Whether you’re aspiring to become a preschool, elementary, or high school special education teacher, understanding the landscape, from the necessary degrees and credentials, to the skills needed to be successful in the role, is essential.
Special Education Teacher Degrees
Pursuing a career in special education begins with obtaining the right education. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for becoming a special education teacher, with many aspiring educators opting for a degree emphasis in special education or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These programs provide foundational knowledge in teaching methods, classroom management, and the principles of special education.
Bachelor’s Degrees
For those drawn to working with young children but aiming for a career in special education, the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an option, though it’s not specialized for this field. In the realm of teaching, a bachelor’s degree serves as a foundational step preceding a master’s degree, where specialization becomes important. While your undergraduate major can vary, there are bachelor’s programs tailored specifically for those committed to an educational path from the outset, such as a BA in Liberal Studies with a Multiple Subject Credential track.
To venture into special education, a master’s degree in one of the specialized areas is required. At the bachelor’s level, programs like ECE often focus on broader aspects of child development, emphasizing how teaching practices need to adapt to accommodate the emotional, social, and physical needs of young learners. These programs offer valuable experiences through fieldwork and practicums with a more generalized scope. Depending on your aspirations within special education, you might tailor your practical experiences to settings involving students with diverse needs during your undergraduate studies.
Master’s Degrees
Advanced degrees are the primary pathway to becoming a special education teacher. There are a variety of master’s programs available, some with a specific emphasis on special education, and different specializations within special education. These programs focus on developing skills and knowledge in child disabilities and what strategies should be used to teach these students.
For example, if you are interested in working with students who have autism, you will want to consider degree programs like a Master of Arts in Education, Autism, Master of Arts in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism that provides an in-depth curriculum on autism including the characteristics and diagnosis.
There are also a variety of other master’s degrees that can help you jumpstart your special education career, including a Master of Arts in Special Education, Early Childhood and Master of Arts in Special Education, Teaching and Learning.
Getting Your Special Education Teaching Credential in California
In California, obtaining a special education teaching credential, also known as an Education Specialist credential, is a necessary step in the journey to becoming a special education teacher. The process begins with passing either the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), depending on the age level of children you would like to teach. An elementary special education teacher must pass the CBEST, and a middle or high school education teacher must pass the CSET in their preferred subject. Special education teachers must also pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), and a U.S. Constitution course or examination.
In order to receive your Education Specialist Preliminary Credential, you must complete a Commission on Teaching Credentialing-approved Education Specialist Credential program in a specialty area. The program should include coursework related to English language skills and the diagnosis of developmental delays, technology use in the classroom, and health education and CPR. You will also be evaluated through the Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) for Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs students. Lastly, you’ll need a formal recommendation from a degree program sponsor.
Once the Preliminary Credential is obtained, special education teachers are expected to complete an induction program, which provides support and mentorship for new teachers. Education Specialists must also work through Level II special education content, which is often part of California’s teaching preparation programs. Upon successful completion of the induction program, educators can apply for a Clear Credential, which signifies full certification.
Special education teachers in California may also need to obtain additional authorizations or credentials, depending on their area of specialization. At UMass Global, we offer specific education degree programs that fulfill authorization and credential requirements. Keep in mind you will need to hold a teaching credential in order to enroll in an authorization program.
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?
Special education teachers are the unsung heroes in the educational landscape. These dedicated professionals work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills, such as literacy and communication techniques, to students with severe disabilities.
Special educators are tasked with developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, a process that involves assessing students’ abilities, setting educational goals, and tracking their progress. These teachers work closely with parents, school counselors, administrators, and other healthcare professionals to provide the most effective and supportive educational environment for their students.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Being an early childhood special education teacher requires a deep understanding of child development. They are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of various developmental delays and disabilities, such as speech and language delays, motor skill deficits, or sensory processing disorders.
Creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment is another critical aspect of the job. This involves setting up a classroom that is safe both physically and developmentally, welcoming, and stimulating for young learners. Teachers must carefully consider the arrangement of furniture, materials, and resources to promote exploration, curiosity, and active engagement.
Early childhood special education teachers work closely with families, as well as other professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to provide a holistic approach to supporting children with special needs.
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Elementary special education teachers play a crucial role in the foundational years of a child’s education. Working with children from kindergarten through fifth grade, these educators are focused on teaching basic skills and concepts that form the building blocks for future learning.
Elementary special education teacher responsibilities include assessing children’s skills to determine their educational needs, developing and implementing IEPs, and adapting lesson plans to meet each child’s unique learning style. Collaboration is key in this role, as these teachers often work with a team of educators and healthcare specialists to provide a holistic educational experience.
Secondary Special Education Teacher
The transition from elementary to secondary special education brings a shift in focus towards preparing students for life beyond school. They work closely with students, their families, and other professionals to develop comprehensive transition plans that address areas such as further education, employment, and independent living skills. By collaborating with various stakeholders, these teachers ensure that their students have the necessary tools, resources, and support to succeed beyond the classroom.
