You've decided that you need a change in life. You feel the need to
do something meaningful that will help others. You've investigated and
gained information and you've concluded that you'd like to become a
teacher, not only a teacher, but a special education teacher. Your
aspiration is praiseworthy and now is the time to explore the profession
and determine if it's REALLY something that you want. Teaching is one
of the most significant careers that anyone can become involved with.
You must be passionate, temperate, and dedicated and that's just the
beginning. Do keep in mind that each student touched is a life that
you'll imprint forever. That imprint can be the incentive for good or
the impetus for harm. It all depends on how you the teacher will emboss
your stamp on that student.
So
what's the process? How can you become a teacher who specializes in
special education? Well the first step is to do research and garner
information. Begin by asking the question what is a special education
teacher? She/he is a teacher that devotes their career to working with
students that have diverse disabilities. As such you will encounter
students with learning disabilities that range from mild to severe,
physical disabilities, mental disabilities, and emotional issues. You'll
need to be organized, methodical, and meticulous as your students will
often be the opposite and will need you to help keep them on task.
You'll encounter students with speech impediments, hearing impairment,
autism, and much more so you will have to be resilient. During this
phase learn all that you can about this profession and determine if this
is truly what you want to do.
The second step is to establish the
educational requirements and salary proportions. Firstly you must
obtain a bachelors degree, preferably in special education. Although not
required, but definitely preferential. Upon completion of your
bachelors you may want to continue on and earn your masters. Take note,
there are some states that require a master's degree prior to securing
your teaching certification/license. You must be sure to check with the
state where you plan to teach to determine what their requirements and
qualifications are. You may also want to secure board certification from
the American Academy of Special Education Professionals. Certification
from this board will signify that you have achieved the maximum in
professional proficiency in the field of special education. Once you
have determined your educational prerequisites then investigate
salaries. Depending on the degrees you've earned, where you've selected
to teach, and the grade that you teach salaries vary greatly. You can
expect a salary that ranges from $34,000 to $83,500 annually depending
on the criteria just stated.
You are now ready to proceed to the
third step and find an accredited school from which to obtain your
degree. The good news is that you live in a global society and if time
and place don't allow you to physically attend the college of your
choice, you can still achieve your goal through virtual attendance. Many
acclaimed universities and colleges offer online courses.
Don't limit yourself; seek out the very best education possible, it
will serve you well in the long run. Make a list with several schools
that you would like to attend. Contact each school and obtain
information on their courses and admission procedures. Once you've
selected your school, enrolled, and selected your major commit to doing
the best job possible. Can you say Dean's list!
Your fourth step
will commence as you near the completion of your bachelor's degree. You
will get your feet wet as you begin the process of student teaching.
Here you'll get a real sense for what you have desired to do. You will
interact with students and get authentic on the job training. You'll be
able to put into action all that you have learned while in school.
The
fifth step will occur as you are nearing graduation. You'll begin to
seek employment. Start by finalizing what city and state that you want
to teach in and then select the school or school district you desire.
Once you've determined the where, then start applying. Be flexible and
persistent about the process and keep going until you have secured a
position.
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