Special Ed. or Classroom teacher?

Question

What are the differences?

I have 5 years background in mental health and disabilities and want to become a teacher.

Answer 1

In the U.S. that isn't true . . . Special Education is a completely different course sequence from an elementary or secondary education teacher.

Classroom teachers usually have to choose an area of specialization (elementary education, early childhood (birth through age 8, or secondary education in history, biology, math, etc.). They take courses about the specific area they want to teach, as well as general practice for the type of student they are working with.

Special education is a kindergarten through 12th grade certification. With that you can teach any grade as long as the students are recieving special educaion services (or are reffered thorugh RTI, but that's a whole separate topic).  We learn about working with different disabilities, assessment, setting up behavior plans, and of course making goals and individualized curriculums based on student needs.

As a classroom teacher you will have students with disabilities in your classroom. As a special education teacher you have the ability to work with special needs students in a variety of settings (inclusion, resource, or separate classes). So I guess your choice just depends on how much you want to specialize in working with those students.

Answer 2

Your expertise might allow you to get a temporary certificate while you fulfill the requirements for a professional certificate.  Not only is the US different than Canada but each state has their own requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate.  In Florida, fir instance, you can be issued a temporary certificate as long as you possess a 4-year degree and pass a subject-area exam.

For clarification,  a special education teacher is a type of classroom teacher just like a math or English teacher. There are general education courses that all teachers should take but then you take courses in your specific area.

As stated, working in mental health and disabilities gives you a good foundation; however, there is much more involved in teaching special needs children and understanding the special education system in general. Special Education varies according to the needs of each student, in fact, many people don't realize that special education is not only for children with mental disabilities but can include children who have physical disabilities and those who are exceptionally bright (.i.e. gifted)

Special education is a wonderful profession but not for the faint at heart.  Do your research according to what state for which you will apply for your certificate.

Answer 3

Classroom Teacher

Answer 4

In Cananda, and probably in the US, to become any type of teacher you need to get you Bachelor of Education degree and then a teaching license. You will then be a qualified teacher. To become a special ed teacher you usually have to additional qualification courses in special education. SInce you already have a strong background in mental health the disabilities you might not have to take the specialist courses.

Answer 5

I've taught both and although there are many differences and similarities, I would tell you to teach special education because of your background.  These children are, as a whole, more loving and easier to please and motivate than the "regular" education student.  I have found it to be very fulfilling.  We need more caring and capable people to work with these special children.  Good luck.

Answer 6

You need an education degree in special education. There is a huge difference between mental health and special education. Although, knowing them both is handy.

Answer 7

I am a certified special education teacher in Texas.  I have a bachelor's degree in psychology but later took  teacher certification courses online.  Upon completing the courses I passed the state certification courses and can now teach Grades EC-12 Special Education.  In the state of Texas you also have to pass the regular education certification tests as well for the grade levels you decide to teach.  As a result I am also able to teach regular education grades EC-4, all without a degree in education.  With all the changes regarding inclusion there are way less actual special education classrooms and more special education students in the regular classroom with a paraprofessional helping them.

I am a counselor now but back when I was a teacher I taught special education resource classes which are basically just accelerated instruction in language arts, reading, and math for students who are 2 or more grade levels behind where they need to be due to learning disabilities.  

You have a lot of options.  Best wishes!