I'm not trying to discourage you but you really have to be good at paperwork. State and federal requirements need to be filled out sometimes daily on each student. Obviously, I love my job. But the paperwork can be overwhelming! In addition you get to know your students so well that sometimes you become almost part of their family. The students are so wonderful to work with.
If you're going to
I was a special education teacher for 40 years. During that time I taught classes with students of developmental delays, more commonly known as mentally challenged, or mentally handicapped. There are several categories within this realm as well the more severe, the moderate, and the mild mental handicaps. You also have learning disabled children into categories. Then there are blind students, deaf students, physically handicapped students, socially maladapted students. In addition there are groups of students who are multi handicapped, meaning they have several disabilities. I got my start working as a volunteer in a special recreation program offered by the city parks department. From there I got involved in special olympics. And in fact, I was at the very first special Olympic meet in Chicago Illinois. I have been a special Olympic coach for over 50 years now. Going back to teaching, I went to my state school and enrolled in the special education department. Normally they give you an overall view of different kinds of handicaps. But you can specialize in each one of the above areas. When I graduated I had a double major in two of those areas plus a minor in psychology. special education requires more than a minimum requirements for college education. Because with it you also get the certificate so that you can teach regular education classes. I went back to school for a master's degree in administration period along the way I picked up several endorsements, among those as a vocational teacher. You might want to remember that special education teachers with self-contained classes, that is those classes that are with you all day in special ed, that you must teach multiple subjects. I taught woodshop, math, science, music, art, history, English just to name a few. This job does not necessarily require patience, but it does require that you understand the level of ability that each student has and that you teach according to their ability and needs. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out on every one of the students. I'm not trying to discourage you but you really have to be good at paperwork. State and federal requirements need to be filled out sometimes daily on each student. Obviously, I love my job. But the paperwork can be overwhelming! In addition you get to know your students so well that sometimes you become almost part of their family. The students are so wonderful to work with.
If you're going to
Ted Curran, M.Ed.
Learning Experience Designer
22
Answers
San Rafael, California
Updated
Ted’s Answer
There are also lots of opportunities to get involved in special ed. before you are ready/ old enough to become a teacher yourself. You can volunteer in special ed. classes at your school, or maybe find work as a special camp counselor, Special Olympics coach, or paraprofessional learning assistant in a special ed class. I did this starting my senior year of high school and gradually took on more responsibility as I went through college and started charting my real career in teaching.
Do an internet search for organizations in your community that serve people with disabilities.
See if there are opportunities to volunteer or work for someone with your qualifications.
Learn by doing, and have fun!
Ted recommends the following next steps:
Bryce Cromer
Student Teacher
89
Answers
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Bryce’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Special education teachers are needed now more than ever, as we can identifying students with specific learning disabilities and their needs cannot be met in a general education classroom. Most colleges now have majors within their college of education that have a focus in special education. A teacher prep program like this is one of the best ways to gain the knowledge needed to be a successful special education teacher and will most likely get you certified upon completion of the program. There are alternatives ways to become a special education teacher, but will require additional classes and tests to gain certification. I hope this help and good luck in your future endeavors.
Special education teachers are needed now more than ever, as we can identifying students with specific learning disabilities and their needs cannot be met in a general education classroom. Most colleges now have majors within their college of education that have a focus in special education. A teacher prep program like this is one of the best ways to gain the knowledge needed to be a successful special education teacher and will most likely get you certified upon completion of the program. There are alternatives ways to become a special education teacher, but will require additional classes and tests to gain certification. I hope this help and good luck in your future endeavors.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Emma:
As others have already shared some great comments, I'd like to include a few more points. Becoming a special education teacher will require you to obtain at least a bachelor's degree, state licenses, and possibly acquire additional local qualifications. After you meet the educational requirements of your state and potential employer, you will be able to apply and pursue the position. Learning more about the specific requirements of this position can help you better plan your way forward and gain a position as a special education teacher.
