What schooling does it take to become a special education teacher?

Question

What schooling does it take to become a special education teacher?

Answer 1

Teaching "Special Ed Children" takes more then education.  It takes heart.

Answer 2

Every state has different requirements.  You should look up your state's educational standards and see what they are.  I know in NJ, if you go to the state of NJ's website, the standards are listed.  

In order to become a teacher, I got a BS in special education, which allows me to teach in a special ed classroom, or work with a regular ed classroom on modifying assignments for student's who require it.  I went back and took the praxis test, which allows me to teach K to 4 in a regular classroom.  

Many times teachers get an elementary degree first (BS), then go for a Masters in Special Education.  

I know of no teacher who just took a para professional test and was licensed to teach - either that person's mother works as an aide, or she is mistaken.  

The difference between the teacher and the aide is that the teacher is responsible for designing the lesson plans and making modifications according to the student's IEP.  The aide assists the teacher in the class to do that.

Answer 3

In my state (Mass) the sped teacher needs a BA is special education.  The para's get paid next to nothing and do all of the work.  I think the sped teacher works with my child 1/2 per day and makes over $70,000  while the para who does all the work with the child (not paper work or meetings) makes a mere $10-15 thousand dollards

Answer 4

High School diploma & passed the para profeessional test. That's it.

Answer 5

In most states, you have to have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Special Education, including a semester of  student teaching, to apply for certification.

Answer 6

I am presently in the teacher certification program in special ed.  I have a BS in psychology.  I will have my certification in special ed some time in 2008.  It's only been about 1 1/2 years since I've been in the program.  I will eventually have to get my Masters degree.  In most states, they allow you 5 years to get the Masters after certification.

Answer 7

I lot will depend on what state you are in.  Typically you need a 4 year BS in Special Education.  Some states will have different certificates for different disability catagories.  Learning Disabilities, EBD, Developmental Disabilities.  

Many state require you to pass a PRAXIS test after you acquire a degree to ensure you have enough knowledge for license.  

Once you have a State License - you will also be required to attend continuing education at your expense to maintain your license.

You should go to your states Department of Education and look up teacher licensing to see what your states requirements are.  In addition you can contact whatever 4 year college is nearest to you and ask them what the program looks like.

NOTE: some states require a Masters degree to teach in any subject.

Answer 8

Special Ed teacher is not the same as a para-professional in Special Ed, at least not in my state (Montana).  To be a special ed teacher you must be a certified teacher, having a bachelor's degree in education, either elementary (most common) or some field of secondary ed. Then you must have courses that certify you in special ed.  To be a para-professional here, you need to have at least two years of college.  Those paras that were already working when this requirement went into effect had to pass a test to show proficiency in order to keep their jobs.

It does take a person with a heart for the job to work in special ed.