What is Special Education?

<h3 id="section---WhatIsSpecialEducation">What is Special Education?</h3> <p>The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines special education as a specially designed education plan, provided at no cost, to children with disabilities in order to meet their unique needs. Services are provided at a level determined by individual needs and legislative mandates. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSpecialEducationTeachers">Important Facts About Special Education Teachers</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability</td><td>Full coursework online; student teaching in-person</td></tr> <tr><td>Common Courses</td><td>Diagnosis and assessment, program development, teaching strategies, disability characteristics</td></tr> <tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td>Required by many states to maintain license</td></tr> <tr><td>Specializations</td><td>Early childhood, autism spectrum disorders, gifted, emotional disturbance</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$61,820 <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 4% growth <i>(Special Education Teachers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhoQualifies">Who Qualifies?</h3> <p>The IDEA reports that children need special education services when they suffer from visual and hearing impairments, speech disorders, developmental disabilities, neurological conditions, physical disabilities and emotional problems. If a child is suspected of falling into one of these categories, the child is evaluated. The evaluation includes a team from the school and at least one parent or guardian. The team considers functional, developmental and academic information, as well as information provided by the parent or guardian. </p> <h3 id="section---TeachingCareersInSpecialEducation">Teaching Careers in Special Education</h3> <p>The majority of individuals interested in a career in special education enter the field as teachers. Most work with children who have mild to moderate disabilities at the elementary and secondary school level. A smaller number work with younger children. Special education teachers are involved in students' academic, behavioral and social development. These teachers develop appropriate problem-solving assignments, individualized instruction plans and small-group work. They also arrange any special accommodations for the student, such as preferential seating or assistance with taking notes. </p> <h3 id="section---TrainingForSpecialEducationTeachers">Training for Special Education Teachers</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree program that includes specialized courses in special education is normally required to teach in this area. However, some employers require a master's degree or some graduate study in special education. Programs usually include a period of supervised student teaching. All states require licensure for special education teachers in public schools. Licensure requirements generally include a bachelor's degree, a set number of credits in a particular subject and a period of student teaching. </p> <h3 id="section---OtherCareersInSpecialEducation">Other Careers in Special Education</h3> <p>There are a number of other career paths related to special education. The Council for Exceptional Children provides information on a variety of options, including physical therapist, school counseling, speech therapy and assistive technology specialist. Many of these careers require additional training and certification.</p>