Special ed teachers?

Question

I'm considering pursuing a degree in special ed. I'm not really sure though. Does anyone have some insight for me that might help me make a good decision? I would appreciate it also if anyone would like to share their experiences as a special ed teacher.

Answer 1

I am a special education teacher (EBD) currently (9-12). I am also a licensed school counselor.

What I love...
Making a big difference in a kids life that may need a break.
Going beyond what regular teachers can do to help kids.
Flexibility of schedule and materials.
You get to meet some great parents!
Your colleagues.
The success you will see when you care about a kid.
Everyday is different (BELIEVE ME ON THIS ONE!)

What I don't love so much...
Paperwork...loads of paperwork...mountains of it.
The amount of poverty you have to deal with can be tiresome.
Parents who are mentally ill (i.e. - Bi-Polar and angry).
The sense of entitlement that kids and parents can have.
Stupid standardized testing.

Mixed Feelings on...
Being the social buffer for "PC" vs. Socially Acceptable (all kids).
Advocacy for behavioral trouble when your boss is punishing a kid (kinda puts you in an odd spot).
Socio-economic status isn't a factor on standardized testing and you will be responsible for academic progress.

Things to consider before making the leap...
What type of school do you want to work in?
Are you organized?
Do you have good interpersonal skills?
Do you have good conflict resolution skills and can you stick up for your self in a "PC" way?
What age group do you want to work with?
How do you handle adversity or disagreements with peers?
Can you talk the talk? (alot of Spec. Ed. is knowing the lingo!)
Do you take things personally?
Find some theories on working with students or academic/behavioral models and make sure you ask about them during an interview. Try to find a school that fits your needs first, then you can be successful.

Potential for burn-out...
Trying to hard...you will never "fix" kids; only maturity can help some.
Don't like the academic style your colleagues use can make it tough.
Your first couple of years...YIKES, they are tough.
Small schools and you with little experience can be a recipe for disaster.

Things that can help...(course work)
Counseling Theory classes
Abnormal Psychology classes
Statistics...yuck
Counseling classes (helps squash drama outside of school)
*Find a college that deals with practical rather than theory!

Things that help...(general)
Using " i " statements to de-escalate kids.
Giving the benefit of the doubt...ALOT.
Being organized.
Working with a good team.
Be prepared to explain why you do what you do.
Documentation of all phone calls and emails (A MUST).
Be computer literate.
Remember, it isn't always about academic content (regular teachers can hate that statement!)

I really hope this helps. It is an awesome profession but you must take care of your philosophical and personal needs (demographics) before you can truly be effective and decrease burn out risks.

Answer 2

I have a masters in early childhood special ed. There are more jobs in special ed, but the pay is generally the same as the union will negotiate pay scales for all teachers with masters degrees. You shouldn't worry too much about 'benefits', I would advise you to figure out if you want to do regular ed or special ed and then take it from there to determine what age you want to work with. The special ed credential probably wouldn't give you nearly as much education and training as the masters in special ed would, so you probably would be a much better special ed teacher if you went for the masters in special ed. Good luck!

Answer 3

There is a demand for special education teachers in most parts of the United States, so the prospect of employment is quite good. The big question, though, is why you are considering this career path. If you have some experience working with people with special needs and you found something about it that inspired you, then this could be a good career for you. If you have not had experience, then take Caesar's advice and spend some time working in a special education class.

In my district in northern California, they are always hiring teaching assistants for special education classes. There are quite a number of teachers in our area who began their careers as teaching assistants and went on to get their credentials. In many cases, they were able to keep their jobs while they earned their credentials and even got to do their student teaching in the classroom they worked in. That's a pretty great situation if you can arrange it - being paid while you student teach!

I got my first special ed credential more than 30 years ago, and I still LOVE my job. I had wanted to be a veterinarian but I was a pretty lazy student and hated the amount of work involved in the advanced math and science classes. But I had been volunteering in a special ed preschool where my little sister, who has Down Syndrome, was enrolled. It was great, and I was hooked. I feel so blessed that she is my sister; without her, I never would have found my way to the best career I could ever have.

In 30-plus years, I have taught special ed classes from infant & toddler through vocational programs for young adults. For the last 10 years, I have been teaching 5 to 7 year olds, and this is my favorite group. I have 2 incredible assistants who are a vital part of our team. And the kids - you have never seen such a cute and endearing bunch of children. Unlike the general ed programs, where the emphasis is on preparing students to perform well on standardized tests, our curriculum is driven by the Individual Education Plans of our students. So I get the pleasure and the challenge of developing activities and lessons to meet their IEP objectives. This means that we have far more music, art, physical education, stories, games, etc., than general ed classes, because I don't have the constraints of following a prescribed "one size fits all" curriculum.

And it is so great to see these little guys learn and grow. Some of my students were nonverbal and now are talking or using a picture communication system. A couple are beginning to read - and they are so excited about it! All of them are developing social skills and making friends. Everyday someone does something amazing and awesome. We sing every day, we do art all the time, we dance and play games, we cook and garden, and we laugh. There are so many moments of pure joy! I am truly blessed to be able to make a living by having so much fun!

This is not to say that it's easy work, because it isn't. There are lots of paperwork requirements. Sometimes kids scratch, pinch, hit, or bite, especially before they learn other ways to communicate and get their needs met, and I often have bruises and scratches. Sometimes it's frustrating and aggravating, sometimes it is just one step shy of chaotic, but it's never ever boring. And even on the most difficult days, there are still moments of pleasure and joy.

I can't imagine any other career that would bring me this level of personal satisfaction. Even after all these years, I am still excited to go to school and see what will happen today.

So check it out. If special ed is right for you, it can be a great career.

Answer 4

There are many different types of special education classes. You received some good advice suggesting you get a job as an instructional aid while working on your credential. I teach resource in Jr.High, and was an instructional aid while working on my credential. I feel being an instructional aid gave me the insight I needed to make an informed career decision. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I greatly respect those who work with challenged children. It takes a very caring, patient and dedicated person to succeed in this profession.

However, in response to your question. I would strongly advise that you volunteer to serve as an aide/helper in special ed. classes. And, not for just a day or so. Get totally involved, spend precious time in first hand experiences; text books can rarely teach what challenged children can teach in person.

For quick rewards, volunteer as an aide/helper in the next Special Olympics event in your area.

Good luck. Hope you stay in this area.

Answer 6

There are a lot of good jobs in special education.

Answer 7

Special ed sped up special needs children, its a great thing!

Answer 8

You got to have alot of patients. You have got to not mind working with the "mentally gifted."