According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teachers are in high demand. Part of this growth is driven by legislation that promotes the education and employment of people with disabilities. Additionally, the number of children with special education needs has risen in recent years. Learn what special education teachers do and what type of education is required to teach children with special needs.
What do Special Education Teachers Do?
Special education teachers work with elementary, middle, and secondary school children with disabilities. Children in special education classes may have learning disabilities, speech impairments, mental retardation, deafness, blindness, autism, and various health impairments.
Teachers typically use a general education curriculum to teach children with special needs. They also tailor curricula to meet the unique developmental needs of each child, employing teaching methods such as individualized instruction, group work, and problem-solving assignments.
Education and Training of Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers must be licensed by the State in which they work. All states require a bachelor's degree, an approved teacher training program, and supervised experience teaching. Some states require a master's degree in special education, which involves at least one additional year beyond a four-year bachelor's degree.
Because there's such a high demand for special education teachers, many States have begun to offer emergency licenses to allow those interested in entering the field to do so more easily. Credential requirements under an emergency license are usually less stringent.
What courses can you expect to take during your education as a special education teacher? Much of your coursework may relate to teaching methods and educational psychology for children with disabilities. You may be able to focus on a particular area of special education, such as behavioral disorders or learning disabilities.
Sources:
The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov
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