One of the key aspects of being a special education teacher is the close relationships they build with their students. By establishing a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment, these teachers create a safe space where students feel valued, respected, and supported. During middle school, special education teachers face the challenges of dealing with students undergoing puberty, which can impact emotional and social behavior.
This is where modifications are necessary, boosting self-confidence. Special education teachers advocate for their students’ rights and collaborate with other professionals to provide appropriate accommodations and modifications.
Skills Needed to Become a Special Education Teacher
Becoming a successful special education teacher requires a unique set of skills. Cultivating these skills is an ongoing process that requires dedication, reflection, and a commitment to professional growth. Special education teachers must be lifelong learners, continually seeking out opportunities to enhance their knowledge and abilities.
Do Special Education Teachers Make More than General Education Teachers?
In many cases, special education teachers do earn higher salaries than their general education counterparts. This can be attributed to the additional responsibilities and challenges that come with teaching students with disabilities and special needs. Special education roles also require more specialized schooling and certification, which contributes to higher pay.
However, salaries can vary widely depending on the school district, geographic location, and level of experience. As of March 2024, on average, special education teachers in California make $69,199, compared to $64,965 for general education teachers. Special education teachers can also make upwards of $90,000, whereas the cap for general education teachers is $79,230. It’s important for aspiring special education teachers to research salary trends in their area to get a better understanding of what to expect.
Make a Difference in Special Needs Education with UMass Global
The journey to become a special education teacher requires a deep commitment. The skills and personalized approach needed in this profession not only prepare educators to face a variety of classroom situations but also underscore the importance of dedication, empathy, and patience in shaping the educational experiences of their students. For those looking to pursue this important profession in California, UMass Global offers special education degree programs tailored to various areas of need, including autism, to help you achieve your goal. Request more information about our Master of Arts in Teaching programs
The “what” is easy to identify. It could be issues with behavior, comprehension or communication.
But the key to creating a strategy to develop an inclusive classroom, according to Anne Spillane, Ph.D., associate professor of special education for University of Massachusetts Global, is to look beyond the “what” to the “why.”
“Teachers have all sorts of skills already. When we talk about typical kids, ‘I see that problem, I see this solution works.’ Sometimes when you see the problem, and provide the solution, but have a child who is not typical, the problem isn’t really what you think it is,” Spillane said.
This is especially true, Spillane said, when the “not typical” students are on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing disability in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The prevalence of autism in U.S. children skyrocketed, from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 59 in 2018, according to the CDC’s most recent Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network report.
As the diagnoses grow, the practice of inclusive classrooms is also on the rise. The time students with disabilities spend in a general classroom 80 percent or more of the time has almost doubled in three decades, from close to 32 percent in 1989 to 62 percent in 2015, according to the latest National Center for Educational Statistics report.
Special education teachers and instructional aides can help, but that resource is shrinking. An Education Week Research Center survey shows the number of special education teachers has dropped by more than 17 percent over the past decade.
That’s why general education teachers need a strategy for an inclusive classroom, where students with special needs and typical students can engage, learn, and grow together. While teachers usually have a toolbox of solutions for challenges, turning to the tried-and-true isn’t necessarily recommended when educating students on the spectrum. She emphasizes looking at the “why.”
“There’s a saying: if you know one kid with autism, you know one kid with autism,” Spillane said. “Instead of looking at what’s causing disruptive behavior, look at the underlying cause. Is it a communications difficulty? A sensory issue? Or not reading a social situation and the student needs it explicitly explained to them? The underlying cause may not be not knowing academics. It could be not being able to communicate what they know about the academics.”
Because the field and findings are constantly changing, University of Massachusetts Global’s autism program doesn’t use a text book. Faculty stay current and up to date with trends, changing requirements and best practices through ongoing research, articles, and field work. The program provides teachers with resources they can use immediately in their classrooms to find the “why”, and ones to share with parents that can help them find a community.
By developing a solid strategy for an inclusive classroom, the parent, special education teacher and general education teacher can work together as a team to meet the needs of all students.
Looking for a teacher training program tailored to your school’s or district’s needs? Schedule your complimentary needs assessment with one of our specialists today: www.umassglobal.edu
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to pursue a child-oriented career. Or maybe you just recently realized you could be well-suited for a role in this area. No matter the journey that brought you to this point, you’re ready to find out how to start working toward your professional goals.
First, you’ll need to determine which specific path you might want to pursue. There are a number of different jobs that help children, and each could allow you to make an impact in a unique way. Familiarizing yourself with the various options can assist you in your decision-making process.
To help you out, we created this infographic that highlights what you can expect from seven distinct career paths. There’s also information regarding the specific qualities that help professionals thrive in each position.
