Special ed teacher?

Question

hello! i am thirteen years old and i would love you be a elementary special ed teacher when i grow up. some people laugh at me for this but i don't care :) well i just wanted to know how many years i would have to go college for and what would i study? thanks so much for the people who answer!

Answer 1

It depends on what state you go to school in (college). you will have to get a Bacholer of Sciences Degree in Education and depending on your state you may have to get a liscense to teach (or get certified). This can be very difficult.

The education program is very tough, however adding to that special needs programs will likely add another semester or so to it.

about 6-7 years i would say for college and likely you'll have to start off with a low paying job because you don't just get hired and put into a special needs classroom.

Answer 2

4 years for a bachelors degree in Special Ed. But - do yourself a favor and get a Master's as well. It's an extra 18 months or so but well worth it when you start teaching.

Answer 3

I don't think that many years. Probably 4-5. I know someone in my class who is a special ed teacher and she's only 24 yrs old.

Also, I think it's great that you want to do that. Why would people make fun of you? Might be because you're only 13 and most 13 yr olds have no idea what they want to do.

Answer 4

The answer kind of depends on your state and your area of special education that you would like pursue.

**First and foremost** Special education is often divided into several categories - those in the regular or general classroom for most or part of the day (learning disabilities, autism, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, mild mental retardation, etc) or those who need more intensive, self-contained classrooms (moderate or severe mental retardation, autism with mental retardation, severe behavioral issues etc.)   Two other categories are also generally available  as special education licenses - deaf/ hard of hearing or visually impaired.  

Then SOME - not all- states break down special education licenses into birth to kindergarten, and then K-12.  Other states have a preschool license, then an elementary  licenses, or a high school license.

After you kind of think about this, you kind of know what specific questions to ask.  I would start with a special education teacher within your school at this point.  Once you get to be about sophomore and junior year, ask the colleges.  Programs can be added and deleted with a semester's notice - ask too early and things might change!