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Top 15 Accredited Schools Online Offering Doctoral Degrees in Special Education

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

Deciding to obtain a doctoral degree in special education is a big step, and it is not one to be taken lightly. Earning a doctoral degree not only requires an advanced level of intelligence, but it also requires a considerable amount of time and hard work as well. While obtaining a doctoral degree is decidedly worth it for those individuals who wish to become true experts and leaders in their field, there is no reason to make obtaining a doctoral degree more difficult than it already is. Universities that offer online doctoral degree programs in special education allow their students the flexibility of working on their doctoral degree programs wherever and whenever they need to.

10 Coolest Mechanical Custom-Built Wheelchairs

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

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A 2002 study stated that about 88,000 kids under the age of 18 in the U.S. used a wheelchair. For these children, their chairs are an essential mode of transport, but this doesn’t mean that the devices have to look boring. These days, there are a plethora of colorful and creative options out there that transform wheelchairs into fun as well as functional objects. However, in this article we’ll explore a selection of even more awesome alternatives that might help younger (and older) chair users inject yet more fun into their wheels. These ten custom-built wheelchairs allow their owners to express their individuality – and they may make the devices more desirable to children.

10. Steampunk Professor X Chair

X-Men founder and comic book hero Professor Charles Xavier, a.k.a. Professor X, is arguably one of the world’s most famous, albeit fictional, wheelchair users. However, the design of the custom chair pictured was clearly also inspired by another geeky subgenre. This incredibly detailed recreation of the erstwhile professor’s wheelchair draws its inspiration from steampunk. It was designed by Daniel Valdez of Smeeon Fabrications and is constructed out of a late-19th-century Eastlake platform rocker that was reupholstered with red fabric and fitted with pistons. It is completely drivable and includes an LED panel to inform the user when it’s time for a recharge. The vehicle also features an MP3 player-compatible sound system with a mini subwoofer, while compartments in the back of the chair can hold drinks. Perhaps far more period appropriate, though, is the steam-emitting pipe, which is perfect for making a dramatic entrance.

9. No Boundaries Off Road Wheelchair Kit

Wheelchair users can often struggle with difficult and uneven terrain that able-bodied people simply take in their stride. Startup company Rehab Ideas sought to address this in 2008, when it developed the No Boundaries Off Road Wheelchair Kit. CEO Stephen Sundarrao set up the company at a research facility at the University of Southern Florida, where he works as an engineering instructor. Rehab Ideas aims to make life easier for disabled people through creative innovations and has already patented and licensed a handful of student inventions. These designs include a $110 foldable crutch that can be carried on to planes and the No Boundaries Off Road Wheelchair Kit, which allows wheelchair users to traverse more difficult ground. The latter design incorporates a 150-pound platform into which standard wheelchairs can fit, ensuring a safe and secure journey in spite of the conditions of the path being negotiated.

8. Action Trackchair

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The Action Trackchair is a modified wheelchair with a formidable look. Not only does this all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-like device feature two 6.5-inch-wide and 90-inch-long military-style tracks, but it also includes optional extras like gun racks and mounts and comes in a choice of colors. For some reason, we’re drawn to the camouflage style. This “go-anywhere” chair doesn’t skimp on comfort, either, as its tilting, 23-inch-high seat should make it as pleasant to sit in as more traditional models. Plus, it has all the usual wheelchair controls, which make it easy to use, too. The only thing it lacks is zip, as the 24-volt DC motor can only get it up to a top speed of 5 mph, with its maximum range 8 miles. The Action Trackchair retails from $9,000.

7. Solar-Powered Wheelchair

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Sustainable energy is all the rage these days – and with good reason – so a solar-powered wheelchair makes sense. The sprawling canopy may make the chair look ungainly, but its custom-built, 11-square-foot solar panel allows it to motor along at 1 mph for an indefinite period of time – and with no need for another power source. Users wanting to enjoy a faster speed will be pleased to learn that the chair can also travel at 5 mph for 4.5 hours. Its design earned a group of students from the University of Virginia the top prize in the 2013 Change My Life in One Minute competition, which was planned to coincide with World Cerebral Palsy Day. The team received $20,000, which they intend to spend on further improvements to the chair. At the moment, though, it includes handy USB ports for charging other electronic devices, while that solar panel also offers welcome shade for the user.

6. B-52 Ejector Seat Wheelchair

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Lance Greathouse established his company Greathouse Labs specifically to create awesome gadgets – not least one-of-a-kind wheelchairs. The B-52 Ejector Seat is perhaps the most James Bond-like of designer Greathouse’s range of rugged wheelchairs, and it may make you think twice before you sit down. The B-52 Ejector Seat Wheelchair features an authentic B-52 seat that was actually propelled from a plane on duty. Phoenix, Arizona native Greathouse purchased the seat from a market for $150, and it has made a startling addition to his life’s work of helping people with disabilities, as inspired by a younger brother who suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Greathouse’s hardy designs – which he donates – are intended to help users pursue their hobbies and dreams, no matter how outdoorsy or energetic. If the ejector seat just isn’t cool enough in your eyes, though, take note: the side guns also blast fire.

5. Speedster Wheelchair

TC Mobility’s Speedster is a much more streamlined model than its Tankchair predecessor. The Speedster offers users speed and agility, with its 24-volt motor helping it reach up to 2,400 RPM. The striking color scheme on its aluminum body and the eye-catching chrome wheels also give it a sophisticated look and help it stand out from the crowd. The Phoenix, Arizona-based firm isn’t resting on its laurels, either, as there’s currently a new version of the Speedster being researched and designed which, according to TC Mobility, aims to “provide even more impressive performance and style” upon completion.

4. FighterJet Chair

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This interesting Lance Greathouse creation is a three-wheeled chair that incorporates the seat from an F-4 fighter jet. “Most wheelchairs look too medical,” explained Greathouse to Wired. “If you want something done, you pretty much have to do it yourself.” His custom-made motorized wheelchairs are designed to match the personalities of each individual user. In fact, after making his brother a cool customized chair, Greathouse noticed that people starting treating him differently. Rather than feeling sorry for him, people started saying, “Oh, that’s awesome. Where did you get that?” This chair may not promise the speeds of the vehicle from which it claimed its seat, but it’s a distinctive and elegant creation that should win the admiration of all who see it.

3. Rocket-Powered Wheelchair

This customization brings physics to the forefront. Incredibly, the rocket-powered wheelchair pictured can zoom along at speeds exceeding 60 mph – according to its British creator, Briton Giuseppe Cannella, at least. What began as a gimmick soon got serious, as Cannella added a jet engine to the back of an old wheelchair owned by his mother-in-law, who has Parkinson’s disease. Canella, who loves model planes, used his knowhow to create the prototype, which was unsophisticated but effective. As he explained to the BBC, “It is just the wheelchair with the engine bolted on the back and steering on the front.” In 2004 the chair stole the show at a model plane championship in Lincolnshire, England, where Canella demonstrated his innovation. And best of all, it was all for a good cause, as the invention helped him raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

2. Lord Humongous Wheelchair

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This has got to be the most intimidating customized wheelchair we’ve ever seen. Once again, it’s the brainchild of Lance Greathouse, who first came up with the idea after visiting the studio where the U.K. version of Robot Wars was filmed. After chatting to the show’s special effects team, he was inspired to create the Lord Humongous chair. Lord Humongous took Greathouse a month to assemble, and he spent about $1,000 in the process. It includes a helicopter seat, rugged tires and repurposed dentists’ gadgets – as well as those super-cool flamethrowers. The result is a mobile, durable and powerful machine that shoots fire a distance of over 35 feet – and we’re not sure we’d want to get on the wrong side of anyone using it.

1. Submersible Wheelchair

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In 2012 U.K. artist Susan Austin not only modified her wheelchair; she took it from land to water. Austin has used a wheelchair since 1996, and it seems as if she wanted to stretch her sea legs. To do this, she fitted dive thrusters, flotation devices and control surfaces to her standard National Health Service wheelchair, enabling her to navigate it underwater. The submersible chair is part of her Freewheeling project, which aims to explore art and disability. Austin filmed a dream-like performance art video of her using the chair in its new watery habitat, and with the success of the 2012 London Paralympics, the timing of Austin’s artistic innovation was perfect. She has now filed a patent for the wheelchair design and is hoping to launch a version of the chair that anyone can buy. So watch this space: wheelchair-using children could soon be getting much more enjoyment from trips to the swimming pool and the beach.

What are the Highest Paying Jobs in Special Education?

Many people are motivated to work with special-needs students due to their sincere desire to enrich the quality of their lives. When considering a career, however, many believe that in addition to personal fulfillment, there are other factors to consider like salary.

