What are the pros and cons about being a social worker / special ed. teacher?

Question

I am trying to decide between getting my masters in social work or special education. I currently have my bachelors in psychology. I am passionate about helping people with mental disorders (which is what i would do with my social work degree, somethign with the mentally ill population) or I love working with kids, and if they have mental/emotional disorders I would love to help them. I have tutored psychiatric disabled patients for a vast period of time and have came to the conclusion of either of these professions.

I need some pros and cons about both.

I do not really want to say it, but I am dithering between these career choices because of salary pay out as well. Social workers just are not compensated enough, or so I am told.

Answer 1

Personally I would recommend special ed. teacher, if you're up for a challenge. It's really rewarding when you can help somebody change...it's your choice though - go with your gut feeling.

Answer 2

I can only answer half of your question - the special ed teacher.

Pros:

Great hours

Great kids (I teach a self-contained class (comprehensive life skills) with students with mental retardation, Downs Syndrome, bipolar disorder, etc.  I've taught K-6th grade and 16-21 year olds - high school is my favorite)

Great vacations

Pay for a master's degree starts around 35K, depending on the state and district you are in.  Not bad for working 184 days a year.  I also receive a pay raise every year.

Knowing you are really making a difference in the lives of the students in your class.

Cons:

Lack of funding for special education

Administrators that don't back you up or understand the problems you bring them (not all, but some are awful!)