How to Become a Special Education Teacher
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Special education teachers can make a difference in the lives of disabled students and their families. They work at the elementary, middle, and secondary school levels, focusing on students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, deafness and blindness, autism, speech or language impairments, emotional disturbances, hearing or visual impairments, and orthopedic impairments. It takes a talented, devoted individual to become an effective special education teacher.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 433,000 special education teachers held jobs in 2002, with some 90 percent employed in public schools. The BLS predicts a faster than average growth in jobs in special education through 2012, with the best prospects for specialists in teaching students with speech or language impairments and learning disabilities. Median salaries for special education teachers in 2002 fell between $34,160 and $54,340, depending upon school districts and region in the country.
Launching Your Career in Special Education
Every state in the Union requires specific licensing for special education teachers. Each state has different requirements, however. In some states, you can begin work after earning a general education credential for K-12 teaching. Other states require teachers to earn a general education license first and an additional license in special education thereafter.
In general, most states require a bachelor's degree with a certification in education, along with classroom experience and special education preparation. Some districts require a master's degree in special education. You can expect to take classes in educational psychology, child growth and development, and specialty courses detailing skills needed for teaching students based on emotional disorders or physical handicaps.
Because of a dire need for special education teachers, many districts throughout the country offer emergency or alternative certificates and licenses to expedite the preparation process.
Special Education Teacher: Featured Schools
Please visit any school below and request more information.
Apollo College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from seven conveniently located campuses.
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Working adults choose Bethel
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Get the real-world training you need to build a better career at CDI College. Choose from morning, afternoon and evening classes at one of many community based locations across Canada. Please note: CDI offers diploma programs. More Details ...
For over 100 years, Hesser College has been preparing students just like you for success. Choose from over 25 career-track degree programs. More Details ...
Career professionals and
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Regis University has a long-standing tradition of providing quality education to further the career goals of working
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Enhance your marketable skill set quickly with Remington College. As a student, you will have access to focused classes and
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With campuses in Tampa and Fort Myers, Southwestern Florida College can help you reach your career goals with
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Get the
right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available
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One university understands how you live today. And where you want to go tomorrow. University of Phoenix. Thinking ahead. More Details ...
"Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D.,
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Drawing upon our more than 30-year history of granting degrees in professional psychology, Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. More Details ...
The Court Reporting Institute offers a well-rounded program that can teach you the shorthand skills you need to become a court reporter. Campuses in Dallas and Houston. More Details ...
Earn your Master of Public Health degree 100% online from The School of Health Management (SHM) at the A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. More Details ...
Earn an online degree that really matters from AIU Online. More Details ...
American InterContinental University offers students a solid foundation for the future, with both general education and industry-specific classes. Small class sizes help to ensure focused attention.
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Advance your
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Penn Foster College offers affordable, career-focused Associate degree programs in some of today's fastest-growing fields, including business, health services, criminal justice, technology, engineering and more.
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