Learn about what a special education endorsement is and the steps you can follow to earn one yourself.
Special education teachers are teachers who work with students who don't learn well in a traditional learning environment.
These students may have behavioral, emotional, or mental challenges or may have learning disabilities that require a different type of learning experience.
In many states, you must earn a special education endorsement to work as a special education teacher. Below, we'll explain what an endorsement is and how to earn one in special education.
What is a Special Education Endorsement?
An endorsement is a special license that's added to a teaching license to indicate that the licensed holder is trained in a specific area.
You must either have your teaching credentials already or be earning your teaching credentials at the same time as your endorsement. You cannot have just an endorsement.
A special education endorsement means that a teacher has had additional training and is licensed in special education. This endorsement goes on top of their teaching license.
Some schools offer general special education endorsements, while others allow you to specialize your endorsement.
For example, you may earn an early childhood special education endorsement to work with young children or a hearing or vision special education endorsement to work with children with specific needs.
Teaching licenses are determined at the state level, and not every state requires a special education endorsement to work in special education.
The states that currently require a special education endorsement are:
- Arkansas
- California
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- Wyoming
Other states may require you to take a specific program or set of courses to qualify for special education licensure or may require you to earn your bachelor's or master's in special education.
It's important to check the requirements of the state you want to work in so you know what steps to take to work in special education.
<h2 id="section---HowToEarnASpecialEducationEndorsementStepByStep">How to Earn a Special Education Endorsement: Step by Step</h2><p>If you've determined that you need a special education endorsement to work in your state of choice, there are a few steps you'll need to take.
</p><h3 id="section---Step1EarnATeachingDegree">Step 1: Earn a Teaching Degree</h3><p>The first step to earning a special education endorsement is to earn your teaching degree. All states require special education teachers in public schools to have at least a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>.
</p><p>You'll also need to enroll in a state-approved teaching program. Many times, you can do this program alongside your degree program. This allows you to graduate with your degree and your teaching certificate.
</p><p>Towards the end of your teaching program, you'll fulfill your student teaching requirements. During this time, you'll be teaching in the classroom alongside a licensed teacher.
</p><h3 id="section---Step2ObtainATeachingCredential">Step 2: Obtain a Teaching Credential</h3><p>Each state has its own requirements for teacher licensure or certification.
</p><p>Some states require you to take a test or series of tests before you can earn your teaching credential.
</p><p>Many states use the Praxis tests, which are written and administered by the Educational Testing Service.
</p><p>There are many different Praxis tests, and the tests you take will depend on your state and area of specialization.
</p><p>Other states, like Missouri and Texas, have their own teaching tests that you must pass before you can become a certified teacher.
</p><p>Once you've fulfilled all the necessary requirements in your state, you can apply to your state education agency to receive your official certificate.
</p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnASpecialEducationEndorsement">Step 3: Earn a Special Education Endorsement</h3><p>Some schools allow you to earn an endorsement alongside your degree, but many require you to apply for an endorsement program after you've been certified.
</p><p>Depending on the school, you may be earning your endorsement through a graduate program, but that doesn't mean you need to have a master's degree to earn an endorsement.
</p><p>The specific requirements for your endorsement program will depend on the state you're in, the school you choose, and the specific type of endorsement you're earning.
</p><p>For example, while all programs will focus on how to teach students with special needs, an endorsement for teaching vision-impaired students will be different from one for teaching autistic or ADHD students.
</p><p><b>General special education endorsements may include course topics such as:</b>
</p><ul><li>behavior intervention
</li><li>classroom management
</li><li>inclusive practices
</li><li>performing assessments
</li><li>special education methods
</li><li>teaching strategies
</li></ul><p>While most schools offer a general special education K-12 endorsement, many others allow you to specialize.
</p><p><b>Some specialization options may include:</b>
</p><ul><li>behavior disorders and intervention
</li><li>learning disabilities
</li><li>high ability/gifted
</li><li>inclusion and collaboration
</li><li>intellectual disabilities
</li><li>mild to moderate disabilities
</li><li>moderate to severe disabilities
</li><li>deaf/hard of hearing
</li><li>visually impaired
</li></ul><p>Depending on your state, you may be required to take a special education exam, such as a Praxis special education exam, before you can earn your certification.
</p><h2 id="section---WorkingAsASpecialEducationTeacher">Working as a Special Education Teacher</h2><p>Upon earning your special education endorsement, you'll be able to begin working as a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Teaching_Special_Education_FAQs.html">special education teacher</a>.
</p><p>The majority of special education teachers work in public schools. A small percentage work in private schools or in residential facilities, hospitals, and student homes.
</p><p>The BLS expects special education teacher jobs to grow an average of 4% by 2031, although some specialties are higher. The outlook for special education preschool teachers is expected to grow 8% by 2031.
</p><h2 id="section---EarnYourSpecialEducationEndorsement">Earn Your Special Education Endorsement</h2><p>To earn a special education endorsement, you must first obtain a teaching license. Then you'll need to find and complete a special education endorsement program.</p>