Earning a decent living is especially important in today’s tough economy. Many professionals working in the field of special education spend years getting college degrees and completing licensing requirements, and then continue their studies within specialized certifications and advanced educational/training programs. But ultimately, people do the job because they love it, not for the money. That being said, some jobs pay more than others. And any of these rewarding careers will ensure individuals get to do what they love while still being able to make ends meet, paying back student loans and building a future in education.

Speech-language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, assess, diagnose and treat students with speech and communication disorders. Special education professionals interested in this field must earn a master’s degree in speech and language pathology.

An education typically takes about six years to complete and includes classes in special needs, speech disorders and alternative modes of communication. In most states, speech and language pathologists must obtain a license. In addition, they seek certification through accrediting bodies such as American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

The median annual salary for speech and language pathologists was $79,120 for 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The job outlook for 2019-2029 projects growth of 25%, or 40,500 jobs, which is much faster than average.

Featured Programs To Qualify As Speech and Language Pathologists

Educational Audiologist

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in special education, some students decide to spend another four years in college, learning to work with hearing impaired students. Educational audiologists typically hold a doctorate in audiology. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology and communication development.

As of 2013, all states required educational audiologists to earn a license. Typically, they also seek certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology to add to their credibility and fulfill part of their licensing requirements. Educational audiologists visit students at school and take referrals in their clinics to assess clients’ degree of hearing loss and help manage hearing disabilities in the classroom.

Educational audiologists earned a median annual salary of $77,600 as of May 2019, according to the BLS. Job outlook projections are positive for the next decade as more audiologists will be needed as the Baby Boomer generation ages. BLS projects growth at 13 percent from 2019 to 2029.

Featured Programs To Qualify As Educational Audiologists

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with children with a wide range of disabilities including autism, emotional disorder, behavioral disorder, learning disability or speech disorder. To become a special education teacher, you’ll need to earn your bachelor’s degree in education, special education or a specialized field, such as math or biology. During college, you’ll also complete fieldwork, including student teaching. Every state requires public special education teachers to have a license, which typically requires providing certified evidence you completed your degree and passing an examination.

The median pay for special education teachers as of 2019 was $61,030, according to the BLS. Salary greatly depends on the grade level an individual teachers with teachers at the secondary level typically making more than at the elementary level. The BLS estimates 3% employment growth during the decade from 2019 to 2029, but Education Week said that 17% of special education teachers left the field from 2008 to 2018.

Featured Programs To Qualify As Special Education Teachers

Adaptive Special Education Teacher

Adaptive special education teachers enjoy helping people with disabilities overcome their challenges to achieve physical goals. These professionals develop, implement and monitor a special needs student’s physical education program.

Approximately 13 states require adaptive special education teachers to have a separate license in addition to a teaching degree. While requirements vary by state, typically you have to demonstrate taking a certain number of semester hours in adaptive physical education and pass an examination. Once you are hired, adaptive special education teachers must follow the adapted physical education national standards.

As of 2021, the average salary for adaptive special education teachers was $45,726, according to Glassdoor.

Featured Programs To Qualify As Adaptive Special Education Teachers

Early Intervention Specialist

If you’re interested in helping small children with disabilities, consider parlaying your special education career into a rewarding career as an early intervention specialist. These special education professionals work with children and young adults to diffuse crises, help problem-solve before a situation escalates and teach new skills. You’ll focus on problems including academic difficulties, teen pregnancy and behavioral issues.

After achieving your certification as a special education teacher, earn your certificate in early intervention by taking a college course, which is typically about 15-20 semester hours. This training typically requires an internship. As of 2021, the median salary for early intervention specialists was $61,172, according to Glassdoor.

Featured Programs To Qualify As Early Intervention Specialists

What are Inclusive Special Education Programs?

Inclusion is a term used to describe one option for the placement of special education students in public schools. These inclusive programs are sometimes referred to as mainstreaming, which is the selective placement of students with disabilities in regular education classrooms. This controversial educational concept has its share of advocates on both sides and continues to be a source of contention with educators and parents. They all agree that schools must focus on meeting the needs of students with special needs in the most appropriate setting for each individual.

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires students to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). They must receive an education with supports set forth in their Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is different for each student. The federal laws that govern the education of special needs children do not require that they receive an inclusive education. They only require that all students with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment and that their unique needs are met.

What Inclusive Education Programs Provide For Special Needs Students

Inclusive education programs provide educational services for all students including those with special needs. These programs serve all children in the regular classroom on a full-time basis. If a student requires extra services such as speech therapy, these services are brought into the classroom. This program allows the student to remain in the regular education classroom setting at all times. This program is intended to meet the objectives of IDEA by educating students in the regular classroom while still providing for their unique needs.

There are variables in inclusive education programs, which make a standard definition of inclusion misleading. Full inclusion is described as placing all students, regardless of disabilities and severity, in the regular classroom on a full-time basis. These students do not leave the regular classroom for services specified in their IEP, but these services are delivered to them in the regular classroom setting. Inclusion or mainstreaming refers to students being educated with non-disabled peers for most of their school day. A special education teacher collaborates with a general education teacher to provide services for students. The general education teacher is responsible for instructing all children, even those with an IEP. The special education teacher collaborates with the general teacher on strategies.

Another placement option places students with disabilities in the general classroom with the special education teacher providing support and assisting the general education teacher in instructing the students. The special education teacher brings materials into the classroom and works with the special student during math or reading instruction. The special education teacher aids the general education teacher in planning different strategies for students with various abilities.

When the IEP team meets to determine the best placement for a child with disabilities, they must consider which placement constitutes the least restrictive environment for the child based on individual needs. The team must determine which setting will provide the child with the appropriate placement. The primary objective of inclusive education is to educate students who have disabilities in the regular classroom and still meet their individual needs. Inclusive education allows children with special needs to receive a free and appropriate education along with general education students in the regular classroom.

Effectiveness of Inclusive Special Education Programs

Even though several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of inclusive special education programs, no conclusion has been reached. Many positive signs have been observed with both special education and regular students. Some proponents of inclusive education programs argue that segregated special education programs are more detrimental to students and fail to meet their educational goals.

Those who favor inclusion see some positive evidence that all students can benefit from these inclusive programs when the proper support services are enacted and some changes take place in the traditional classroom. Professional development classes, certifications and graduate degree programs for both special and general education teachers produce a better understanding of the concept of inclusive education. When provided with the proper tools, special needs students have the opportunity to succeed along with their general education peers.

How to Source Scholarships and Other Means of Paying For Tuition

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

There are many different ways to find out about the different ways to cover the costs of tuition and other educational fees as you pursue your degree in Special Education. One easy way is to ask the financial aid office within your school. Other options include federal agencies, a high school counselor, your state grant agency, your employer, ethnicity-based organizations and various other organizations that are in your particular field of interest. Here is a list of the different types of scholarships, grants, loans, private sources, and other programs which help students meet the costs of college:

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships are a type of financial gift offered by private companies, schools, nonprofits, religious groups, social organizations, professional organizations, employers, individuals and more. These gifts are offered with the intent to help students get through the tuition blockade that stops many people from affording a run through university, and the best part is that they do not need to be repaid.

Some scholarships are offered based on merit, meaning you’ll need to meet some prerequisites as set by the entity offering the scholarship. Some might be rewarded based on how well you do in high school or a combination of this and other special interests. Others are offered to those with low income.

There are actually many scholarships offered to particular types of people, such as women or seniors in high school. Some are offered due to your background or because of where your parents work, such as scholarships for military families.

Depending on the entity offering the scholarship, it might cover the entire cost of going to university, or it might just give you a few hundred dollars. In any case, it is definitely worth looking into as every dollar counts.

When you apply for a scholarship or grant ultimately depends on when the deadline is. Some may require an application a full year before the beginning of college, which means high school juniors should start to look into these before becoming seniors. If it’s too late, there are still plenty of grants that can be applied to later.

How you apply for the grant also depends on the specific requirements. The website should provide prerequisites that must be met as well as instructions on how to apply. Ensure that you read this thoroughly and meet the deadline provided to be considered for a scholarship.

Each scholarship will have different means of delivering the money, such as going directly to the college or sent to you via check. In either case, the provider should tell you what will happen with the money and when they will inform you of the award.

Scholarships affect your financial aid in a way because everything you receive for college cannot be more than what it costs to go to that college. This means you’ll need to inform the university whenever you are awarded with a grant or college so this amount can be subtracted from how much it will cost you to attend the university. The rest that remains can then be covered by other grants or loans.

