The Secret Lives of Special Education Teachers

by Chloe Dowley
Online Degrees Columnist

Educating children with special needs requires patience and perseverance. If you're interested in a satisfying career that can change lives, a degree in special education may be just the thing for you.

A Unique Education Degree

Special education teachers are a highly dedicated group of professionals who educate students with medical or learning disabilities. Currently there are over five million children in the United States with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, or a learning disability. These exceptional students need a special education program tailored to their needs and learning styles--that's where you might fit in! Career training specifically in special education is necessary if you want to pursue a profession in this field. Although they differ by state, licensing requirements for special education teachers almost always include the completion of a master's degree in special education. Coursework in special education often includes educational psychology, child development, and special education laws.

On-the Job Rewards

What will your day-to-day life be like as a special ed teacher? Here are a few of the most important activities:

Identifying students with special needs
Creating individualized education plans for each pupil
Modifying curricula and evaluations for students
Working with parents and general education teachers to best meet students' needs

With increasing numbers of students enrolled in special education services, demand is expected to grow for special education teachers. In fact, employment prospects for individuals with career training in special education are excellent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As an added perk, many states are now actively pursuing prospective teachers with programs designed to accelerate the special ed training and licensing process. Is special education the right career for you? If you enjoy helping others, are patient, and would like to help children learn, take a look at this exciting field.

About the Author
Chloe Dowley is writer, educator, and Spanish interpreter. She earned her B.A. in education and sociology at Swarthmore College.

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