Special education teachers have a lot to offer in our society, they meet specific needs. You can check out school discipline lawyer on special ed discipline.
Having students who have a disability points out that they need special attention and care to enjoy the same opportunity as others.
Being a special skills teacher fills the vacuum. Are you considering having a degree and experience in special education? This article gives some information you’ll need.
WHAT IS SPECIAL EDUCATION?
A special education teacher helps students who have a disability learn basic skills and subjects just like other non-disabled students.
The special education teacher brings in new and effective teaching methods and methodology that suit the needs of a special child.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Before having access to students with a disability, you must acquire certain skills and knowledge. Some of them include;
- GETTING A DEGREE
Having a bachelor’s degree is the least qualification needed before any employment in an organization.
Earning a degree from a reputable and legally recognized institution is a good start.
As a student, you can major in special education, elementary education, or any subject related to education.
- TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Special education deals more with children, so it requires that you have experience with children.
The only way you can gain such experience is by teaching in a conventional school. You get to understand the needs of students and their behavioral patterns.
Teaching in a school gives you an avenue to practice what you were taught at the University.
The University provides an avenue for students to go teach practicals outside the school, this is important. You can as well volunteer as a teacher after graduation.
- GET A STATE CERTIFICATION
Before you apply for a job, you need a state certificate granting you the freedom to work as a teacher.
Each state may have varying requirements before giving you a license to teach. You cannot be employed as a teacher in a public school without your license.
Private institutions may not request a license but will need proof of education and expertise.
Note that, the license is not given on a platter of gold, you’ll have to pass the licensure examination. Afterward, you can apply for a job.
- ACQUIRE MORE CERTIFICATES AND SKILLS
Having a degree is not the end of learning. As a teacher, you need to be up-to-date on the recent learning methods.
Having a Master’s degree or a professional certificate is a plus to your portfolio. To remain relevant in your field, you’ll need to specialize in a given area within your course of study.
As a special education teacher, you’ll need certain qualities for good work experience and effective tutoring. Qualities like; humor, patience, zest, creativity, even-tempered, intuitive, confidence, optimistic, dedicated, and focus.
Most of these skills must be deliberately adopted. These qualities will help keep you going in your career because teaching is a tasking job and without some personal qualities, you may get overwhelmed and give up on your students.
