2006-07-25 14:00:30 · 7 answers · asked by rpmdj1 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Do you have a teacher's certification already? If not, attend a local college or university to get a BA in Special Education. If you already have your teaching cert, look into getting a Masters Degree. Look into local colleges and universities and see if they offer additional degrees and classes for teachers. Even if you just take additional classes without earning another degree, you might still learn plenty of new, helpful stuff. Ask the school(s) that you work for if they're willing to help pay for additional schooling. You can also look into conventions and stuff to go to during the summer. I just took Intro to Special Ed for my teaching cert and I loved the class. My professor used to teach Spec Ed and she used to go to all kinds of conventions out-of-state and she learned a lot. She said that looks really good on resumes.
Do plenty of volunteer work too. Education is great, but experience is even better. See if there is a Special Olympics organization near you that you can work with. I worked with the swimming division of Special Olympics in my hometown for 6 years before going off to college. It was one of the greatest experiences in my life. I'm sure there's plenty of other options that will get you out there working with people in the community with disabilities.
Good luck!!
2006-07-25 14:03:28 · answer #1 · answered by chica_zarca 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
That's a great way to start out. You know what the job entails and you will understand your classes better once you get your degree. In my school district, they are in such need for special ed teachers, they let anyone with any sort of bachelor's degree become a special ed teacher as long as they are in the process of getting their master's in that area.
2006-07-29 12:09:43 · answer #2 · answered by luella 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to find out what your state requires as a minimum for teaching. In MA we need a master's degree in special education. Then you need to pass a teaching exam. You also have to do student teaching if you don't have a bachelor's degree in special education.
2006-07-25 14:34:24 · answer #3 · answered by Rosie1952 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a huge shortage of SPED teachers out there... you might check with your district and see if they have a program to help pay for your schooling. There are tons of programs out there... go to ed.gov It really just depends on where you live. Some states require a masters in SPED, others a bs. You might even be able to start out with emergency certification depending on where you live.
2006-07-25 22:29:31 · answer #4 · answered by okie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you considered doing the foundation degree for teaching assistants?
It can lead on to QTS status and well as HLTA
2006-07-26 00:21:35 · answer #5 · answered by beki_jane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call a local university or college and speak to an adviser.
2006-07-25 14:04:05 · answer #6 · answered by skept1c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what exactly you want to do. Check with your local BOCES and see what options are available to you. Perhaps you should return to school to pursue teaching certification.
I wish you well.
2006-07-25 14:04:28 · answer #7 · answered by Parker J 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