There are many different scholarships to find, such as:
– Scholarship America
– Holocaust Essay Contest
– Coca-Cola Scholarship
– Association of Hispanic Certified Public Accountants
– Breakthrough to Nursing Scholarships for Ethnic People of Color
– Jackie Robinson Foundation
– Microsoft Minority Scholarship
– ROTC Scholarship
– Freeman Asia
– UIC Study Abroad Office

Student Loans

Scholarships and grants may not cover the entirely of tuition, however. This is where student loans can come in, which are another form of financial assistance that college students may get. There are many different kinds to get, and some even come with rather favorable terms of repayment and interest rates. These loans can be used for both tuition and housing expenses, as well as what it would cost to transport yourself and get computers, and so on. The general goal is to ensure that students have reasonable access to education, and the lender banks on the thought that graduates will have marketable skills to help repay the loan.

When attending a university, students can apply for financial aid, which provides access to scholarships, grants and loans offered on merit and needs. Students will be informed whether they quality for certain loans, and they can either accept or reject them at that point.

The government may administer some loans, and these usually have the best terms of repayment and interest rates. Some come with interest deferment programs, meaning the government pays the interest as long as the student is still in school; you will not need to pay anything until after graduation. Parents can also get these student loans; they need to pay them right away, but the terms are generally still favorable.

Private companies also offer student loans, though this can come with a few disadvantages that you should keep in mind if you wish to go this route. For example, a loan offered through a private company will have a higher interest rate than what the government offers, and some may even require immediate payments without deferring the interest or the payments at all. It is also true that a private lender tends to be less forgiving when it comes to the terms of repayment.

It is very important to find a private company that offers a legitimate service as some companies have a history of being predatory when it comes to providing students with loans. You will want to discuss all options with a financial aid officer so that you can have someone who is experienced help with finding an appropriate lender.

The idea of going into such debt may turn off many students, causing them to avoid student loans. While it’s certainly admirable to see young students wanting to be prudent about their finances, you should not compromise the potential education you can receive with the sole reason of not going into debt, especially when there are many different avenues that are affordable.

Of course, it is best to go for scholarships and grants first since these do not need to be repaid, but if a loan is the only thing that stands in the way of attending college, then it is worth looking into getting a manageable loan.

How to Select the Best School to Meet Your Child’s Special Educational Needs

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

A child in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) has as much potential as any other student. To maximize that potential, however, it’s important to choose the right school for him or her to attend. This educational environment should be supportive and nurturing, a place where he or she will not only learn but thrive.

In order to find that right school, you’ll first need to determine what sort of classes you want for your child. A school might offer classes comprised entirely of special-education students. On the other hand, students with special needs might take classes with all other classmates. Such heterogeneous classes typically provide extra help to students who need it, such as personalized instruction from a teaching aide. Or special-needs students might be allowed one-on-one time with educators at some point during every school day.

When deciding between those options, it’s important to consider your child’s social and emotional strengths. Will your child feel more comfortable being with other students with special needs all day — would he or she make friends more easily that way? Or do you believe that being around students without disabilities will help your son or daughter learn how to adapt in various social situations?

In addition, your child’s academics will likely improve if teachers employ a variety of teaching styles. That is, teachers ought to combine lectures with individual and small-group assignments, interactive lessons, and visual presentations. That way, if your child tends to lose focus when taking notes, he or she will still be able to grasp the material by virtue of those other teaching methods.

Once you know precisely what you’re looking for, you can begin the process of choosing the right school. The first step is to compile a list of every school near your home. You can check with a services coordinator or with a nonprofit organization that specializes in a certain disability to ensure that you have a full list. Further, you should look at private as well as public options. Obviously, private school tuition can be a financial strain for many families. But if a certain private school in your area offers exceptional services, you might consider those tuition payments to be worthy investments in your child’s future. Moreover, a disabilities organization could help you find out if you’re eligible for government tuition assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which Congress passed in 1975.

Visits are key to determining which school represents the best option. On a visit, you can meet with teachers and administrators to discuss how the school would meet your child’s needs. When you visit a school, you also get a sense of the teaching styles, the class sizes — roughly speaking, the smaller the class size the better — the nutritional value of the lunches, and all sorts of other particulars. Further, meeting with teachers and principals is a way to initiate relationships with those professionals. Whenever you have a concern about your child’s progress, it’s easier and often more productive to contact an educator you know personally. Finally, if you visit a school and discover that staff members are brusque or unwilling to discuss your questions, you should definitely think twice about sending your child there.

Once you have found a great school, you can start working with its staff on formulating your child’s IEP. This IEP will list the specific academic goals that your child should meet by the end of the school year as well as the services your child will receive. Bear in mind that you have the right to disagree with what the school wants to include in the IEP. It can be difficult for parents to contradict experts, but always remember that you know your child best. Therefore, if you believe that he or she requires more personalized attention than the IEP allows for or if you feel the plan’s academic benchmarks are too challenging or not challenging enough, politely refuse those parameters. At the same time, carefully mull over the IEP team’s arguments. Perhaps they’ll raise an issue that you hadn’t considered before.

When disagreements arise, IEP meetings continue; you and the school’s team will negotiate until acceptable compromises are reached. If you find that you’re at an impasse, you can reject in writing the entire IEP. At that point, you may request a due process hearing, at which a hearing officer will listen to both points of view and arbitrate. Note that it’s helpful to employ an attorney for such a hearing.

Of course, if you find a school that accommodates the educational vision you have for your son or daughter, such IEP conflicts shouldn’t come up in the first place. That’s just one more reason why finding the ideal school is so vital.

How to Select the Best School to Meet Your Educational Needs

The choice of which college to attend is a major decision for many high school graduates. Choosing the right college can mean the difference between an amazing four years that launches a person into a career they love and a miserable four years that does little to improve the person’s future. The school a person picks will determine his or her friends, living arrangements and future job opportunities. This is why smart high school graduates weigh their options carefully in order to pick the right school. There are several factors high school students should take into consideration when selecting the right college or university for them.

Location

For students planning on attending a traditional college—as in, not an online college—the college they pick will determine where they will live for the next four or more years of their life. Some students cannot imagine being too far from the comforts of home or are simply unable to leave their city or state because of work or family responsibilities. Others see college as the perfect opportunity to venture out and explore the world. Students have many options of where to attend colleges—from big cities to small towns or even foreign countries. If there is a place or type of place a student has always wanted to live, college can be an excellent time to move there.

Cost

While most people do not choose a school based on the cost, the cost is most definitely a factor in which schools students will be able to afford to attend. In-state tuition is generally cheaper than out-of-state tuition and community colleges are generally cheaper than private universities, though not always. Grants and scholarships can make even the most expensive schools affordable when a student’s tuition is paid for in part or in whole. When determining the cost of various schools, students should also consider the cost of living in various areas, as everything tends to cost more in big cities. Even if a student is able to comfortably afford tuition, the costs of housing, groceries and transportation may be more than a student can handle.

School Size

The size of the college is another factor students should take into consideration when choosing a college, though this factor is more a matter of personal preference than anything. Smaller colleges tend to offer advantages such as small class sizes and personalized instruction. Students and professors can really get to know each other and students can receive the help and direction they need, both academically and personally. On the other hand, larger colleges usually offer more opportunities such as clubs and sororities or fraternities. Larger colleges may be more established, have more resources and offer more connections. Larger colleges also often tend to be more diverse than smaller colleges. Students choosing a college should decide if they value the personalized education of a small school or the expanded opportunities and resources of a larger school.

Academics

It only makes sense that students look into a school’s academics when comparing colleges to find the right fit. Not all degree programs are the same. Some colleges require many general education classes on various subjects, while others mostly stick to the core subject matter for the fields students are pursuing. Some schools are challenging and expect students to excel in all areas, while others simply expect students to meet minimum competency requirements.

Students should research which degrees and majors are offered at various colleges. Even students who have already determined their major may want a school that offers other related majors in case they decide to shift their education focus slightly. Students should investigate the particular focus of the majors, as degrees do not match up at all schools. Students should look through course catalogues and see which classes are offered in particular, taking note to see if any classes are missing. This way, students hoping to work in a particular niche find the school that best equips them for it.

Practicums and Internships

While practicums and internships are helpful for all majors, they are absolutely vital to students majoring in special education, for example. Classroom teaching simply cannot be taught solely from textbooks; so much of the knowledge must be gained from hands-on experiences with real children in real special education classrooms. Students hoping to major in special education should inquire as to the number of field experiences offered and required within the major at various schools. They should also research the area around the school to ensure that the internships they receive will actually be beneficial. Students obtaining a special education degree should attend college in areas that actually have special education classes for them to observe and work in.

