Top Special Education Schools
- Liberty University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
- Grand Canyon University Click for Recommended Degree Program
- Western Governors Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
Special Education Teacher Certification
Are you thinking about becoming a teacher? Do you like the idea of doing your part to help students reach their full potential and grow into productive adults? Why not go a step further and get your special education teacher certification? This is one of the best careers in education not only because it pays more than regular teaching but also because it provides you with greater challenges and higher personal rewards. Why spend another day in a job that doesn’t provide you with everything you deserve? Instead, go back to college and get your career training for a job in special education today.
Education and training to get a special education teacher certification
In order to get your special education teacher certification, you must first get your degree from an accredited traditional or online university. You will need at least a four-year program in special education and may possibly choose to specialize in mild to moderate or severe disabilities. You may also choose whether you want to teach elementary, middle, or high school students. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as well as state guidelines determine what classes are required for each degree.
Although coursework may vary from one program to another, you can expect to study educational psychology, disabilities, practical teaching methods, and legal issues in special education. You can also expect to study learning disabilities, physical limitations, behavioral disorders, brain injuries, and much more. The last year of your program will be set aside for student teaching. During this part of your training, you will teach in a classroom under direct supervision of a college professor and a certified special education teacher. Before graduation, you will be required to pass the PRAXIS test and other state tests to make sure you are ready to enter the classroom. Finally, you will be required to pursue your masters degree within a set timeframe as well as complete continuing education credits required to maintain your special education teacher certification.
Job duties of a special education teacher
It is the job of the special education teacher to serve alongside speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, regular classroom teachers, and others to ensure that each student receives everything they need to achieve their full academic potential for success. They do this by assessing student’s disabilities and limitations and by helping to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that fully describe services to be provided as well as modifications that need to be made to the educational process. They also work closely with parents to help develop procedures that can be used at home to help each student.
By getting your degree and earning your special education teacher certification, you will earn a salary that can easily average between $40,000 and $55,000 a year, plus employment benefits. You will also have the personal satisfaction of knowing that you are doing your part to help educate the children that need help the most. There are few jobs that can compare with the rewards of becoming a special education teacher.
