How do you become a special ed. teacher?

Question

Just wondering, it's one of my career choices.

Answer 1

Attend college for approximately four years.  Most colleges and universities will offer an special education program.  Be careful though - there are several different types of special education licenses.  They vary by state.  Just be wise and ask what your licensure options are and what would your classroom look like with that license.  

While in college, you would spend the last two years in college AND in the public school classroom.  The last semester you will spend almost all of your time in the public school classroom and your nights and weekends doing lesson plans.  It's a lot of work, but it only lasts for four months!

You will likely need to take a series of tests.  Don't worry about these.  If you choose a decent program and understand what the overall goals are for your type of special education classroom, you will do fine.  Decent test takers with a B average usually pass this on the first.  You can get these out of the way normally on a Saturday during your senior year.   The tests can change with little warning, so don't worry about this now.  Your college should keep you in the loop.

Answer 2

First you have to have a BIG HEART  then obtain an strong will, an overabundance of patience and an amazing sense of humor...You will need all of these.  then start looking into colleges that offer degrees in special education

Answer 3

If you are wondering you should look into the colleges you are considering and see what their education college offers. You will have to go 4 years and depending on where you live you may have to take the Praxis Test  in order to get your license.  I would also say that you might want to visit some local schools at the level you are interested in and check out the programs. This would give you an idea of what age level and cognitive ability level you want to teach. Teaching is a calling, but working with the special education population takes very special people. Good luck!

Answer 4

You may also consider Speech-Language Pathology, which requires a Masters Degree and exam in the United States, but gives more flexibility as you can work in private practice or with adults as well as children.