Teaching questions for someone wanting an English degree

Question

I want to get a bachelor's degree in English.I am considering teaching. If I taught, however, I'd really like to teach special education children. Can I go about this with some schooling and not getting another degree? I don't know much about the special education teacher programs. I live in Missouri and am wanting to move to Arkansas or Tennesee. Thanks!

Answer 1

To teach Special Ed, you'd most likely need a Special Ed degree. With the No Child Left Behind act, you'll have to get a master's degree in your subject field to teach in a public school in any state, so you can certainly get your bachelor's degree in English and then get your Master's in SPED.

Answer 2

Special Ed is a field that has a great shortage for teachers.  Some areas will do temp licenses/provisionals to obtain a teacher in that field for a brief year or two.  You may want to look at that route, that way you can gain experience but also find out whether you enjoy it or not (before you put all your eggs in one basket).

You are saying that you are wanting to get an English degree...will you be getting a teaching degree as well or a teaching certification?  Again you can get a temp in that field and if you do like it, take/pass the praxis for English or Spec Ed.