Good Fit

Lastly, once students have found a few colleges that look promising, students should schedule a few campus visits to determine which college is a good fit for them. “Good fit” is entirely subjective and will vary widely based on individual personalities and preferences, but it is essential to school success. Some students simply do better in some schools than others. While asking others their opinions on various schools and programs can be exceedingly helpful, students must decide for themselves where exactly they best belong.

It is not uncommon for high school graduates to spend months or even years agonizing over the choice of where to attend college. No one can blame them for wanting to make the absolute best decision and sometimes there is no easy way to know what that decision is. Students should keep in mind, however, that while not all colleges are created equal, some are not all that different either. Unless students are going into a very competitive and elite field, there are likely several excellent choices for which college to attend. Making the choice is not so much about avoiding the wrong college as it is choosing the very best one. By carefully considering the above factors, students hoping to make the best choice cannot go wrong.

The 15 Best Websites for Parents of Special Needs Children

Raising a child with special needs can be difficult enough, but thanks to the worldwide web, the Internet is full of tons of informational websites that can help you and your little one.

Below are twelve helpful sites that are loaded with useful information for parents with a special-needs child, including information on Autism, deafness, blind-deafness, hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, serious emotional disorders, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, traumatic brain injuries, Down’s Syndrome, and more.

You do not have to feel alone when there are so many other parents out there going through the same thing you are. These twelve amazing sites include information about your child’s condition, stories from parents who have been through it, local help guides, forums, blog entries, and learning tools.

Autism

AutismNow.Org is hands down one of the best online resources for information on Autism. It includes latest news, information, an easy to use search engine, upcoming events, and even a local agencies map for finding help in your area. Coming in at a close second is Autism Learn , a site is dedicated to the process of teaching Autistic children how to learn. It is jam-packed with visually stimulating activities geared toward helping develop skills with people, fine motor control, creating a connected hierarchy, learning about the seasons and weather, money, and much more.

Deafness

Hearing Like Me is a wonderful resource for parents who have deaf children or hearing loss. Their website is clean, easy to browse, and full of helpful information. It also has an amazing forum where you can share your story and talk with other parents. This is an excellent resource for parents who wish to share their story and communicate with other parents who are going through the same thing.

Deaf-Blindness

The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children has a lot of information and services for parents of children who are deaf-blind. In addition to their resources, they help parents and their children get involved in activities, as well as provide latest news and updates in the deaf-blind community.

Hearing Impairment

The Hearing Loss Association of America is a great resource for any parent with a hearing-impaired child, as it not only offers support resources, news, recommended reading, personal stories, and articles, it also has a section on laws and how your child with hearing loss has rights.

Language and Speech Delays/Impairments

Created by a practicing speech and language pathologist, SpeechDelay.com
is a fantastic site for anyone involved in the life of a child who has language and speech delays or impairments. The site features tips to stimulate language development, a forum to interact directly with other families and speech-language pathologists, a wealth of links to other sites, a comprehensive reading list, and even a sign language section.

Intellectual Disabilities

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is an excellent and resourceful website for parents with children who have dyslexia, are ADHD, or have other learning disabilities. The site focuses on empowering parents with knowledge and a strong supportive community. It also has a section on success stories for those that may be feeling overwhelmed.

Multiple Disabilities

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities has been around for a long time, since 1982, offering information to parents with multiple disabilities in children. It offers newsletters and resources, as well as upcoming events and services for educating parents and loved ones of children with disabilities.

Orthopedic Impairment

Orthopedic Impairments is a friendly website project with a comprehensive mission to inform, educate, and help walk through parents, teachers, and students with orthopedic impairments. If you are finding that you are having a difficult time communicating with your child’s school, they have a special section designed to help you through any bumps along the way.

Serious Emotional Disturbance

One of the most prominent mental health websites within the U.S., Healthy Place, offers an interesting and informative blog entry detailing the long and difficult journey parents of mentally ill children travel. Although the entry is short, there are over eighty-five comments from various parents and loved ones of children who have serious emotional disturbances and disorders, each with a story to tell.

Specific Learning Disability

The Guardian has an inspiring article about a mother and her son, who has Autism. It discusses one of the biggest challenges a parent and their disabled child faces: other people. At the end of the article there are over 165 comments from others who have something to say about the issue, including information, stories people want to share, and support for those who are faced with these daily criticisms.

Learning Disabilities/Reading Impairment/Communication Difficulties

If your child has a specific learning disability, such as trouble reading or communicating, then this site is for you. Not only does it have a section solely for parents, but it has sections for teachers, principals, librarians, and other professions. It is also available in Spanish.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Brainline.org has an impressive guide for parents who have a child with a traumatic brain injury. It covers information on how to help your child adjust, cope, develop, and rehabilitate after an injury. It also helps parents understand cognitive changes in their child and has useful information into peer networks and gaining self-esteem.

Down Syndrome

Though a controversial site, Lifenews.com offers a highly touching and incredibly heartfelt article about the parents of a child with Down Syndrome and what they need to hear. It discusses how parents can often times slip into depression, but that it is important to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It focuses highly on the positive aspects of taking care of a child with Down Syndrome. While things may seem hopeless from time to time, it is imperative to remember that there really is no limit to what your child can accomplish, and that although he or she may be facing daily struggles that they will persevere.

Although there are many people out there who are still relatively uninformed and unfamiliar with special needs children, it is important not to let hurtful statements deter you from doing the very best you can for your little one. It is entirely okay not to always know the answer, and it is certainly okay for parents of disabled children to find communities, programs, and other forms of support in which they are able to speak with others who share similar experiences. While the above links are not comprehensive and the only ones available, they are a good start.

Also see: Where Can Parents of Special Needs Children Get Support?

Special Education Teacher Qualifications, Employment Requirements, Work Environment, and Salary

Special education is considered a specialized career field within the realm of education. Though working as a professional in the field of special education is a demanding career choice, it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. The increasing demand for licensed special education teachers within schools and organizations provides qualified graduates with plenty of employment options. Those who aspire to change the lives of individuals with disabilities combined with the motivation to complete the required education and certification yields a stable career and respectable salary.

Education and Certification

Special education teachers require a degree in education or a similar career field and then a specialization in special education. It is common for teachers to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education and then a master’s degree in special education.

Coursework for special education is similar to that of other teaching fields with special emphasis on behavioral, learning and physical disorders in children. Special education teachers will also take additional classes dealing with legality surrounding special needs students, including the additional responsibilities of services , IEP (individual education plans) and reporting practices.

Teaching degrees commonly end with no less than two semesters of student teaching. Student teaching is similar to an unpaid internship when a student will work in the classroom under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Most special education teachers complete three sets of student teaching experience comprised of two sets in a traditional classroom and one set in a special education classroom.

Special education teachers may also choose to specialize in a specific area of disability, such as speech and language pathology.

Special education teachers are licensed by the department of education in the state where they are employed. State requirements for licensure vary, but generally an appropriate degree with specialization is required in addition to passing state skills tests.

Job Requirements and Work Environment

Special education teachers commonly work in public or private school settings. Their salary is based on regular school hours, but they will do a variety of tasks beyond working with students. These include meeting with parents and other teachers and specialists. They may also do home visits. The amount of paperwork associated with special education should not be underestimated. Each child in a special education environment will have an accompanying IEP which may range from a few dozen pages to hundreds of pages in length. The teacher will be required to read and review each IEP in its entirety. The IEP is a legally binding document that the teacher is expected to follow, report on and update periodically.

Students in a special education situation will require individualized and modified teaching strategies and lessons. Special education teachers may also be called on to support general education teachers in the classroom in cases where students with special needs have been mainstreamed, or placed into general education classrooms on a part time or regular basis. Mainstreaming is a common occurrence in today’s classrooms.

Special education teachers should be prepared to work on teams regularly. They may be paired with other specialized teachers and may be assigned to manage one or multiple classroom aides. They will regularly meet with teams assigned to their student’s cases.

Special education teachers should be extremely organized, detail oriented, patient and flexible. They may manage large caseloads of thirty students or more. They will also be dealing with a variety of behavior issues at once, and will need to be able to carefully and appropriately handle each child.

Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary of special education teachers in 2010 was $53,220. This is slightly higher than the salary of general education elementary teachers, which was $51,380. These values are strongly determined by state budgets with some states which pay more, or dramatically less, than the median salary range. Wage is also influenced by the budget of each school district and the teacher’s personal education and experience. Master’s degree teachers will earn more than those with only a bachelor’s degree even if they hold the same position in the same school. Teacher wages commonly increase for each year of experience in a district.

