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Special Education - a Special Career
By Mary Hobson
mary.hobson@hqpublications.com
Distance Education Degrees Staff Writer
Special education is an area of teaching that is in demand, as students with special needs are increasingly included in general classes, and function in schools with the help of a special education teacher.
Special education deals with students who have physical (and sometimes mental) disabilities, who need help in order to be able to cope with the general curriculum.
Special Education Teacher Qualities
The qualities that a special education teacher needs are patience, good communications skills, the ability to foster cooperation and motivation in others and acceptance of difference in others. Many people choose this area of teaching as a second career, or move to it from general teaching as they get older.
Teaching Qualifications
However, special education teachers need to have at least a bachelor's degree, and many States require a master's degree in the special education area. In order to be able to qualify in this area without having to give up paid work, you can take an online degree.
Many colleges and universities offer a distance learning degree program in special education, and you can choose programs that specialize in areas such as mental disabilities and teaching special needs in the general classroom.
The Individualized Special Education Program
Once you start teaching special education, you will find that you are involved in creating an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for each student, in conjunction with the general classroom teacher, parents, and school administrators.
IEP's set realistic educational goals for your students, and help to define how each student will best succeed. You will then coordinate the execution of this IEP, making the education of your students as effective and enjoyable as possible.
About the Author
Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master’s degree level.
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