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How do I know if secondary or elementary education is right for me?

How will I know if secondary or elementary education is right for me? I know I want to teach special education I just don't know what age group I want to teach.

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Denise A’s Answer

As a former teacher that has worked in K-college, the most important question to ask yourself is what age group do I relate best to. Think about nieces, nephews and other children you know or have been around, maybe even babysat for. Who were you immediately drawn to? Do little kids that are random and often can’t concentrate one one thing more than 10 minutes challenge you? Do early teens that want to learn but have high energy challenge you? Or do you prefer an older teen that may want knowledge but is afraid to ask for help or thinks they know it all already challenge you? Which years in school were your best? Who influenced you the most? Then take the leap and apply for the job you want. If it doesn’t work out you can always switch. Best of luck.
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Michael’s Answer

I would recommend asking for placements in schools if you could. If that isn't an option, there are many tutoring services that cater to students with special needs as well as volunteer opportunities in larger communities. The more time you spend with a certain age group, the more better informed you can be when making your decision.

I would also try and start early as many certifications that you can get for teaching are specific to certain age groups.
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Cori’s Answer

Special Education teachers are needed on every level. The big difference is that secondary teachers usually have to have a specialty subject area.
With younger kids, you can study special education as a generalist (up to around 4th grade). Secondary special ed teachers have to have the SPED certification on top of a subject (like secondary math, language arts, algebra, biology etc.).
Younger student are not as independent as older students. Older students might have some social emotional challenges with experiencing puberty.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this. Andrea
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