How To Get A Special Education Degree
If you want to become a special teacher, you have to meet special education requirements, which were set out in 1974 by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a Federal law. According to that law, a special teacher must have at least a bachelor’s special education degree, in addition to corresponding trainings.
Candidates for a bachelor’s degree must have a high school diploma or GED. During the four years of education the students study general education, psychology and child development. Also they participate in specialized training required for special teachers, which includes supervised practice and school visits.
In the final year of their education, majors enter a certification program, which consists of advanced coursework and student teaching. During the education students are granted with particular skills and knowledge needed to educate students with special needs. Many universities have a fifth post-baccalaureate year to provide the special education majors with additional training.
Some states require special teachers to obtain a master’s special education degree. Also, special teachers must become licensed, which is granted after additional student training.
Some special teachers, who are required to earn a master’s degree in a short time, take online special education degree programs. This helps them obtain a master’s degree without leaving their job. For students who are not yet working as special teachers, online programs are also available, but they will still have to gain student teaching experience in order to get a license.
A special teacher’s job is hard, both emotionally and physically, but it is rewarded with the love and affection which the students have for their teacher.
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