Careers in Special Education

Jobs in special education are expected to grow much faster than average in the years ahead. Demand is strong for qualified teachers to help children with disabilities fulfill their potential. It's a career that requires lots of heart and a commitment to the development and wellbeing of all children.

If you want a career that makes a difference in the lives of children, consider becoming a special education teacher. Demand for special ed teachers is high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the potential for helping children is tremendous, as special education teachers play a central role in the emotional and intellectual development of children with disabilities.

Special Education Teaching Credentials

Special education teachers are uniquely qualified to address the needs of children with developmental disabilities. Through undergraduate and graduate university programs, special education teachers learn theories and principles that support the foundation of special ed learning, including coursework in educational psychology and child growth and development.

Professional training is crucial to a career in special education. More and more schools are requiring at least a year of graduate coursework in special ed in addition to a bachelor's degree in teaching. Special education teachers also spend more time in the classroom teaching during their programs than do conventional teachers.

Is a Special Education Career Right for You?

Special education can be an extraordinarily rewarding career for the right person. It takes someone with a great deal of patience, a love of children, and a thick skin to deal with difficult problems. But as in any field, the jobs with the greatest challenges tend to offer the highest rewards.

Source:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in postsecondary education and career development.