LEARN YOUR STATE AND EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
• Most states and employers will require you to have earned your bachelor's degree.
• Some states or employers only accept applicants that have obtained their master's degree.
• Your state may require you to earn additional certifications.
OBTAIN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE
• It's a good idea to enroll in a program that focuses on special education.
• You may need to complete an internship or student teaching period during your studies.
EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE IF REQUIRED
Some states or employers will require you to have earned your master's degree in special education program. Even if your state or employer doesn't hold this requirement, earning a master's degree can help you stand out when applying for a position. Search for colleges near you that offer special education teacher programs at a Master's level to get started.
SPECIALIZE
Having a specialization in one area can give you an edge and help you deal with specific issues that you might encounter on the job.
Here are some specializations for your research . . .
• Learning disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Traumatic injuries
• Emotional disturbances
• Children with disabilities such as deafness, blindness, or multiple disabilities
• Behavioral disorders
• Speech problems
• Intellectual disabilities
Best of luck to you on your journey!
Become a Special Education Teacher • https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Special-Education-Teacher-(USA)
Special Education Certification • http://www.specialeducationguide.com/teacher-certification/
As others have already shared some great comments, I'd like to include a few more points. Becoming a special education teacher will require you to obtain at least a bachelor's degree, state licenses, and possibly acquire additional local qualifications. After you meet the educational requirements of your state and potential employer, you will be able to apply and pursue the position. Learning more about the specific requirements of this position can help you better plan your way forward and gain a position as a special education teacher.
LEARN YOUR STATE AND EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
• Most states and employers will require you to have earned your bachelor's degree.
• Some states or employers only accept applicants that have obtained their master's degree.
• Your state may require you to earn additional certifications.
OBTAIN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE
• It's a good idea to enroll in a program that focuses on special education.
• You may need to complete an internship or student teaching period during your studies.
EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE IF REQUIRED
Some states or employers will require you to have earned your master's degree in special education program. Even if your state or employer doesn't hold this requirement, earning a master's degree can help you stand out when applying for a position. Search for colleges near you that offer special education teacher programs at a Master's level to get started.
SPECIALIZE
Having a specialization in one area can give you an edge and help you deal with specific issues that you might encounter on the job.
Here are some specializations for your research . . .
• Learning disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Traumatic injuries
• Emotional disturbances
• Children with disabilities such as deafness, blindness, or multiple disabilities
• Behavioral disorders
• Speech problems
• Intellectual disabilities
Best of luck to you on your journey!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
You will most likely have to finish a four year degree in teacher and focus on becoming a SPED teacher from the very beginning. It's a field that has strong demand for teachers right now, so you're likely to be successful in landing a SPED job. I'd recommend letting your professors know from the beginning about your goal and they'll be able to help you tailor your learning and look for your first opportunities.
Hassan Al
Product Management Professional
398
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
Most states will require a Bachelor and/or Master degree and teacher certification for that particular state. Alabama's requirements can be found @ https://online.uwa.edu/news/special-education-teacher/#:~:text=Become%20a%20Special%20Education%20Teacher,earned%20from%20an%20accredited%20institution.
If you are sure you want to become a teacher, then you may want to find a college https://www.alsde.edu/ofc/otl/Pages/ecprepmap.aspx?navtext=AL%20Educator%20Preparation:%20AL%20Educator%20Preparation%20Institutions that will award a degree as well the ability to obtain the teacher certification at the same time. This may save you 6-12 months that a separate teacher cert could take after getting a degree.
If you are sure you want to become a teacher, then you may want to find a college https://www.alsde.edu/ofc/otl/Pages/ecprepmap.aspx?navtext=AL%20Educator%20Preparation:%20AL%20Educator%20Preparation%20Institutions that will award a degree as well the ability to obtain the teacher certification at the same time. This may save you 6-12 months that a separate teacher cert could take after getting a degree.