3 years into the worst economy since the great depression, I'm sure there are plenty of people with bachelor's degrees who wonder what that degree in anthropology was going to do for them. There will continue to be a need for special education teachers. How do you know if it is the right career for you?
I've taken some time to reconsider what was on my site and decided that rather than thinking about "good teachers" I should put the standard to "great teachers." If you are wondering if you have what it takes to be a "great" special education teacher, then it may well be worth the time to get the graduate degree or pursue the emergency or alternate route certification. But, if you don't . . . it's better not to invest the time and money in more graduate education for something that you won't enjoy and will certainly not do any good for students with disabilities.
If you do feel you have a passion for working with children with disabilities, then by all means, check yourself out against my Gold Standard, and see how you fare. I've worked with more than a couple bankers who have found their passion in special education. I know that those friends and colleagues who came from banking or marketing found that challenge of dealing with small groups of students with disabilities far more rewarding than putting on the hose and the high heels every day to deal with boring routines and nasty office politics. You may too!
Comments
I just started my graduate degree towards becoming a Special Education teacher. I really enjoyed reading your advice on who should enter the field of special education and those who should avoid it altogether.
I think you made some valid points that may sound like common sense, but may be over-looked by some who are just trying to find a job in a high need area. For example, you must like children. You must also understand that children with special needs may have more problems in hygiene that may require a teacher’s assistance. Finally, you must be empathetic, intelligent, and organized; all of which I feel I am.
I know being a special education teacher is going to be hard, but I look forward to the challenges and rewards that will inevitably go hand-in-hand.
Great, Tianna: sounds like you’ve already really taken the time to think through whether special education is for you! That will really help you succeed when you get into the nitty gritty. Jerry