Should I go back to school to get a masters in special education?

Question

I've been wanting to go into the education field for quite some time now and finally think I've found a program that sounds exciting. Do you like working in special education? What is a typical day/week/month like? Do you wish you had gone into traditional elementary education? Any advise that you have to offer would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

it will be hard, it will be difficult, it will be rewarding, it will make you laugh and make you cry.

Just make sure that you go to a school that understands that the world is Cross Catagorical - don't just focus on Learning Disibilities or Emotional Behavior Difficulties - kids do not fit nearly into one spot  the more experience you have accross disibility catagories the better teacher you will be.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

I LOVE special education!  I have a degree in regular ed. and special ed.  A few years ago I taught "regular ed." and I almost lost my mind!  It was terrible.  I thought it would be a nice break...HA!

There are so many categories in special education.  You need to find the one that interests you the most.  I love to work with LD, aspberger's, and Mild MR kids... Some other people I know like behavior disorder kids or severe profound.  You may want to do some volunteering or at least research the different exceptionalities.  One benefit of special ed. is that many times you have the same kids for several years, so you really develop a bond with them and their parents.  I'm running out of space, so if you want any info IM me.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi

I am planning to do my Mba in caluniversity. Even I thought  about u to go to school then i realise that i can learn while i l learn. If u wish do the dual degree which is offered by caluniversity http://www.caluniversity.com/Dual/index....

Answer 4

Education, especially special ed, will allow you the opportunity to really make a difference in the life of a child, one who has not had many successes in life.

Go for it!!!

Answer 5

You get paid more in special ed.

Answer 6

You betcha!   Definitely go back to school and get your m. degree in sp. ed.   Better yet  find a school system that will let you teache sp. ed. provisionally while paying you to go to school to earn that degree.    There is no "typical day"  with special ed/special needs students.  Each day is a new adventure... sometimes too repetitive...sometimes there's regression...but overall there is forward progress that wouldn't happen if not for you.... Go for it!

Answer 7

I am not a teacher. I am an aide. So I REALLY do it for the kids. The teacher I work with has his masters degree. He gets paid more because of that. But he did it because he has passion for his job. If you just want money or a respected career... then its so not worth it. To do the job any kind of justice you must have a real passion for helping kids. Sometimes it is the hardest thing imaginable. And burn out is a big problem. You don't always have the staff, training or equipment you need. But at the end of the day you can go home knowing you are making a REAL difference in the world. And many of those kids only get love and support at school. Teachers make a real difference in the world.

I hope you decide to go forward with your masters and make a difference to some kids in need.

Answer 8

I love special ed.   Get your masters.  We don't get paid more, but I think we see the growth in our students more.  Maybe initially, your student couldn't verbally ask for help.  But because of your tireless efforts, he can put a sentence together to express his wants and needs.  So, perhaps there's not as much academic growth, but socially and emotionally you can see a wonderful change.

The only reason you would make more money is because of the level of your education.  A teacher makes more with a master's than with a bachelor's.  Special ed. has a higher burn out rate than general ed.  You will pull long hours writing IEP's and possibly have some crazy parents.  But, it is a rewarding job that requires PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING.

If you're up to the challenge, then I would love more people with that kind of passion to share my field.  Be aware that right now (in CA and I'm sure other states are going to follow), we are having cut-backs.  Teachers are going to get "pink slips".  The ones that seem to be less at risk are the Special ed. teachers because we have a specific credential.  Good luck!  I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

Answer 9

yes school is the key to knowledge which is the key to power