The way people can have an effect on your whole life amazes me. My brother was born with Cerebral Palsy, growing up around him made me realize what I want to do with my life. I want to be able to help others and watch them grow. Special Education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. The requirements to become a Special Education teacher is at least a bachelor's degree in Special Education. Coursework typically includes classes in subjects such as child assessment, educational psychology, behavior support, communication techniques and disabled student instruction. In all states it is mandatory that Special Education teachers have a state-issued certification or license to work in a public school. Teachers may want to specialize in one or more of these specific groups: mild/moderate, severe/profound, deaf and hard of hearing, visual impairments, physical and health impairments, and early childhood special education.
You might not think you can do more to prepare for your career but you can other than all the college classes and course work. You can do paid or volunteer work as a tutor, camp counselor, or coach, preferably with children who have special needs. You can also study psychology and family and consumer science to develop your communication skills and learn about issues affecting families and children. To learn more about the job you can speak with special education teachers about the joys and challenges of their jobs. The salary for a special education teacher depends on the educational level taught. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics states, "The median annual wage for special education teachers was $55,060 in May 2012". "However, the top ten percent of special education teachers earned more than $87,390". The more experience the teacher has the more they will be paid. As well with the more education they have.
