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Starting a career in special education can be rewarding and fulfilling, whether you’re a high school student, a career changer, or someone interested in teaching this field. There are multiple entry points to the field of special education, depending on where you are beginning your career path.
Starting a career in special education can be rewarding and fulfilling, whether you’re a high school student, a career changer, or someone interested in teaching this field. There are multiple entry points to the field of special education, depending on where you are beginning your career path.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in special education, consider these steps to get you started:
High School
High School
See if your high school offers classes geared toward child development, such as psychology, teacher cadet classes, child development, etc.
Research the different areas of special education and see which interests you (see our Speciality Areas page)
Volunteer with organizations such as a local division of Special Olympics, the Kind Project, or anything with special education students within the school to become comfortable with the population
Get involved, from extracurriculars to internships/part-time jobs
If possible, visit schools that have different special education classes
Research the benefits of taking the SAT or ACT to possibly waive Praxis and or subject area test (varies by state)
Talk with those around you (parents, school counselor, teachers, etc.) about your intent to go into special education
When applying to colleges and universities, make sure the education department has a certified special education program to assist with future teaching licensure and job security (See Getting Started and find your state)
Begin building a list of colleges you want to target
College
College
Earn a state-approved bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in special education.
Complete a student teaching internship in a special education classroom
Take your state’s required special education certification exam
Apply with your state’s education agency for a teaching license. If teaching in another state other than where you went to school, find out how to transfer your certificate or apply for reciprocity.
Suppose the university or college you plan to attend does not offer a degree in special education. In that case, you can explore a special education teacher preparation program upon completing your degree.
It may be required to supplement a general education degree with your program, which typically results in a special education teaching certification for licensure.
Depending on the state in which you plan to teach, you will either receive a general license, which means that you can work with any special education population, or you may receive a license that allows you to only work within a specialized area.
Post-College
Post-College
If you are interested in joining the field of special education but hold a different degree, you may have the option of completing an alternative certification plan. The names of these certification programs vary by state, such as Alternative Pathway, Portfolio Program, and Teaching Residencies. It is important to note that not all states offer an alternative certification option. You will need to research state requirements found here (link).
In most situations, an individual will need to follow a series of steps:
Completion of a teacher preparation program approved by the state in which certification is desired.
Application for provisional teaching or, in some cases, an emergency teaching certificate to complete supervised teaching.
A passing score on the state’s exams for prospective educators.
And then an application for a full teaching certificate.
LOANS AND GRANTS
LOANS AND GRANTS
Several federal grants and scholarships are available to support individuals pursuing special education teacher preparation. These programs encourage and financially assist individuals interested in becoming special education teachers. Keep in mind that the availability and details of these programs may change, so it’s important to verify the information and eligibility criteria with the relevant organizations and government agencies:
TEACH Grant: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides financial assistance (up to $4,000 per year) to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework necessary to become qualified teachers, including special education teachers. In exchange for the grant, recipients commit to teaching in a high-need field, such as special education, at a low-income school for a certain number of years. The grant converts into an unsubsidized loan if the service requirement is not fulfilled.
Federal Pell Grant: While not specific to special education, the Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant available to eligible undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. This grant can provide significant financial support for education-related expenses, including teacher preparation programs.
Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program: While not a grant or scholarship, this program offers loan forgiveness for eligible teachers, including special education teachers, who work in low-income schools or educational service agencies for at least five consecutive years. The loan forgiveness amounts vary based on the subject area taught and the loan types.
Federal Work-Study Program: The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students, including those in teacher preparation programs. Students may be able to work in special education settings or gain relevant experience in their future teaching careers.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Scholarships: The NBPTS offers scholarships to support educators pursuing National Board Certification. These certifications can be particularly relevant and beneficial for special education teachers aiming to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.
Remember that scholarship and grant availability may vary depending on location, institution, and other factors. Be sure to research and contact the financial aid office of your chosen college or university for the most up-to-date information about available funding opportunities for special education teacher preparation. Additionally, explore local, state, and private scholarship options for special education or education-related fields.
Remember that scholarship and grant availability may vary depending on location, institution, and other factors. Be sure to research and contact the financial aid office of your chosen college or university for the most up-to-date information about available funding opportunities for special education teacher preparation. Additionally, explore local, state, and private scholarship options for special education or education-related fields.
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