What Can I Do with an Associate's Degree in Special Education?
An associate's degree program in special education prepares individuals to assist young people who have learning disabilities. Those who earn this degree might also meet the educational needs of pupils by providing personal instruction and individual attention. This article discusses career options for graduates of special education associate's degree programs. Read on for more information.
<h3 id="section---AboutSpecialEducationAssociateSDegrees">About Special Education Associate's Degrees</h3>
<p>Special education associate's degrees are awarded by community colleges and can help students begin careers or further their education. Special education courses include instruction on early childhood education, child and adolescent developmental psychology, and inclusive teaching. Students who complete this degree program are qualified to work as teacher's aides, special education tutors and learning disability specialists.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts about this Occupation</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th>Teacher Assistants</th><th>Special Education Teachers</th></tr>
<tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td> $29,360 </td><td> $61,820</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>5% employment growth (average)</td><td>4% growth (as fast as the average)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certificates/Licensing</td><td>None required; those who work with students with special needs must pass a skills-based test (in most states)</td><td>License required for public teachers in all states; certification requirements vary</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---TeacherSAide">Teacher's Aide</h3>
<p>Teacher's aides assist primary instructors in educating children, and some aides may specialize in working with children who have disabilities. A teacher's aide is responsible for giving students the individual attention they need and helping them to develop basic literacy and life skills. While primary teachers are in charge of developing and modifying lesson plans, teacher's aides help carry out those plans and make sure they're executed effectively. Teacher's aides give students an opportunity to work at their own pace and ensure that they understand the lessons before moving on to the next.
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<h3 id="section---SpecialEducationTeachers">Special Education Teachers</h3>
<p>Special education teachers generally are required to hold at least a bachelor's degree. There are various types of disabilities that qualify a student for special education programs. Special education teachers specialize in a particular disability and may teach a class of students with disabilities or work with students one-on-one. They cater lesson plans to an individual's needs and use various techniques to promote learning.
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<h3 id="section---LearningDisabilitySpecialists">Learning Disability Specialists</h3>
<p>While learning disability specialists can enter the field with a bachelor's degree, they typically need a master's degree to advance. Disability specialists often work with students in higher education, helping them document their disabilities and arranging any necessary services or accommodations that students need in order to attend their classes and learn.</p>