How to Become a Special Education Teacher
For teachers who touch the lives of their students, teaching is so much more than a job. In fact, many teachers describe themselves as being “called” to the career. For special education teachers, that call may be even louder.
Special education teachers work with students who have difficulty responding to standard teaching methods for any number of reasons. Some may not be able to participate in mainstream classroom learning at all.
Those who are wondering how to become a special education teacher are urged to take the time to learn what it takes to make a real difference. Special education teachers may work in mainstream classrooms, one-on-one with students, or in specialized classrooms.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for special education teachers is expected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is the average for all professions.
New York employs the most special education teachers of any state — 18,510 in 2020 — and has the highest average salary for any state at $83,250.
Children deserve the best education, and there is no better time to pursue a passion for teaching. The College of Saint Rose can help you make it happen.
Special Education Teacher Requirements
As with any classroom teacher position, specific requirements must be met to become a special education teacher.
Special education teacher requirements vary from state to state, so for those who want to teach in a state other than New York, it’s important to research the certification process in that state.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
Becoming certified as a special education teacher requires an undergraduate degree, at minimum. Saint Rose offers prospective special education teachers the opportunity to earn certification in mainstream and special education classrooms with the Dual Certification in Elementary Education & Special Education program.
Graduates who successfully complete this degree path as well as the New York State certification requirements can teach grades one through six in positions that focus on special education students as well as inclusive classrooms that include special education students alongside their peers.
Not all special education teachers earn their initial undergraduate degrees in special education or elementary education. For those who are considering teaching as a second career, a graduate degree that helps bridge the gap between a related undergraduate degree and a traditional education degree may be an option.
Complete Student Teaching
No teaching curriculum would be complete without experience inside the classroom. At Saint Rose, students must complete more than 150 hours of fieldwork in local districts in different subject matter and teaching environments before they are eligible for certification as solo teachers. Students at Saint Rose complete at least two different student teaching placements during their time in the program.
How to Get Special Education Certification
Special education teachers in New York must obtain the Students with Disabilities (SWD) teaching certification from the New York State Office of Teaching Initiatives (NYS OTI). Separate SWD certification is available for ages birth through grade 2, grades 1 through 6, and grades 7 through 12.
To apply for certification, applicants must:
- Complete a NY registered program for teaching students with disabilities, such as the Saint Rose Dual Certification in Elementary Education & Special Education Program.
- Graduate in good standing and be recommended by the school as a good candidate for certification.
- Complete the New York State teacher certification exam “Educating All Students” (EAS).
- Complete the content specialty test “Students with Disabilities” or “Safety Net Students with Disabilities.”
- Complete the content specialty test “Teachers of Childhood.”
- Complete the workshop “Dignity for All Students Act.”
- Complete fingerprint clearance.
Upon completion of state required tests and background checks, graduates of the Saint Rose dual certification program will be eligible for NY initial certification, which is valid for five years.
Learn More About the Special Education program at Saint Rose
To take the first step towards a long, fulfilling career, request more information about the Saint Rose Dual Certification in Elementary Education & Special Education program at Saint Rose.
Request More Info
Request more information to learn about how the advisors at Saint Rose can help you achieve your professional goals or enter fields such as education. We’re eager to help you reach your full potential.
