Literacy Teacher or Special Education Teacher?

Question

Out of curiousity and possible career path(s), I am looking at both of these careers.

Here's what I like to do:

help kids one on one

I can handle mentally challenged children

love to read, help kids read,write, etc.

would eventually like to help adults

looking at getting B.A in English

I've signed up for substitute teaching this year to see if its a fit for me.

Thanks!

Answer 1

That is a very tough question to answer.

Special Ed means a massive pile of paperwork, meetings, and legal obligations that can wear you out quickly. But, it is very rewarding and you can have a powerful impact.

Literacy Teacher (in my area) is small groups that can range from 5 to 15 kids depending on the school. So, you do not get that one on one very often. However, if the kids are all at the same level, you can literally help them move from severely struggling to on grade level quickly (depends on the grade level and the deficiency on whether you can do it in 1 year)

Good luck to you, you will love either one!

Answer 2

For job security, go for the special education field. It is also flexible as to age and ability levels with a wide range of opportunities in public schools and non-profits.

The literacy specialist field would definitely be rewarding, but my district (8th largest in the nation) has a tremendous amount of turnover in these jobs as schools reallocate limited funds from year to year. In the two smaller districts I have experienced, the literacy specialist's job changed each year to fit the needs of students or philosophies of the new leadership. This instability would be very frustrating to me.