Most teachers are hired on a contractual basis with a goal to achieve tenure with a school district. A tenured teacher has incredible job security and is extremely difficult to legally fire. Tenure requirements vary, but they are usually based on a combination of job performance review and years of experience with a district.

The job outlook for special education teachers is very good compared with that of elementary general education teachers. The legal requirements surrounding special education hold districts to much stricter standards regarding class sizes and the availability of special education services. This ensures that special education teachers are always in high demand, even in districts that may not be hiring general education teachers.

What is Special Education Certification?

Special education certification is a requirement for teachers working with disabled children. The certification qualifications required for each state vary, and different types of degrees are available. Specifics regarding each state’s legislation on education topics can be found here.

Since the No Child Left Behind act of 2001, U.S. states have had to redefine their special education teaching certification systems. In order to be involved in the teaching of special education, a teacher must acquire certification(s) depending on which state is involved. Different levels of education will result in different possible teaching degrees and specialized areas of certification can be utilized depending on the state in which it will be used.

Types of Certification

There are three classifications of certification systems generally recognized, and each state’s system can be categorized accordingly. They are:
Generalist
States with this classification do not require specialized certification in order for their teachers to work with children that have specially categorized disabilities, but many states that fall into this classification have endorsed programs where additional certification can be utilized. These include, but are not limited to, certificates for early childhood education, blind/visually impaired education and deaf/hard of hearing education.

Mild/Moderate-Severe/Profound
This classification applies to states that make a distinction between educators with general certification and those with certifications specialized to help children who are severely disabled.

Categorical
States that require specialized certification for all of their special education teachers fall into this classification, though each state determines which certifications are recognized.

One very helpful resource produced by the Education Commission of the States breaks this information down many different ways. It shows each state’s classification, including which specialized certificates are recognized, as well as other pertinent information for anyone interested in teaching special education in the U.S.

The special certifications that states recognize include the following:

General Special Education Certification
Mild / Moderate
Severe / Profound
Early Childhood
Blind / Visually Impaired
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
Speech / Language or Communication (not pathologist)
Orthopedic / Physical Disabilities
Specific Learning Disabilities
Mental Retardation
Cognitive (Mental) Disability
Emotional Disabilities
Behavior Disorders
Autism
Adaptive Physical Education

Special Education Degrees

Depending on the type of educator one would like to be, there are a number of degrees attainable in the field of special education. Each state has different teaching requirements and each school offers differing courses which help special education students realize their long term goals.

A teaching preparation program is required in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in order for someone to begin teaching prechool, elementary and secondary school students. Often an additional year of specialized studies will be needed depending on the specific state’s regulations.

A master’s degree is usually geared toward specialized certifications for teachers interested in specific areas of the field. Depending on the state in which certification is needed and the particular specialty chosen, either a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Education (MED) degree would be attained.

Comparable to a second master’s degree is an Educational Specialist Degree (EDS). This type of degree greatly benefits those intending to become psychologists, school counselors, and reasearch and development specialists.

For those interested in teaching future special education instructors, doctorate degrees such as a PhD or EdD are available. Holders of these degrees often become leaders in the fields of teacher education and research.

With many degree choices and specialties available for study, working with individuals with special needs can be very fulfilling for teachers in this field.

What Determines if a Child has Special Education Needs?

Just as a parent is typically the first to recognize when their child is in need of special attention, when it comes to education, the parent plays one of the most important roles in determining if the child should be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Nothing can begin in addressing the special needs of a child without the input of a teacher, physician and parent/s initiating the IEP. This involves a parent requesting that the school evaluate their child. The school must have a parent’s written consent to perform this evaluation as it also sets the 60-day timer or the state’s time-frame constraint.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that guarantees a child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education, or FAPE, within the least restrictive environment, or LRE. What all of that simply means is that funding and protections exist for children of special needs to guarantee an education for children with disabilities age 3 through 21.

Congress amended IDEA through Public Law 114-95, the Every Student Succeeds Act, in 2015. During the 2018-19 school year, more than 64% of children with disabilities are in general education classrooms for 80% or more of the school day, according to IDEA.

What Defines a Child with a Disability

IDEA identifies a “child with a disability” as having intellectual disabilities, hearing impairments (including deafness), speech or language impairments, visual impairments (including blindness), serious emotional disturbance (referred to as “emotional disturbance”), orthopedic impairments, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairments or specific learning disabilities.

The Evaluation Process

In addressing special needs, the child may certainly be able to articulate some level of struggling, but the effort put to discovering the subtle and sophisticated symptoms needs to follow a thorough protocol. These can best be identified through a series of tests, not just a single test. This includes taking a closer look at the child’s overall health, covering vision and hearing as well as general intelligence and performance within the school environment.

Observing how the child communicates within the social environment gives an opportunity to evaluate emotional well-being and the child’s use of his or her body in this process. Determining a child’s disability must be a full and comprehensive process in order to be fair to the individual needs of the child. This includes the parent’s right to appeal the school system’s finding a child is “not eligible.”

Parents must receive this finding in writing along with information regarding how to appeal and the various mechanisms available through which to resolve disagreements, including mediation. In addition, each state’s Parent Training and Information (PTI) center is one of the many resources available to help parents learn what next steps to take. Similarly, a parent may decline services that have been approved at any time.

Suffice it to say, a parent has the right to change their mind about whether their child receives special education and related services. Reestablishing services is possible and may include another evaluation, again, in fairness to ensuring the child is receiving what is needed for them individually.

The Evaluation Team

It is important to have the right input both in evaluating the child and developing his or her IEP. Number one in this effort are the child’s parents. In addition, there must be at least one teacher from the regular education curriculum and one special education teacher. Also on the team is a special education supervisor from the school system familiar with the regular education environment who brings knowledge of the available school resources. There must also be someone capable of interpreting the results of the evaluation and communicating those results to the rest of the team.

When it is appropriate, the child may be able to contribute. Parents may invite other knowledgeable individuals or those of special expertise, a relative or a child care provider. The school can contribute specialists of their own, such as a physical or speech therapist. The school may also invite any other agency representatives that may be responsible for either paying for or providing services and only with the parent’s consent.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Once it has been determined a child is eligible for special education and related services, a meeting to develop an IEP must be held within 30 days. IDEA 2004 clearly allows for parents to contribute as equal partners on the team both in writing and implementing their child’s IEP. This plan will include the child’s present levels of academic and functional performance and in what ways the child’s disability affects this performance. Goals will be established for the upcoming year and what the team agrees upon that the child can reasonably be expected to accomplish. These goals are intended to accommodate the child’s disability while still being able to progress in the general education curriculum including the subjects of math, science, reading, social studies and physical education, among others.

Additional Student Support

The IEP must also include the provision of supplementary aids and services such as a one-on-one tutor, preferential seating or devices that aid in communication. Accessibility makes it easier for a child with a disability to better take part in school activities. The IEP also details any changes to school programs or the school personnel support that will be provided. Further, the IEP must also explain how much of the school day will have the child educated separately from other children without disabilities and whether this interaction includes extracurricular activities such as lunch time or clubs.

Reevaluation of the child’s needs are performed at least once every three years or as determined by the IEP team when there is a need for additional data. Again, there is a time clock started on this reevaluation 90 days from the IEP team meeting. It is helpful to know that IDEA 2004 provisions also apply to private or religious elementary or secondary schools in which the child is placed.

What Training, Certification, and Licensure Do You Need To Qualify as a Special Education Teacher?

Currently, there are not enough licensed special education teachers to fill all open positions. Technical advances that have made it possible to better diagnose and treat learning disabilities have created a large pool of special education students, but there are not enough qualified educators to teach them. For someone with the desire to make a difference in the life of a child whose disability makes learning a challenge, a career in special education offers many rewards.

Training

A career as a special education teacher requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. There are programs that offer training specifically in special education, but there are also programs that offer education degrees and an additional year of training in special education.

Special education is a broad teaching area that encompasses many different areas based on the disabilities of the students. Special education teachers work with students who have learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, physical handicaps, behavioral challenges, and a combination of severe mental and physical handicaps as well as autism spectrum learners. Most state licensing boards will expect those looking to pursue a career in special education to choose an area of specialization, and their training will usually be geared toward that specialization.

Those who already possess a Bachelor’s degree in an area other than education have the additional option of earning a Master’s degree in special education while accepting a temporary teaching position with special education students. All special education training, whether at the Bachelor’s or the Master’s level, will involve some form of in-classroom training. Temporary credentials can be granted to those with Bachelor’s degrees in other areas who are taking special education classes.

