Teachers help students reach their potential.
Many special needs teachers, also known as special education teachers work with a large spectrum of students who have physical, cognitive and learning disabilities. Those who enjoy the job find value in helping those with disabilities succeed academically, as well as in their lives. Although at times challenging, the career path can be one that is rewarding to the right individual. For a timely certification process, it is important to research the necessary prerequisites within your state.
Function of Special Education Teachers
Most special education teachers work with students at the preschool through secondary school levels and teach lessons that are individualized toward each student's learning abilities. Special education teachers also teach students the necessary social, behavioral and emotional skills that are needed for successful social interactions. High school level special education teachers also act as career counselors in order to prepare students for their lives after graduation.
Other responsibilities include grading assignments and developing an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, that focuses on setting goals for their students. Special education teachers are responsible for discussing the IEP with parents, school administrators and the student's general education teachers.
Educational Requirements
Most special education teachers in the state of Texas have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before entering an approved teacher's education program. During the teacher's education program, aspiring special education teachers take coursework in classroom management, psychology, pedagogy, legal issues in education, as well as receiving training on working successfully with the diverse spectrum of the special needs students. Students are also required to complete a teaching internship in a special education classroom before applying for licensure.
Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the entire 50 states and the District of Columbia requires special education teachers to hold teaching licenses in their fields. Upon the successful completion of a teacher's education program, aspiring teachers take two exams: a basic skills test and a subject area specific exam. The THEA, or Texas Higher Education Assessment, tests an applicant's aptitude in basic math, writing and reading skills, while the TExES tests the applicant's knowledge in teaching special education.
Considerations
Aside from a strong knowledge within their subject area, special education teachers need the desire to help students with special needs become successful, as well as having empathy and sensitivity toward their difficulties and needs. Other valuable traits include patience and the flexibility to adapt teaching methods to reach students who are experiencing academic difficulties. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are other desirable attributes as the job requires frequent interactions with other teachers, parents, administrators and other school staff.
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Potential
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the field is one that shows excellent job growth from 2008 to 2018. The availability of jobs is the result of retiring teachers, as well as legislative requirements that emphasize future employment and training for those with disabilities. Increased job opportunities also exist in specific areas within the field of special education, such as working with children with autism and multiple and severe disabilities. Bilingual special education teachers are also in demand in order to accommodate the increasing cultural diversity within the student population.
