How To Become a Special Education Teacher Without a Degree

To work as a special education teacher, you almost always need to have a special education degree. These teaching degrees prepare you to work with special needs learners of all types.

Some states offer alternative routes to becoming a special education teacher. Some require degrees, but not all. Keep reading to discover how to become a special education teacher without a degree.

Can I Become a Special Education Teacher Without a Degree?

As a general rule, you cannot become any kind of teacher, including a special education teacher, without a degree. Typically, states require at least a bachelor's degree in special education, or a related field, to earn a teaching credential.

However, some states do offer alternative certification programs for those with relevant experience in the field. These programs often allow you to start teaching without a teaching degree, but many still require you to pursue a teaching degree while you teach.

Additionally, some states do not require teachers in private schools to hold teaching licenses. As a result, some private schools may not require you to earn a degree, but this is rare.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become a Special Education Teacher

To become a special education teacher in a public school, you'll need to hold a state-issued special education teaching license or certificate. While specific requirements vary by state, they usually include:

• the completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• the completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program (many bachelor's degrees in teaching include these programs)
• fulfilling student teaching hours, usually included as part of a degree program or teacher preparation program
• passing state-required teaching exams
• passing a background check

Once you've earned your special education teaching certificate, you'll likely need to participate in professional development to maintain licensure. This can include coursework, seminars, certificate programs, and even earning a Master of Education (M.Ed) degree.

Do I Need a Teaching Degree?

While there are a few circumstances in which you can become a teacher without a teaching degree, these are only offered by a few states, and eligibility requirements are generally strict. Usually, you must have experience in the field you are pursuing a teaching license in, and you may be required to be in the process of obtaining a teaching degree.

Alternate Pathways to Earning Your Bachelor's Degree

As we mentioned, most states require both special education teachers and general education teachers to hold a license to teach in a public school. However, some states accept school teachers through alternative pathways, and we've listed a few below.

Pathway 1: Paraprofessional or Teacher's Aide

Paraprofessionals and teacher's aides are both types of education professionals who do not need to hold a license. Depending on your school district or state, you may not need a bachelor's degree either.

Several states offer paraprofessional-to-teacher pathways. These usually require additional education through either a certification program or an education degree program.

However, these pathways are uniquely designed for working paraprofessionals or teacher's aides. They often include online coursework and allow paraprofessionals to complete their student teaching experience within the school they already work in.

Pathway 2: Alternative Teacher Certification Programs

Alternative teacher certification programs are usually for those who have a bachelor's or master's degree in a field other than teaching. These programs vary by state.

Some states allow those with degrees in other fields to become teachers, as long as they complete an approved post-graduate teacher preparation program. Others waive this requirement if the applicant has significant experience in the field or subject area they want to teach.

Typically, those pursuing an alternative teacher certification pathway must still fulfill the remaining requirements to earn a license, such as passing the necessary exams and completing a background check.

Pathway 3: Emergency Teacher Certification

Emergency teacher certification is a type of temporary teaching certification that states will offer to help address teaching shortages. This certification allows individuals who are not licensed teachers to teach in public school districts.

School districts must get permission from their state's Department of Education to offer these positions. Sometimes these positions require bachelor's degrees, even if they aren't special education or teaching degrees, but not always.

In some cases, you may be required to show that you are in the process of completing a teacher preparation program. However, requirements will vary by state.

Pathway 4: Internships and Apprenticeship Programs

Several states offer teacher apprenticeships or internship programs. Through these programs, future special education teachers can start working within special education programs while working toward their teaching degrees.

Often, participants in this program work within the school as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, or teacher's aides. They earn a salary and benefits while they study.

This allows future teachers to develop a holistic understanding of key concepts (e.g., classroom management and lesson plan development) through coursework and hands-on experience in a school setting. It also allows these future teachers to earn a living while pursuing their degrees.

Pathway 5: Special Education Tutor or Behavioral Specialist

In some states, those working as special education tutors or behavioral specialists may be able to pursue an alternative path to teacher certification. Specific program options vary by state.

For example, someone who works as a behavior specialist may be considered experienced enough to earn an alternative teacher certification. On the other hand, someone who works as a tutor may be eligible for an apprenticeship or paraprofessional program.

Pathway 6: Professional Development and Certification Courses

If you have a degree in a field that isn't special education, you may still be able to work as a special education teacher through additional professional development or a certification program. There are a few types of these programs.

The first is an entry-to-teaching graduate program. These are for students with a bachelor's degree that is not in teaching and incorporate a teacher preparation program so students can earn their licensure.

Another option is an endorsement program. These are for students who hold teaching degrees in other fields but want to shift their area of focus. For example, a teacher with a degree in elementary education could complete an endorsement in special education to work with special needs students.

Pathway 7: Volunteering in Special Education Settings

Working as a volunteer won't inherently earn you a job as a special education teacher but it can help you get used to working with special education students in a classroom setting. It also puts you in a good position to be considered for an apprenticeship program or a role as a paraprofessional.

Volunteers typically do not need a degree of any kind. However, many school districts still require volunteers to pass a background check.

Become a Special Education Teacher

The best way to become a special education teacher is through one of the accredited degree programs offered by colleges listed on Learn.org. Reach out to one of these schools today to learn more about the special education teaching pathways they offer.