For those who are still in high school, local Regional Occupational Programs (ROPs) may offer teacher’s aide classes that provide the opportunity to actually be in the classroom or other courses that would expose the student to a variety of children with different abilities. Another way to gain valuable experience before beginning formal training would be to volunteer either in a special education class or with an organization that provides services to special education students.

Certification and Licensing

All prospective teachers must take and pass the Praxis teaching exam, and special education teachers must take the Praxis II specifically for special education. The score needed to pass the exam varies by state, so it is important for test-takers to know what the passing score is for the state in which they intend to teach. The Praxis II may be taken as many times as needed to pass, and once passed, the new teacher may apply for licensure in that state.

Applying for a Job In Special Education

Licensed educators looking to work in special education will find the field wide open. Due to the high turnover rate and the decline in students entering this field, jobs in special education are readily available. Furthermore, the number of jobs in this area are expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of special education jobs is expected to increase by 20% from 2008 to 2018.

Salaries for special education positions are also attractive and expected to increase. While they vary by geographic location and education level, the middle 50% of elementary school special education teachers will earn anywhere from $40,000.00 to $63,000.00 annually. The majority of special education teachers work in elementary schools, but there are positions available at the junior high school and high school levels.

Whatever the age level, degree of ability or part of the country where teaching is desired, a career in special education offers the chance to provide an essential resource to those who need it most.

What are the Challenges of Being a Special Education Teacher?

Special education teachers have a higher rate of burnout than is found in most other professions. The burnout rate is the result of a number of issues that often culminate in these teachers leaving their jobs. It is estimated that 75 percent of those who teach special needs students will leave their job within 10 years of starting. The result of this turnover rate is a shortage of special education teachers and a lack of quality programs for the students they serve. While a special education teacher may start their career with the intention of helping students with disabilities become productive members of society, they face several challenges that make the task extremely difficult. The challenges of the special education teacher include:

1. The Widespread Misperception That Teaching is Easy

Teaching is a uniquely difficult job, one that comes with a set of huge responsibilities; however, many people fail to recognize the teacher’s role. The various disabilities of the students with whom special education teachers work multiplies the job’s difficulty. Special education teachers are largely unrecognized and unsupported by the public.

2. Non-Instructional Responsibilities

Many teachers are trained and willing to teach but find themselves burdened with responsibilities that remove them from the classroom. Special education teachers often find themselves being required to go to meetings, conducting assessments and dealing with loads of paperwork.

3. Lack of Support

At a time when many large school districts are experiencing high levels of growth, special education teachers are being asked to do more with less. Salaries are being cut in many districts, and there is often very little in the way of technical assistance provided by school administrations.

4. Dealing With Multiple Disabilities

A special education teacher’s classes may have students with various disabilities. Since each student is a unique case, the teacher must modify their lessons to suit each student with disabilities by providing individualized education programs.

5. Handling Death

Among students in a special education classroom, there are often some with severe chronic illnesses that may result in death. Handling this is a challenge to which special education teachers will have to adapt.

6. Handling the Problems of an Inclusive Classroom

The concept of having classrooms that contain both special needs students and students who are developing typically is becoming a popular one. This type of education poses new challenges for a special education teacher. For example, many students who have no disabilities are unaccustomed to dealing with those who do. Teachers in these classes are charged with eliminating cruelty and insensitivity from among their students and ensuring that those with special needs are treated with respect.

7. Professional Isolation

The nature of a special education teacher’s work is very different from that of traditional teachers; the result of this is that standard classroom teachers may not view them as colleagues. There may be a professional stigma attached to the work of teaching “slow” students. Special education teachers often work with smaller groups and may focus on skills rather than content, thereby leading to the perception that their work is easier or less important.

8. Lack of Support From Parents

Some parents of special needs children are disinterested in the welfare of their children and fail to provide them with adequate care. Alternatively, they may be overly protective. Both can be problematic for the child and for their teacher. Disinterested parents may have no involvement with their child’s education or interaction with their teachers, whereas overprotective parents may have unrealistic expectations from the child and the child’s teachers. Both attitudes can shape children in negative ways. Parental disinterest may make special needs students less motivated and parents who are overprotective often diminish their child’s confidence and make it harder for them to learn.

9. The Difficulty of Discipline in a Special Needs Classroom

Children with disabilities may have behavioral issues including restlessness and moodiness. They may also exhibit problems like a short attention span or an inability to understand what is being taught. Special education teachers have to learn how to deal with these problems as well as how to take appropriate disciplinary measures.

10. Budget Problems

Across the nation, special education programs are facing increasing enrollment and decreasing budgets. The result is that there are fewer teacher assistants available, which results in a greater workload for special education teachers. They may also face shortages of essential resources and equipment for delivering effective lessons.

Any one of these challenges would make the work of a special education teacher incredibly difficult; as a group, they turn the job into a set of arduous tasks. Unfortunately, the result of the pressures placed on teachers is that the students suffer. Anyone seeking to go into this area of teaching should be aware of what they will face and have the mental and emotional fortitude to overcome the challenges in order to improve the prospects of their students.

As with any job, there are always challenges. To be better equipped for the challenges that you may face as a special education educator, check out our list of bachelor’s or master’s special education degrees

What Personality Traits Do Special Education Teachers Have?

While children in general need plenty of love and attention from their parents and teachers, children with special needs are most benefited by people whose personality traits enhance the learning process. Both passion and concern for children with special needs are necessary to be a good special education teacher. In addition, a few commendable personality traits of special education teachers have been listed below. If you are considering teaching special needs kids prepare yourself for a challenging, life-changing yet rewarding career.

1. Love and Acceptance

In order to relate to any child, you must be able to love and accept them as they are. This is especially important for special needs children. Regardless of their capabilities or behavior each child is unique and worthy of your notice. Some special needs kids may demand excessive attention or completely disregard common etiquette, but it is important to respect and treat them as unique individuals with unique needs. By attempting to understand and encourage your students learning will be enhanced on all levels.

2. Organizational skills and Intuition

As is the case in any kind of education, students need structure to succeed. But with special needs students, structure is all the more important. The special education teacher must provide the class with a physical and academic structure favorable to learning. Some students may be incapable of expressing their feelings or communicating their needs. The special education teacher will need to be intuitive and involved so that any students’ needs can be foreseen and addressed even when students lack the ability to tell you about them themselves.

3. Creativity and Enthusiasm

The ability to think out of the box and combine both creativity and enthusiasm are signs of the makings of a fine special education teacher. The ability to put difficult concepts in plain and interesting words or display a complexity in simple form is often the most effective trait a special education teacher can possess. The teacher’s creativity and enthusiasm will inspire the students to be creative and enthusiastic as well. By bringing creativity into the classroom the classroom environment will change from monotonous to inspiring.

4. Confidence and Calm

Many special needs students suffer intellectual disabilities and emotional disturbances and when special education teachers are not calm, kind, confident and helpful, even in difficult situations, students can lose their tempers and become violent. It is important that the teacher keeps his/her wits and deals calmly with the situation. Teachers must be self-assured and take the lead at all times. The confidence displayed by the teacher will eventually calm the antagonized student and peace will be restored in the classroom.

5. Humorous and Easygoing

Special education teachers with a fine sense of humor and easygoing manner will more easily be able to cope with the stress of teaching special needs kids. Regardless of their disabilities, students can sense when teachers enjoy spending time with them and sharing laughter and fun. This is especially so as teaching special education can sometimes be frustrating especially for teachers who are overly sensitive to thoughtless negative comments. Developing ones sense of humor will protect you from becoming overly hurt due to personal quips.

6. Dedication and Optimism

Sometimes even the simplest task can become long and difficult for a student to master. It is at times like this that teachers must offer hope and encouragement by celebrating any and all victories no matter how big or small the accomplishment. It is important to remember how frustrating it would be for you to have to try so hard to master subjects, techniques or actions. This will enable the teacher to see things from the student’s point of view and remain optimistic and dedicated to the cause. The teacher’s dedication to the students serves as a huge confidence builder for them. A teacher’s dedication bridge the gap in meeting the needs of these unique students.

While there is no definite must have list of personality traits for special education teachers, the above traits point in the right direction. To build a rapport with ones students, trust is essential. And trust can only be cultivated by developing the personality traits discussed above. Someone once said every child is gifted; they only open their packages at different times. This is the perspective in which teachers must look at each exceptional student.

How Do You Become a Special Education Teacher?

Are you are compassionate, patient, caring and kind? Do you believe all children deserve an equal opportunity to succeed? Are you committed to seeing to it that children who have disabilities receive the instruction and individualized support they need to thrive? If you answered “yes” to all three questions, you might have what it takes to become a special education teacher.

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website, about 7.5 million children in the U.S. received special education services as of the 2018-19 school year.

