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Piarra
Student
Brighton, Michigan
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How many years of college are needed to become a special education teacher?
I am in 8th grade and I am doing research on different careers that I am interested in. #teacher
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2 answers
Jamie Leon
National Indirect Account Manager
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Jamie’s Answer
Geography and determination definitely play a role in the number of years of college are required to become a special education teacher.
I live in California and obtained a teaching credential along with my 4 year degree(that took me longer because I worked full time). In California there is a bachelors degree requirement along with a credential. This takes 5 years if one is able to commit to the schedule.
If one is looking to stay within their current geography I would suggest reaching out to the special education teacher at your school. They will be able to give great information and it will also allow you the opportunity to build a relationship with them and possibly a future career! This will set you up for success!!
I live in California and obtained a teaching credential along with my 4 year degree(that took me longer because I worked full time). In California there is a bachelors degree requirement along with a credential. This takes 5 years if one is able to commit to the schedule.
If one is looking to stay within their current geography I would suggest reaching out to the special education teacher at your school. They will be able to give great information and it will also allow you the opportunity to build a relationship with them and possibly a future career! This will set you up for success!!
Irene Chen
Tax Intern
7
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Piarra!
In general, special education teachers need to obtain at least a bachelor's degree, so if they are following a standard college degree plan, that would be four years of college. It is recommended to pursue a degree in special education, but you could also choose a degree in teaching with a concentration in special education. Additional requirements, such as obtaining a master's degree or a license, depend on the state and type of school you would like to teach at.
Here are some resources that provide more detailed information about becoming a special education teacher:
-This website provides four basic steps to take to become a special education teacher: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/special-education-teacher/#:~:text=Most%20special%20education%20teachers%20need,also%20typically%20need%20teaching%20licensure.
-This website explains in more detail how the requirements differ based on where you teach: https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/careers/special-education-teacher/
If you would like to get some early experience with the special education environment, you could see if your school has an elective course that allows you to help out in the special education classroom. For example, in middle school I took an elective course where I assisted the special education teacher for one class period each day. Alternatively, you could see if your school has programs that allow you to interact with students who are in special education outside of the classroom environment; Best Buddies is a great example of such a program. If you are interested in learning more about Best Buddies, here is the organization's website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/
Hope this helps!
Irene
In general, special education teachers need to obtain at least a bachelor's degree, so if they are following a standard college degree plan, that would be four years of college. It is recommended to pursue a degree in special education, but you could also choose a degree in teaching with a concentration in special education. Additional requirements, such as obtaining a master's degree or a license, depend on the state and type of school you would like to teach at.
Here are some resources that provide more detailed information about becoming a special education teacher:
-This website provides four basic steps to take to become a special education teacher: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/special-education-teacher/#:~:text=Most%20special%20education%20teachers%20need,also%20typically%20need%20teaching%20licensure.
-This website explains in more detail how the requirements differ based on where you teach: https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/careers/special-education-teacher/
If you would like to get some early experience with the special education environment, you could see if your school has an elective course that allows you to help out in the special education classroom. For example, in middle school I took an elective course where I assisted the special education teacher for one class period each day. Alternatively, you could see if your school has programs that allow you to interact with students who are in special education outside of the classroom environment; Best Buddies is a great example of such a program. If you are interested in learning more about Best Buddies, here is the organization's website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/
Hope this helps!
Irene