In most industries, career preparation includes some common elements. Students across nearly every field of study are accustomed to hearing about the importance of gaining internships or practicum experiences, creating an eye-catching resume and sharpening their interview skills.
One particularly vital aspect of preparing for your professional future is networking, which begins before the job search and can carry on throughout your career. The benefits networking can offer are numerous. In fact, one LinkedIn survey found that 80 percent of working professionals consider networking to be an important factor in career success.
Today’s digital age means that this can now be done from just about anywhere. Face-to-face meetings are great, but there are still plenty of ways to be effective in your online networking efforts.
4 Important online networking tips
It’s true that in-person networking can offer certain things online networking can’t, but the latter also has its own advantages. In a digital realm, you have all the information you could want at your fingertips. You can be sure you’re pointed in the right direction from the start by researching everything you can about your intended career path. This can make it easier to identify companies that align with your interests.
From there, you can begin introducing yourself to people who are involved with those organizations. Remember, the ultimate goal of networking is to forge connections that can help in your professional development and career advancement. As you get started, keep these four things in mind:
Rethink your target demographic
When networking online, especially when you’re just starting out, it’s helpful to remember that seniority isn’t the only thing that matters. Your instinct may be to try connecting with the high-level executives at your target organizations, but it’s often more effective to build relationships to those who you consider to be your peers.
You’re also much more likely to get a response if you aim beyond the C-suite demographic. Evidence suggests that VPs and C-level professionals are the least likely to respond to people they don’t already know. Meanwhile, people earlier in their careers respond most often. Think of this as an opportunity to get your foot in the door, and then you can grow your network from there.
That said, you don’t have to entirely give up on reaching more senior executives. It may just require a different approach. Try to identify connections through your college’s alumni network. University of Massachusetts Global, for instance, has an online program that matches users with graduates and faculty based on factors like industry, area of study or even whether they’re first-generation students.
Cater your communication for digital conversations
Communicating online is inevitably different than chatting in person. This means you should take extra care as you craft messages to networking contacts. For starters, you can never underestimate the importance of proofreading.
Some potential employers will view typos as a sign that you lack true interest in a position with the organization or that you lack attention to detail. Taking a little extra time to double-check your spelling and grammar before hitting “send” can go a long way.
It’s also important to communicate in a way that will be well-received in a digital format. This means you’ll want to keep your messages fairly short. For some, long messages can be an instant turn-off. Keep it easy to read and understand. It’s also smart to maintain an air of professionalism by avoiding use of common internet slang or emojis.
Finally, it helps to be deliberate about what you’re saying and clear about what you might be asking for. A lot of the nuance we’re accustomed to with face-to-face conversation is lost when communicating online, so take extra care to be sure you’re conveying the right tone.
Work to establish an authentic connection
In the same way many of us are quick to ignore a call from an unknown number, it’s not uncommon for people to let messages or emails from strangers go unanswered. Popping into someone’s inbox out of nowhere can, at times, trigger a negative response.
One way you can combat this is to establish some shared interests. Perhaps you have similar educational backgrounds, you share passions about certain causes, both of you are part of the same public groups or there’s something else you align on. Finding some common ground can help the connection feel more genuine. If your school offers an online alumni networking program, this will likely come easier.
It’s also helpful to communicate how you might be able to add value to the people and organizations you’re reaching out to. Some business experts view this as the golden rule of networking — you can’t just be in it for yourself.
If your ultimate goal is to solicit guidance or assistance from a new networking contact, start by demonstrating what you can do to help them in return. Even small gestures like social sharing, commenting online, endorsing on LinkedIn or including their insights in your publications can plant the seeds for productive give-and-take relationships.
Stay positive
Lastly, remember that patience will be critical as you try your hand at online networking. Virtual interactions don’t happen at the same pace as in-person ones do. Simply put, not everyone is online all the time. It’s a good rule of thumb to give your contacts two or three days to reply before reaching out again to follow up.
If you find you’re not making as many connections as you’d hoped, do your best to stay optimistic. You may not get many bites when you first begin messaging, but that’s because building authentic relationships in a digital environment can take time.
With endeavors like this, you’re often playing the long game. You’re ultimately looking to assemble a network of like-minded professionals who can help guide you in your career pursuits and come to view you as a thought leader in your industry. As long as you remain active on your social platforms by posting content your desired network can interact with, you’ll be able to watch your professional community slowly expand.
You can start by sharing a variety of content that’s relevant to your industry — everything from articles and white papers to surveys and how-to videos. Keep an eye out for what type of material gets the most engagement, and incorporate that insight as you plan what to share with your professional network moving forward.
Set yourself up for online networking success
As you begin to venture into the online networking world, consider our four secrets for success: rethink your target demographic, adjust your communication style, make genuine connections and remain persistent in your efforts. Soon, you’ll likely begin seeing your online network grow.
To establish your online presence even further, it can help to put some concerted effort into establishing your personal brand. Visit our infographic to learn how building a personal brand online can help advance your career.