Better screening tools for identifying and assessing children, coupled with federal laws (Individuals with Disabilities Act-IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) that ensure the funds are there to help cover the costs have resulted in a comprehensive set of policies and protocols all aimed at delivering the most effective special education services to children with disabilities.

In 2018, Education Week reported that the number of special-education teachers has dropped 17% during the preceding decade. Meanwhile, the number of students enrolled in special-education programs during that same time period only decreased 1%.

Becoming a special education teacher isn’t an easy path, but it’s one that is undoubtedly filled with endless opportunities to feel good about what you do every day while making a difference in the lives of children who are living with disabilities.

How to Turn Your Vision of Becoming a Special Education Teacher into Reality

While career opportunities in special education are favorable, only qualified candidates need apply. In other words, if you want to become a special education teacher, you must come prepared with the qualifications set by your state board of education. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

First things first: you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that is recognized by your state board of education as an approved teacher preparation program—a program leading to initial state licensure or certification. Your state board of education likely maintains a list of approved programs (or details which types of programs meet this requirement).

Many states defer to the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP), the national accrediting agency for teacher preparation programs. CAEP accredits both on-campus and online teacher preparation programs.

So, what does a bachelor’s degree for the aspiring special education teacher look like? It will be designed as either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Special Education, which prepares you to work with students in grades K-12 in general education classrooms, resource classrooms and self-contained classrooms.

Some programs require students to choose a specialization, while others offer specialization as an option. You might choose to focus your studies on students with mild/moderate disabilities, students with severe disabilities, or children from birth to age 5.

You may also complete dual bachelor’s degrees in both early childhood/childhood education and special education if you plan to work in the pre-K setting.

Both a B.S. and B.A. provide a foundation in the liberal arts, and both include a fieldwork component. Bachelor’s degrees consist of about 120 credits and four years of study.

Some of the core classes in special education include: Foundations of Assessment, which provides you with the theoretical and practical aspects of treating children who have disabilities; Instructional Strategies, which allows you to develop effective instructional practices; and Curriculum Development, which focuses on the principles of teaching students who have disabilities.

Student Teaching

An approved teacher preparation program must include a student teaching experience—a period of classroom training completed under the supervision of a mentor teacher. The student teaching experience provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their pedagogical skills. Most student teaching experiences last a full academic year.

Earn Required State Licensure/Certification

Most states require that candidates take and pass a fundamental skills examination and a subject area competency examination to become state licensed. Many state boards use the Praxis Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications exam when licensing special education teachers.

All teachers in public schools must hold a state licensure/certificate through the state board of education. In some states, you may be issued a general special education license/certificate, while in other states, you may need to be licensed (or receive an endorsement) in a specific category of disability. Many states have various tiers of licenses, although an initial license is generally granted to those who have completed a teacher preparation program leading to state licensure.

Visit our list of best undergrad special education programs

Have You Considered a Graduate Degree in Special Education?

Your education as a special education teacher doesn’t need to end at the bachelor’s level. In fact, many states now prefer special education teachers to hold a master’s degree, and a select few even require a master’s degree for obtaining a professional license in special education.

But master’s degrees in special education are also often the path of choice for career changers (those who have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become special education teachers), and current educators (licensed educators looking to make the switch to special education).

Even if you live in a state that doesn’t require a master’s degree for teaching special education, you may choose to pursue a master’s degree in order to specialize in a certain area. For example, many programs allow you to focus your graduate study on areas like high-incidence disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and emotional or behavioral disorders. Furthermore, if you want to transition to a career in administration, a master’s degree usually is a requirement.

Your previous education and training will often determine the type of master’s degree you choose:

Master of Education (MEd): The MEd is a professional graduate program designed for licensed/certified special education teachers interested in focusing their career on a specific area of special education.
Master of Arts in Education (MAed)/Master of Science in Education (MSed): Both the MAed and the MSed are flexible programs that allow students to pursue advanced study in a wide array of special education areas. Some programs also lead to initial teacher licensure/certification.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): The MAT is a unique program designed for career changers who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or practicing educators who want to make the switch to special education.

Master’s degrees consist of between 50 and 60 credits and about two years of full-time study. While admission requirements vary, most programs require a competitive undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or above). Depending on the program, you may also need a current teaching license and teaching experience, along with a current resume and professional letters of recommendation.

Many colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in special education partially or fully online to accommodate busy, working professionals who need the flexibility that online study provides. While these programs are completed through distance-based study, many schools offer dynamic, interactive learning platforms that provide students with plenty of opportunities to connect with their professors and peers throughout the program.

Advance your career with a graduate degree in special education. We’ve listed the best special education graduate degree programs.

Top 10 Special Education Masters Degree Programs (On Campus)

Teachers that specialize in working with students with special needs fulfill one of the most vital roles in society. Their devotion helps students that deal with mental, emotional, learning and physical disabilities to lead more productive lives. Parents of special needs children benefit from teachers too. Teachers often partner with parents in assisting not only their students but also their parents in learning critical skills that enrich their lives. Additionally, the feeling that parents have towards seeing their child finish an educational program is immensely rewarding. These teachers help the students and parents in facing and overcoming hardships and difficulties. Through specified special educational coursework, students are able to achieve goals that normally seem impossible. Hence, special education teachers must have determination, patience and knowledge to successfully teach special needs students.

What is Special Education?

Special education, in its simplest terms, centers on the education of children or adults who have special learning needs, such as low hearing or vision, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and ADHD.

Teaching occurs in a manner that respects how these physiological, cognitive and/or behavioral differences affect a student’s learning. Special education teachers and other professionals have undergone training programs that prepare them in presenting a uniquely-designed curriculum that they are charged with helping their students master. Special education teachers and professionals make good use of tools such as individual and group lesson plans, modified equipment and materials, user-friendly accessories and equipment and other tools to help students.

Special education students have needs that can include, but are not limited to:

Learning challenges
Deficiencies in communication
Behavioral or emotional issues
Physical disabilities
Developmental delay

In practically all of the civilized countries of the world there is an increasing trend of eliminating the barriers associated with special needs students. The goal of integrated and inclusive classrooms is to lessen the barriers between special-needs children and their peers, thereby rendering special education as a normal extension of the educational experience, rather than an separate learning experience.

Top 10 Special Education Master’s Degree Programs Online

Many students opt to receive their degrees through online courses. With rising living and educational costs, many graduate students do not have the time nor financial resources attend sometimes costly traditional, on campus courses. Such a luxury is only a real option if you’re going to college straight out of high school, or if you manage to get a scholarship that covers your educational expenses. Online courses are valuable to those willing to hone their graduate training in a flexible, technologically advanced format. Often completing a master’s degree online is a popular option which enables busy individuals and working parents the only chance to get their degree as they juggle family, employment, and educational responsibilities.

Top 10 Bachelors in Special Education Degree Programs

Special education is increasingly a big priority in our schools. The need for highly qualified teachers proficient in the field of special education is on the rise. Due to the number of college programs available to aspiring special education teachers, the selection process can be incredibly confusing and even daunting for someone just looking for the program which is right fit for them. Whether you’re looking for a prestigious research university or some real-world, hands-on experience to apply immediately in the classroom, there is a school on this list that will meet your needs.

Featured Undergraduate Programs

To try to simplify the selection process, we created the Top 10 Special Education Degree Programs list to help students select the undergraduate program which will help them meet their personal, professional, and educational goals. Since students interested in special education have diverse educational backgrounds, we’ve created a list not limited to specific undergraduate or graduate degrees. We did, however, only include schools and programs which were best in terms of affordability, reputation, accreditation, rank, and most importantly, quality of not only education but also instruction.

1. Vanderbilt University (Peabody College)

Peabody College at Vanderbilt University has offered the top special education program in the country for several years in a row. Their main focus is on producing exceptional research; in fact, a full 20% of the literature on special education is produced by Vanderbilt faculty, students, and alumni. The bachelor’s program allows emphasis in mild and moderate disabilities, multiple and severe disabilities, or visual impairment. In addition, they offer a Behavior Analysis Certification program alongside the degree program, which offers several additional programs and eighteen months of internship work to achieve the Behavioral Analyst certificate. The school is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and costs $42,118 per year for all students.

For more information about Vanderbilt University’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

2. University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)

Ranked #46 out of national universities, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is consistently listed in the top ten special education programs in the country. The program is heavily field-based, so it involves a lot of hands-on experience with students ranging from kindergarten to 21 years of age with disabilities including learning disabilities, social and emotional disorders, cognitive disabilities, physical impairments, autism, and traumatic brain injury. It strongly advocates parental involvement and inclusion of children with disabilities in mixed groups with typical peers. The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and costs $14,428 for in-state students and $28.570 for out-of-state.

