How to become a special education teacher

How to become a Special Education Teacher

Becoming a special education teacher involves specific education, certification, and experience requirements. Here are the general steps to become a special education teacher:

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education Teaching or a related field. Some states may accept a bachelor's degree in another subject along with additional coursework in special education.
• Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: Enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program that focuses on special education. This program will include both coursework and a supervised student teaching experience in a special education setting.
• Gain Special Education Endorsement: Some states require special education teachers to earn an endorsement or additional certification specifically in special education. This may involve passing additional exams or completing specific coursework beyond the general teacher preparation program.
• Obtain State Certification or Licensure: After completing the teacher preparation program and any additional requirements, apply for state certification or licensure through the education department in the state where you plan to teach. Check the specific requirements for special education certification in that state.
• Complete Student Teaching in Special Education: During your teacher preparation program, participate in student teaching experiences in special education settings. This hands-on experience is essential for developing practical teaching skills.
• Pass Required Exams: Many states require teachers to pass standardized exams, such as the Praxis series, to demonstrate their knowledge of general education principles and, in the case of special education teachers, their understanding of special education concepts.
• Consider a Master's Degree (Optional): While a master's degree is not always required, some special education teachers choose to pursue advanced degrees for career advancement or to specialize in a specific area of special education.
• Participate in Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education. Many states require teachers to accumulate continuing education credits to maintain their certification.
• Apply for Special Education Teaching Positions: Once you have obtained your certification, start applying for special education teaching positions. Look for job openings in school districts that align with your career goals and preferences.
• Prepare for Interviews: Be prepared for interviews where you may be asked about your experience working with students with disabilities, your understanding of special education laws, and your approach to individualized instruction.
• Build a Professional Network: Connect with other special education teachers, attend conferences, and join professional organizations to build a network of support and stay informed about developments in the field.

Certification
In the United States, special education teachers are required to hold a state-issued teaching certification, which is granted after completing a specific set of requirements. Certification requirements can vary widely by state. It's important for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in special education to research the requirements in their state to ensure that they meet all of the necessary qualifications.

Certification requirements typically include the following:

• Education Requirements: Most states require special education teachers to hold at least a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or a related field. Some states may also require a master's degree.
• Teacher Preparation Program: Most states require that special education teachers complete a teacher preparation program that includes a combination of coursework and fieldwork. These programs typically cover topics such as assessment, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
• State Exams: Most states require that special education teachers pass state exams, such as the Praxis series, which assess their knowledge of teaching methods and content areas.
• Student Teaching: Most states require that special education teachers complete a student teaching or practicum experience, where they work under the supervision of an experienced teacher to gain hands-on experience in the classroom.
• Background Check: Most states require that special education teachers undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a criminal history check.

In addition to these requirements, some states may also require special education teachers to complete ongoing professional development to maintain their certification. This may include attending conferences, workshops, or other training opportunities.

Online Resources
There are a variety of online resources available for special education teachers that can be helpful for lesson planning, professional development, and staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends in the field. Some of the most popular online resources for special education teachers include:

• Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children is a professional organization for special education teachers and provides a variety of resources, including webinars, articles, and discussion forums.
• National Center for Learning Disabilities: The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides resources for teachers, parents, and students with learning disabilities. Their website includes articles, webinars, and tools for creating individualized education plans.
• LD Online: LD Online is a website that provides resources for teachers and parents of students with learning disabilities. Their website includes articles, webinars, and a community forum.
• The Autism Society: The Autism Society provides resources for teachers and parents of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their website includes articles, webinars, and a community forum.
• Teaching Tolerance: Teaching Tolerance is a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center and provides resources for teachers on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their website includes lesson plans, articles, and professional development opportunities.
• Special Education Guide: Special Education Guide provides resources and information for special education teachers, including articles on classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching strategies.