What are the requirements to become a special education teacher outside of California?

Question

I've heard that we have some of the highest requirments in the USA. I would like to hear what the other state requirments are. California has a 2 level program with 30 units post BA for level 1, good for 5 years, and another 20 units plus 2 years teaching experience to achieve level 2. But Special education teachers do not need a regular ed credential.

Answer 1

Under NCLB ESE teachers do need regular ed certification in whatever area they are teaching in order to be highly qualified. If you're in an elementary school you need K-6 certification, and if you're teaching all subjects in a middle school there is a Middle School Integrated Subject Test you can take.

The issue we're having is that once a teacher gets regular ed certification they often don't want to come back to special ed and all of the unique issues on top of their regular duties.

Some of the tests, especially the middle school integrated test, are difficult since they cover a wide range of subject matter, most of which a self-contained ESE class will never cover in 7th and 8th grade.

In Florida we don't have Level 1 or Level 2 teachers. You must have the regular ed and ESE certification. There are alternative certification programs (ACP) for people who want to teach but don't have education degrees. School districts have their own ACPs, or people can go through a college or university.

Answer 2

They don't need a "regular" educational credential if all they want to teach is special ed kids only! And of course we have some of the highest requirements in the US, we only have the highest population of all the states! The great thing about having a CA credential is nearly every state will accept it and you will have to do little to no extra work when you move.