For more information about University of Illinois’ Special Education Degree Programs, go here

3. Ohio State University

Ranked #56 among national universities, Ohio State University offers three different undergraduate specializations in addition to three licensure-only special education degree programs. Students can focus on early childhood special education, mild-to-moderate disabilities, or moderate-to-intensive disabilities. There are also non-degree programs which allow licensing in each of those specializations as well as an endorsement in pre-kindergarten special needs for those who already have a degree in education. The school is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Council for Exceptional Children. Tuition and fees are $10,037 for in-state students and $25,445 for out-of-state students.For more about Ohio State University’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

4. California State University

California State University has a number of campuses, but the best special education program is found at Northridge, which is ranked #68 among regional universities in the west. Their Integrated Teacher Education Program offers a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies along with the special education credential. Their main draw is their three nationally-recognized model classroom sites which provide field work for students using the most up-to-date methods in preschool, elementary, and middle school settings. Additional concentrations in the field of special education are available at Northridge, including specializations in autism spectrum disorder and emotional disturbance. Additionally, CSU’s program offers focuses on early childhood special education, mild-to-moderate disabilities, mild-to-severe disabilities, and deaf/hard-of-hearing education. All special education programs are accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. At $5,076 for in-state students and $21,312 for out-of-state, it is one of the top “bargains” on this list which maximizes your educational experience while minimizing tuition costs.

For more information about California State University’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

5. Hunter College (CUNY)

Hunter College, a branch of CUNY, is #38 among regional universities in the north. It offers a broad range of specialties, including learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, severe/multiple disabilities (including deaf-blindness), early childhood special education, and education for the blind and visually impaired. The courses are divided into core courses that can be applied across a range of educational settings and more specialized courses that prepare students in-depth for working with specific disabilities. It is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children. Tuition and fees come to $5,529 in-state and $14,199 out-of-state.

For more information about Hunter College’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

6. University of Maryland – College Park

The University of Maryland at College Park is ranked #58 among national universities and has the #11 special education program. The program has a focus on special education for all ages and prepares students to teach an age range from infants to young adults. In addition to other programs, they feature a five-year undergraduate program that combines their Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degrees. This is an extremely intensive program that provides specialized training in language and motor development, social and educational needs, assessment procedures, curriculum development, classroom management, effective communication with families and communities, and laws concerning children and youth with disabilities. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and costs $8,908 for in-state students and $27,287 for out-of-state

For more information about the University of Maryland’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

7. Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s School of Special Education is ranked #72 among national universities and focuses heavily on integrating special needs children into mainstream classrooms. The main focus of the program is on building connections between educational theory and practice in inclusive classroom programs, although there is also hands-on work in self-contained special needs classrooms. The special education program at Michigan State is combined with their elementary education program, so a degree in special education also brings certification as a regular K-5 teacher in addition to the K-12 certification in Learning Disabilities. Individually chosen endorsements in more specialized subject areas are also available. MSU is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council and costs $12,204 for in-state students and $31,148 out-of-state.

For more about Michigan State University’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here.

8. Graceland University

Graceland University is ranked #88 out of regional universities in the Midwest. They offer endorsements in mild and moderate special education, as well as focuses in either K-8 education or 5-12. The chief focus of the program is on collaboration. There is a strong emphasis on working with peers to solve classroom problems. In addition, students shadow master teachers in order to learn effective real-world classroom techniques. The program is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. It costs $22,680 per year.

For more information about Graceland University’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

9. University of Hartford

Ranked #79 among regional universities in the north, the University of Hartford offers a professional preparation program with a focus on the in-depth understanding of disabilities as well as knowledge of developmental, academic, and social needs. There is an emphasis on building skills in a variety of settings, so student teaching placements are done both with general education classrooms and children with disabilities. It is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Tuition and fees total $32,172 per year.

For more information about the University of Hartford’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

10. Metropolitan State University of Denver

MSU-Denver is classified as a Tier 2 western regional university, which means that it has no public ranking. It is unique because its entire educational program is focused entirely on special education, with that being the only full four-year degree offered. It offers concentrations in early childhood, elementary, linguistically diverse, or secondary special education. Much of the program is hands-on, and due to the urban location, most teaching experiences take place in a culturally diverse population. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and costs $4834 for in-state students and $15,690 for out-of-state.

For more information about Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Special Education Degree Programs, go here

Overview: Special Education Degree Options

Reviewed by Mary McLaughlin, Special Education Teacher; M.S. SpEd

For the individual who wants to join the ranks and engage special needs children as an instructor, there are many options available. A multitude of degrees will gain you access to different levels of the special education system, and a few of them include:

• Associate’s degree in Special Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education

• Master’s degree in Special Education

• Doctorate (PhD) degree in Special Education

An Associate’s degree in Special Education is geared toward acclimating attending students to the particulars of the special education field. Many, if not the majority, of these degrees are stepping stones to other more advanced degrees. The Associate of Arts in Special Education degree is often part of a transfer program where once the core curriculum has been mastered, the student then continues on to their Bachelor’s degree. An advantageous aspect to completing a degree at this level is that it affords a period of experimentation to would-be participants. A student gain the experience of examining all of the facets of Special Education and make an educated decision as to whether or not the field is right for them.

A Bachelor’s degree in Special Education is a continuation of theories and methodologies gleaned from one’s Associate’s degree, but the work is more sophisticated, detailed and in-depth. The final four years of college, which is what a Bachelor’s degree covers, is the final push in a Special Education professional’s undergraduate academic career. Once a person has earned their Bachelor’s degree, they will have then mastered all of the requisite, basic and moderately-technical aspects of the field and be afforded the privileges that come with it. Plus graduates gain the hands on experiences necessary to either forward their education or find employment.

Special Education undergraduates who wish to further their education advance to a Master’s degree. Graduate school, by all accounts, is considered a post-graduate degree. It is often thought to be an advanced degree where old theories and methods are reinforced, but also where new theories and concepts can be explored. The admission process for a great many graduate school is strict. They often cost more to attend then their undergraduate counterparts, and their entrance requirements are such that grade point averages must often be no lower than a 3.5 during one’s undergraduate studies. If a person qualifies and gains admission, they can expect a very rigorous and engrossing experience, academically speaking. Internships, residencies, and a thesis near the end of the Master’s program are standard operating procedures for most graduate schools. The benefits of attending graduate school cannot be under estimated, particularly if considering the areas of access in Special Education it will grant an individual. Necessarily, the more educated a person is, the more they will be considered for important, responsible and upper-echelon jobs. A master’s degree might qualify an individual to be a teaching administrator; planning the day-to-day operations of a classroom or school.

Earning a PhD in Special Education is no small feat, but it is well worth the effort if someone is passionate enough to invest the time and energy into it. The PhD in this field generally revolves around teaching, research and administration and many supervisory tasks—stats and research weigh heavily into the PhD process, so this is something a person needs to consider while deciding if a Doctorate degree fits their wants and needs. All of the Doctoral coursework will center on advanced theories and methodology, but it all culminates in a student’s dissertation; an extensive compilation of qualitative and quantitative research topics undertaken to further a concept or expand upon pre-existing research.

Being a PhD level professional does not mean the same thing to everyone, but most can agree that it opens up practically every door one could wish to walk through in the realm of Special Education. A PhD professional qualifies to work with disabled children or working with gifted students; those students who are not only void of any learning disabilities, but who show the ability to master complicated subject matter on a level far in advance of children of the same age. If the economics behind earning a PhD in Special Education is a concern, PhD degree holders earnings’ are $25,000 to $30,000 more when compared to their Bachelor degree counterparts. Plus these graduates are the trailblazers of the field – they lead in all of the research, development, implementation, and policy making of special education.

Sponsored Doctoral Programs

1. John Hopkins University

2. Boston College

3. University of Florida

4. Indiana University

5. Liberty University

6. Regent University

7. Ball State University

8. George Mason University

9. University of Nebraska at Lincoln

10. University of Northern Colorado

11. Valdosta State University

12. Northcentral University

13. Nova Southeastern University

14. Grand Canyon University

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What Inclusive Education Programs Provide For Special Needs Students

Effectiveness of Inclusive Special Education Programs

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Autism

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Language and Speech Delays/Impairments

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Orthopedic Impairment

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Education and Certification

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

What Defines a Child with a Disability

The Evaluation Process

The Evaluation Team

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Applying for a Job In Special Education

1. The Widespread Misperception That Teaching is Easy

2. Non-Instructional Responsibilities

3. Lack of Support

4. Dealing With Multiple Disabilities