2007-01-18 07:32:00 · 12 answers · asked by dvidlarkal 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Special Education
You need to major in special education to teach special needs children. Your best bet would be to go to school for special education and if you are interested in something else like psychology, administration, or possibly speech therapy/occupational therapy you can pursue that at the masters level. The good thing is that some school districts offer tuition reimbursement (limited funds) to get your masters degree. That is why I recommend special education first...if you are willing to work and go to school at the same time it can be more economical.
2007-01-18 08:54:37 · answer #1 · answered by lolabellaquin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Special Education.
2007-01-18 21:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by the Politics of Pikachu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are programs designed to provide the requirements to get professionally certified to teach in any area even if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated field. You need at least a bachelor's degree to be a teacher in a public school, but you could work as an aide or assistant in many settings without a BA/BS degree.
For more information on the credentialing requirements for your state, go to the Department of Education website for your state.
2007-01-18 19:29:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need at least a Bachelor's degree to teach. In many states, you cannot major in education as an undergrad. (VA is one of them.)
You have to pick a major (psychology, sociology, or integrated social sciences are good ones) and minor in education. This way you get a well-rounded education and a teaching certificate. Often the minor is more credit hours than the major.
As a graduate student, you can pursue any specialty area in education without having to choose an additional area of study.
2007-01-18 20:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by Dawn S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Special Education teacher. I received my degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I am originally certified in the state of Pennsylvania and now certified and teaching in Wisconsin. Depending on which state you would like to teach in, find out what the criteria is from a local university. Each state is different. For example, in Pennsylvania, I had to take 8 different tests to become certified. In Wisconsin, it's only a couple depending on the area of special education. In Pennsylvania, the 8 tests certified me across all categories. The schooling and certification tests are vigorous. You may want to brush up on your proof reading skills.
As someone else stated, Special Education teachers are in high demand, but does have a high burn out rate. This sounds contradictory, but it is a high stress, high happiness, low paid, thankless job. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
2007-01-18 23:04:10 · answer #5 · answered by Sue A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a masters degree in 'Early Childhood Special Education' and am certified to teach children with special needs from birth to age 8.
2007-01-18 18:59:53 · answer #6 · answered by prekinpdx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a degree in Special Education. There is a great need in this area. The burn-out is high. It is a calling and good Special Education teachers are in great demand. I admire you for having this desire. You could contact your nearest college or university to get more information or you could get information from the internet. Good luck to you!
2007-01-18 15:41:10 · answer #7 · answered by Lucy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best teachers that I have met have balanced their academic education with humanistic reality. You can walk into a classroom with a stack of diplomas, but if you are out of your comfort zone they won't do you a damn bit of good. Check out some of the following:
http://www.pacer.org/tatra/personal.htm
http://www.self-determination.com/
http://tcds.edb.utexas.edu/TSDPT/T%20Nerney%20Handouts.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfort_zone
Take the time to be involved with people with developmental disabilities - not just to mark time and pad your resume, but with the intention of finding your true mentors and teachers. Stay out of the rat trap of putting paperwork before peoplework, and find ways to make the system work for people. Shine on.....;)
2007-01-18 19:53:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would want to persue an education degree with an emphasis in special education.
2007-01-18 20:03:00 · answer #9 · answered by RiddleMeThis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My freind teaches autistic kids and she got her undergrad in psychology and her masters in Education focusing on special needs children.
If you dont want to get a masters get youre undergrad in Education (you have to to get your license) and maybe minor in Psychology
2007-01-18 15:36:23 · answer #10 · answered by Courtney C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