Special Education?

Question

After months of researching graduate programs, I have finally settled on special education. However, some close friends are trying to talk me out of it. They say it's demanding, stressful, and just a bad job in general. However, I feel the benefits and rewards will outweigh the negatives. I am a somewhat sensitive person, and public speaking is difficult for me, but I am up for the challenge because I really want to teach children with special needs and make a difference. I think I can overcome those small things, if I know I will have a rewarding career. I also understand there is a shortage in this field? Is this cause for concern? Is this job really as bad as everyone is leading on?

Answer 1

I am a special education teacher, and I LOVE my job. Yes, there is a numbing amount of paperwork and data collection, but there are unpleasant parts of any job. And as far as I am concerned, the wonderful parts far outweigh the negatives.

I suspect that most special education teachers are somewhat sensitive people; I know that I am, although I have long since left behind taking things personally. Being sensitive means that you CARE, and I think that's mandatory in teaching any type of students. I am fine with public speaking now, but as a young woman, I hated it. You'll get more comfortable with life experience. And being a great public speaker isn't a requirement for being a special education teacher.

What I love about my job is that it is a thrill to see a child learn, whether it is learning to use the toilet, learning to print his name, or learning how to behave appropriately. I LOVE it when a child says, "Hey, I'm getting pretty good at this!" A couple of months ago, I got one of the biggest thrills in my decades-long career. I have a student who had several unsuccessful class placements due to his extreme behavior, which included physical aggression. And he has pinched, scratched, pushed, slapped, punched, kicked, and hit me with a rock - I'm not saying this is easy! But as time went on, he started to realize that there are other ways to relate to people, and he started to calm down and actually interact with other kids. One day another student asked him if he wanted to color with her, which he did, and they were enjoying each other's company greatly. And this little guy said, in amazement, "I got a friend!!!" That made my day, my week, and my school year!

It is true that there are shortages of credentialed special ed teachers in most parts of the US. That's to your advantage, as it means lots of job opportunities.

If you have no experience in special ed, I would suggest spending some serious time in a classroom first to make sure that this is the career for you. Many districts are also having shortages of teaching assistants, and that can be a good way of gaining experience. But if you know in your heart that being a special ed teacher is what you are meant to do, then go for it! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Answer 2

Any occupation that you undertake is going to be be demanding and stressful, depending on how vested you are in the job.

I choose to go into special education many years ago and have not regretted one moment since. I actually became interested in the special education field when I was a teenager doing volunteer work for the Easter Seals Society.

The personal rewards of the work has far outweighed any demands and stress involved. There is always a demand for great people in this field, and anyone who is willing to put their education and heart into the field will be greatly appreciated.

You have to make the choices that are the best for you, and though your friends may think that they are being helpful to you, they need to realize that you need to follow your heart for your best life.

I know that education in general, is not the easiest of professions, and special education is even tougher; but you sound as if you are willing to work hard in order to help improve others lives.

The years that I have spent working with special needs individuals has been very rewarding, and made me especially grateful for all the blessings I have been given in my life.

There is nothing like the feeling of seeing a person that I have worked with learn the simplest things, and take steps forward bit by bit; it is beyond any paycheck or any other accolade in the world. Just knowing that there are people in the world that I helped become more independent and self-sufficient is an incredible feeling.

I wish you well in your graduate program work, you really sound as if you have your feet firmly planted on the ground, and know what you want. This is important when you decide to be involved in the special education field, you have to have heart and the willingness to help. Best of luck and have a good night.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, the job of a special ed teacher is often frustrating. It's not the job, per se (other than the fact that kids are a handful, and kid s with disabilities are no exception)

But special education is badly short-changed. for teachers who really do want to help these children learn and become full members of society, there is often an endless series of problems with school administrators whho will not fund programsproperly, who will not support you when issues come up--and a lack of adequate special education staff. You will also find yourself saddled with children who are put into your class because they are discipline problems no one wants tto deal with. There are existing in this country (and you can loookup studies that confirm this) where minority children are labeled as "special needs" when they are not.

If you've got the willlingness to confront the system, go for it--it is indeed worthwhile. Just be aware of the realities.

BTW: Howto cure fear/nervousness re public speaking: almost every university has a chapter of "Toastmasters"--or there will be one in the community. They get together once a month or so and practice giving speeches. That's an excellant way to learn and acquire confidence. Taking a class in public speaking is also good. Or, if you REALLY want to nail this, try something like what I did: volunteer at a local museum or other venue as a tour guide. Believe me, after a few months of giving talks to groups of complete strangers every week, your fear of public speaking will die a well-deserved death--never to rais its ugly head again! Good luck! :)

Answer 4

You follow your gut. Teaching in general can sometimes seem unrewarding, but that is only because it is so demanding. Obviously you have what it takes or you would not be asking this question. Yes. Special Education takes a special kind of teacher and there are some kids out there who probably can't wait to have a great teacher like you change their lives forever!!!

NEVER underestimate your ability to make that difference. That is the ONLY thing you need to remember. If you follow your gut and your heart, you will go far in this field and change the lives of many children in need of a patient, understanding and kind teacher - and you will also make a difference in the lives of the families as well.

My twin sister spent her entire education in "Special Education"... She needed special teachers like you and she had a few along the way. Please don't allow your friends opinions to thwart your desires.

God Bless & Congratulations on the New Career!!!

Meg -

Answer 5

Special Ed. is a thankless job. The shortage is because the Special Ed teachers get burned out so quickly. It is a very demanding job. Now that I've told you some of the negatives, please let me tell you some of the positives:
It is a very rewarding career where you really feel like you've done something to enhance someones life,
You get to see a childs face when she/he learns something new or experiences something new.

You sound like the kind of person Special Education really needs. Go for it.

Answer 6

I've been working with special kids for more than 3 years now. I started out not knowing what really this thing is all about. I had a good education and i learned that the kids in this field really need much of your attention and also your skill. More than that, they need your love and affection. My advice is simple, take it slow. Research more and be with these kids and then you will find out the reality of Special Education. Its hard and challenging... If you have the heart for challenge and if you have a heart filled with patience then i tell you that special education a world filled with wonder.
I never felt more uplifted and happy than seeing your special child the things that you have taught them. Good Luck and may you find the answers.

Answer 7

It is certainly a difficult career path, but if you are willing, please go for it. There is a shortage in that field because most people can't/don't want to work that hard and be that selfless. The job itself isn't bad. On observing special ed classrooms, I realized that it just takes a special kind of person to be able to do it. There are few people who are cut out for it. If you do enter the field, you are going to hear and see a lot of heartbreaking things. My mother was a special ed teacher for years. When she had terminally ill students, I could see it was very hard on her.

Answer 8

It is a very demanding job, but you are right, there are inherent rewards. However, there are two things to consider. First is that GWBush's policies and regulations make the job even more difficult and second is that you will be working with the most marginalized population in the school system...............try considering occupational therapy. Then you can still work with children, but you dont have to do the case management.

Answer 9

Give it a shot. There is a lot you can do if you find that the public school classroom setting isn't for you. Your education will groom you to work in a public school, but there are a lot of opportunities out side of that. For example, I have an M.Ed. in Sp.Ed., but I tutor college students (ESL and learning disabilities) and work in special education advocacy. I find these just as rewarding, and not nearly as frustrating, as working in a classroom.

Answer 10

Have you spent any time in a special ed classroom? I teach an elementary mild/moderate SDC class. Looking back, I think I would have spent a year as an instructional aide before I started teaching. It's a great way to get your feet wet in the field. A friend of mine did this and decided that special ed wasn't for her. For you, it might validate your desire to go into the field.