While all teachers are special, not all of them are special education teachers. Reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) say job prospects have never been better for graduates of special education teaching preparation programs. Because of shortages of qualified trained professionals, many school districts around the country are offering salary incentives and alternative licensure programs to lure teachers into this high-demand educational field.

Today's special education teacher training programs qualify individuals to serve the needs of students with a range of learning and physical disabilities. Special education teachers typically work at the elementary, middle, and secondary-school levels, although some kindergarten and pre-school special education programs attempt to identify and remedy learning problems in children as early as possible.

All states have their own licensing and certification requirements for those who want to enter the special education teaching professions. Under traditional licensing requirements, new teachers in each state must have a bachelor's degree along with certification of completion of a teacher preparation program with a special education focus. Some states require teachers to hold a master's degree special education.

But, because of shortages, some states have accelerated special education training programs or abbreviated requirements that allow new teachers into the classrooms so long as they continue their training on weekends, holiday intensives, or during semester breaks. Coursework may focus on educational psychology, learning disability remediation, early childhood development, and special needs program planning.

Employment in special education is expected to grow faster than the national average for all occupations through 2014, the BLS says, particularly in inner cities and rural areas.

Online Degrees in Special Education Teaching

Grand Canyon University

Whether you would like to supplement your on-campus curriculum with a few online courses or are interested in pursuing your entire degree online, Grand Canyon University Online has a variety of classes to choose from. more

Special Education Teaching Degrees Offered:

M.Ed. Special Ed (Eligible for IR/Credential)
The Master of Education degree in Special Education (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Credential) is a cross-categorical program designed for anyone interested in special needs K-12 education and teaching certification. Courses cover learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom. Students must be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
M.Ed. Special Ed (Not Eligible for IR/Non-Credential)
The Master of Education degree in Special Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Non-Credential) is a cross-categorical program designed for anyone interested in the education of special needs K-12 children but not teaching certification. Courses cover learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and physical and cognitive impairments. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom. Graduates are prepared to implement individualized educational plans in the special needs populations.
M.Ed. Special Ed for Certified Special Educators
The Master of Education degree in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Non-Institutional Recommendation/Non-Credential) is designed for certified teachers interested is advanced studies in special education. Courses cover learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom. Graduates are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans.

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ChathamOnline

ChathamOnline is the web-based campus of Chatham College. Founded in 1869, Chatham College is dedicated to enabling its graduates to make an impact on the world around them. Graduates of Chatham College leave with a social consciousness, an awareness and understanding of the environment, an interest in public service, the ability to communicate effectively, and a strong grounding in liberal arts and science education. more

Special Education Teaching Degrees Offered:

Writing for Children and Adolescents
The graduate Certificate in Writing for Children and Adolescents provides students with the opportunity to explore creative expression through the genres of fiction and nonfiction, focused on writing for young adults and children. Students sample a range of writing courses and criticism and participate in online writing workshops, where their original works are presented and critiqued. The culminating project is the creation of a portfolio of original, publishable work.

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Most Requested Programs for Education

The booming education and health sector offers many jobs that involve working with children. For more information on online education degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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