What does special education entail?

Question

I'm thinking of taking a special education courses in the fall, and I know that it's going to be alot of hard work, but I'm wondering if somebody could tell me just how much hard work. I'm also wondering what kind of lifestyle I would have to lead while studying. I don't party alot but I will have to work.

Answer 1

First of all are you a regular ed teacher already? If not it will involve you getting a 4 yr Bachelor's Degree in Special Ed or dual certification (Regular & Sp. Ed) depending on what state you graduate in. If you already have a teaching degree in Regular Ed you can get your Master's in Special Ed. This could taket 30 to 60+ credits. Some states require Master's degrees to get any kind of teaching certification. also within the special ed programs there are specialties like early childhood sp. ed etc.
Special Ed teachers take a great deal of developmental & human psychology courses along with methods courses and courses dealing with statistics along with tests and measurements courses.
A regular Ed teacher takes similar courses but not specific to children with special needs. You may also need to take a language and some basic mental and physical health courses. Regular Ed teaching curriculum does cover a great deal of the same courses but more generalized in content. A special ed teacher is like a physician who specializes in certain illnesses. Check with a college advisor at your local college or if you're still in High School check with your Guidance Counselor.

Check out these web site to get an idea what certain colleges throughout the country require.

http://www.tc.columbia.edu/C&T/Child-SpecEd/detail.asp?Id=Degree+Requirements&Info=Master+of+Education

http://www.cityu.edu/soe_gd_mitspecialed2yr.htm

http://www.isbe.state.il.us/certification/requirements/professional_certificates.htm

http://www.usi.edu/educ/teach/index.asp

http://graduate.loyola.edu/graduate/academics/edu/specialeducation/medsecondary.asp

http://www.pacificu.edu/academics/ed/programs/special/

http://education.unlv.edu/Special_Ed/Ugrad/index.html

http://www.kyeducators.org/specialed/degree.asp

http://www.unr.edu/educ/ac/tcher_ed_10.html#2

http://www.fullerton.edu/catalog/index.asp

http://www.mville.edu/education/certification.html

http://www.newpaltz.edu/edstudies/special_ed.html

http://www.augie.edu/admission/facts/educ.html#Special

Answer 2

If your are planning to take courses in the study and practice of Special Education to become a Special Education Teacher, you will need to work hard at studying. Ideally you will be learning everything that a regular elementary education teacher must learn, plus how to help identify, create educational plans, and teach students with special needs.

You may need to go for a Masters degree to get further in this field, and qualify for better positions at better pay within Special Ed. As a teacher you will also be expected to continue taking seminars and classes.

I studied for my Masters, taking evening classes while working full time at the University - (this can get you a discount on tuition).

If you work while taking classes you won't be alone - other teachers and teachers' aides will be in some of your classes if you go in the evening.

Answer 3

Check in with the guidance department at a couple of schools to see what is required. You can work, but probably not full time, especially at the end of semesters. And you can and should have some fun, in terms of getting involved with activities at school. It is an important part of education. Relax, study, have fun, and learn. It'll be great. God Bless you in your quest.

Answer 4

Special education? That's not hard stuff... it's for the "slower" learners. You basically get to go on field trips every day and learn the ABCs. Unless you mean something else?

Answer 5

I'm in special Ed, so i can answer your question. I wouldn't drop your classes unless you want Easy quizes and no edu for a 4 year collage. That's right if you in a special ed class you can only go to an Tech Ed Collage. Deep down it hurts me knowing that so stay in your class if you want to go to a 4-year collage.

Answer 6

Special education is working with children or adults that have special needs. these needs can either be mental or physical.