Special Education Teaching Degree

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Byron Said:

What else can you do with a degree in special education besides teach special education?

We Answered:

I see some good answers on here, but consider remaining in teaching. Perhaps it is time to change schools. You may just need a fresh outlook. I work in a school for exceptional children aged 13 to 24. I am a Paraprofessional with the good fortune to have a wonderful classroom environment with the other Para's and the teacher. We need you! Too many teachers come here and run away in fright. It is not that bad, in fact I find it very rewarding and a lot of fun, even with the bad moments. I have been bitten severely, hit, kicked, etc. but you know that these children do not mean to hurt you, they just react. I love them dearly and the little successes are what count. Good luck! I hope you find your niche.

Sylvia Said:

possibility of graduation with a special education teaching degree in two years?

We Answered:

assuming you can actually get in the classes you want:

i am guessing you are counting this semesters credits

18 credits spring 2009
9 credits summer 2009
18 credits fall 2009
18 credits spring 2010
=123
9 credits summer 2010 if needed

will you be able to fit in all the field expereinces you need--at my college we needed 3 semesters of field experiences (only 1 full time)

you can get a job-not necessarily as a teacher--but possibly--if nothing else you could sub or be an aide....

Ricardo Said:

What kind of degree is required in Michigan to teach Special Education?

We Answered:

An undergraduate degree is sufficient unless you wanted to become a diagnostician (the person who tests people refered for special education enrollment). This would require a masters.

The rules for becoming a teacher are fairly uniform across states. But as for specific certification (specific courses, standardized tests..etc) in your state, I'd talk with

1) the education department at the college(s) you are personally interested in. Arrange for campus visits with professors to talk with them if possible.

2) The education agency regulating k-12 schools in MI; they are responsible for issuing teacher certification

3) The education agency regulating higher education in MI; they are responsible for allowing any college or university in the state to first exist and then to offer a teacher education curriculum including for people wanting to teach special education. Unless this agency approves the teacher ed curriculum, an institution of higher ed cannot offer it.

These people would provide state-specific policies for becoming that teacher.

Roy Said:

what is the highest college degree you can get in teaching exspecially in special education?

We Answered:

you mean deaf interpreter?? (translating for a deaf individual) I think that's just a job ... but you can get a PhD degree in Deaf Education.

Amanda Said:

Special Education Graduate Degree?

We Answered:

Be very picky about where you decide to get your Masters degree ... no, not from a "name-brand v. non-name-brand" perspective, but expressively from the perspective of which school allows you to funnel your interests into art therapy as a sub-set of the grad requirements for your Special Education degree.

Please be mindful that -over the past 10-15 years- there has been a movement in some graduate programs (especially in the Adult-education format) to allow students to take an extra course or two to replace the Masters Thesis.

A couple of pointers about that:
(1) If at all possible (finances, location, etc) select a Masters program that requires a thesis. Then before accepting enrollment in that college or university, be sure to get -in writing- that you will be permitted to research and write your thesis on "Art Therapy as a form of communication and healing for autistic children."

If the school refuses -or even balks- at permitting you to do that -walk away. Seriously, there is no need for you to give your time and money to a school that is resistent to YOUR education ... walk away and try the next school on your list.

(2) If you have to go to a school where the Masters program does not include a thesis but instead you must take extra credits, then be certain from the beginning those credits are in courses directly related to Art Therapy.

Also be aware of the transfer policy of graduate credits (for most colleges/universities it's 6 credits; a few, very few, allow a student to transfer in 9 credits). I mention this in case you have to complete extra credits but your school does not offer any courses in or related to Art Therapy. That way you can take those extra courses elsewhere and be assured the credits transfer back to the school awarding you your Gaduate degree.

Best of luck! We need many more Special Education teachers ... and we certainly need more of all teachers who are enthusiastic abour using instructional methods (e.g., Art Therapy) that are not from the limited selection of past ideas about education and learning.

Brandon Said:

In what states do you need a Master's Degree in Special Education to teach special education?

We Answered:

If your teaching certificate is special education endorsed... meaning that you took the courses, did the student teaching, and passed the test.. then we are certified to teach special education courses.

If your certificate is not currently for special education and you are going back to get this endorsement (by taking a masters degree in special education) than that is when you need a masters degree.

Most of my friends who teach special education (in Michigan) do not have their masters. I currently have an elementary/early childhood certificate and plan on getting my second masters in special education.

I hope I helped you more than confused you!

Special Education Teaching Degree

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