Education is one among the most rewarding fields. Special education is especially rewarding. There is no other profession that can bring you as much joy as the feeling of helping someone with a problem. To be a teacher of special education requires a certain type of person. Special training is not enough. One must also be patient with people and show love for them no matter their special needs. If you have the ability to combine all of these qualities, then you might consider a career as a special educator.
Special education teachers must be licensed. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required in order to be licensed. Some states require a master’s degree. It’s not difficult to get the training. This field offers many courses at undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate levels. Teachers who are interested in special education will often require a greater amount of training than teachers working in other areas. You can either become a specialist or continue your special education training. The last year of the training involves usually working in a classroom as a teacher.
Teachers interested in working in special education receive a general training, and then must receive additional training in a specific area that prepares them for working with people with mental, emotional or physical disabilities. Depending on where you reside or plan to live, you might be required to become a licensed teacher to teach special education students. For specific information on certification requirements, please contact the state board of education.
There are many other options for a career in special Education. Some states allow those with at least a bachelor’s degree to receive supervised training through an accredited college or program. After teaching for 12 to 24 month, they must pass an assessment to become certified. Many of these classes provide alternative certification to help people who don’t have a teaching background. These non-traditional teachers could have special talents in art and music that they use to reach students whom traditional teaching methods are not able.
Teaching those with special disabilities requires more than just academic education. You have to be dedicated to learn the craft. It has happened many times that people with great teaching credentials and a genuine desire to help special needs students were unable to succeed in special educational work. Even the most well-intentioned people can find it frustrating to work with individuals with special needs. Some enter the field with unrealistic expectations regarding the impact they have on students they work with. The pace of learning can be slow, or students and teachers don’t connect for any reason.
Some teachers have new jobs. They are able and willing to help students make incredible strides. Others new teachers are naturally patient, accept their students’ learning pace and are pleased when they make incremental progress. Sometimes, special education teachers can make big breakthroughs. They might have a natural ability to connect with students and teachers, or they may be able create innovative ways for students to learn and to help them achieve real progress. They can then share their new methods with others in this field.
To be a successful teacher, you must have patience, creativity, organization, the ability and ability to understand differences and motivate students with special needs. Many teachers find it easier working with students with special abilities if they are able recognize, appreciate and celebrate small wins with their students. But there are no easy answers. Teachers should be knowledgeable about the basics of education. However, to be effective they must also be perceptive.