About Special Education Certification Programs

Special education is crucial to recognizing and assisting children with learning disabilities. These devoted educators train on a regular basis to meet the changing needs of elementary students through high school students. Special education teachers require this additional certification because the job is challenging and requires a certain devotion to the students.  

Basic Responsibilities and Legal Obligations

Special education teachers are responsible for assessing children with learning disabilities and developing an individual educational plan to assist the students with reaching their goals. Special education involves a variety of level of disabilities so patience is crucial for a teacher deciding to focus on the area of education. These teachers can assist in the regular classroom with students who are eligible for inclusion, or teach students in small groups outside the regular classroom. Each state has individual obligations to students who require services based on due process, including that parents are involved and notified of all aspects of the child's teaching plan.

Sources available for the Certification

Special education certifications vary depending on the state requirements, but the majority of states require a teaching certification and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. In addition a certificate within the special education certificate program. This certification can be completed through an online program, during the bachelor's degree or through postgraduate work. The specific areas required for the certification will include training in psychology, legal issues of education, developmental psychology, teaching students with disabilities, and strategies of teaching. Special education teachers are required to complete student teaching within the special education department of a school.

Salary and Job Outlook

Special education is one area of education that is the last to receive budget cuts because the federal government requires these specialized teachers. The rise in autism diagnosis and other behavioral and learning disorders is responsible for the increase in demand for special education teachers. The salary for special education teachers averages between $50,000 and $75,000 per year depending on experience and location.