Because like I majored in Computer Science but now I've realized I want to teach instead and not do computer jobs. My mom said I could go to graduate school to be a Special Education teacher. Is that true? Is a Master's degree in Special Education all that is required to become a Special Education teacher? Aside from a teaching certification?
2006-09-16 04:22:24 · 14 answers · asked by Teri 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
Some school districts really need teachers and may hire you for a skill they are having difficulty hiring, such as computer science. They would expect you to complete your B.A. and teacher certification programs in the coming year or so.
You need to complete your B.A. before going to graduate school.
Contact schools in your state to see what their requirements are.
2006-09-16 04:23:52 · answer #1 · answered by Plasmapuppy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The teacher credentialing requirements vary from state to state. Many states, including California, do not require you to have a Bachelors Degree in Education, although you will need a BA or BS degree of some sort to get into a credentials program in California. Check with the state agency that does credentialing to see what the educational requirements are.
In many areas of the country, there is a great shortage of special education teachers. In California, you can get an "emergency credential" with just a Bachelors degree. I have known people with an emergency credential who have been hired by school districts to be special education teachers, with the requirement that they be enrolled in a university teacher preparation course of study, and that they make "adequate progress" in that course of study. I wouldn't advise that you teach special ed on a emergency credential if you haven't got some experience in the field, because you really need some background in classroom and behavior management and curriculum development, or you will be so overwhelmed that you will burn out.
So the short answer to your question is, yes, it is possible to become a teacher without having a bachelor's degree in education. You will need to check into the specifics with the department of education in whatever state you wish to teach.
I would just caution you to be sure - no matter where you want to teach - that you really have the desire to teach special education. I personally love it and wouldn't want to be doing anything else, but it's not a job that everyone will enjoy, especially given that the salaries aren't really commensurate with the education, level of stress, and actual hours you work. But if you have the desire and the attitude, then check it out.
2006-09-16 10:26:36 · answer #2 · answered by sonomanona 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would need to take a lot of prerequisites before entering a master's program in education. However you don't need a master's degree to teach. You probably only need an additional 1-2 years of undergraduate studies to meet the requirements, which would be a bachelors in education. You can take any area you like (special ed, math, anything) and your teaching certificate and internships are included in the bachelors program.
2006-09-16 04:25:06 · answer #3 · answered by tenaciousd 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone once told me, the second most useless undergrad degree is a BA in History. I have one. However, I had no intention of "going all the way"...I didn't want to spend half my viable working life in school. That's fine. I am pleased that I can feed my addition to history almost anywhere I go or any party I attend. If you want to do ANYTHING in the field, you must consider PhD'ing it. A Masters will get you a posting at a university, but only with plans to pursue the PhD. I have no regrets. It was fun, interesting and fed my learning addiction. Maybe consider a BA Hist., but a followup with perhaps a Masters in Public Admin or something of the like. Good luck.
2016-03-27 03:59:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you want to work with special needs kids? It's a very demanding job, but it is in high demand. Keep in mind that public school teaching is a thankless underpaid job. If you'd rather make 35K a year dealing with other peoples' children's problems, than make 75 - 100 K a year applying your computer science degree, go for it! Start by calling your local school district and asking them about necessary credentials. Requirements vary from school district to school district.
Your school district may require that you work towards a Masters while you are teaching, but it need not be in education. In fact, I would strongly advise against a degree in education. (anecdotal personal experience -- go for a Masters in something that is more widely applicable)
2006-09-16 04:26:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is possible in some states if you get a Master's Degree in Education. You may have to take some extra courses that you would have taken at the bachelor's level. Special Ed is a growing field that uses a LOT of technology so you would be a wonderful asset. Welcome aboard!
2006-09-16 06:00:00 · answer #6 · answered by Rosie1952 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!
I have done it. I was educated in England (Cambridge University undergrad and postgrad). I did not study education at all. When I moved to America, I went to a fair in my state's capitol where reps from several public schools were hunting for teachers. They hired me BUT I had to:
1) get my degrees evaluated by an agency to say that they were equivalent to US degrees
2) take the praxis
3) take some education courses (offered by local colleges)
You have two years to meet all of the qualifications AFTER you are hired as a teacher.
Go for it.
2006-09-16 04:28:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your local school system's employment office. They have all kinds of alternative methods to teach, here in our area, where teachers are so scarce. I think they do a few weekend days of OJT, put you in the classroom, then require that you go back in summers to get a teaching certificate, should not take more than one or two summer sessions.
But every school district has different rules and requirements. Check them out. Please don't give up on this endeavor, as we need all kinds of different people of different specialties to educate the next generation.
2006-09-16 04:27:07 · answer #8 · answered by finaldx 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state. In California, you need a Bachelor's degree. It can be in anything, doesn't have to be in education. Then you do a 5th year of study which consists of 45 units plus student teaching. That is where you get all of your teacher prep courses. Good luck!
2006-09-16 04:26:55 · answer #9 · answered by Taffi 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes it is possible, the minimum is an Associates Degree, and there is a big need for Special Education Teachers. Everywhere!
2006-09-16 05:09:30 · answer #10 · answered by dolphins4sheri2001 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