If you don't plan to teach special education, why study it?
In recent decades, special education students have been spending more time learning alongside their peers than being separated from them. According to 2017 data 63.4% of children aged 6-21 spent at least 80% of their time in general educational classes. A global survey of over 121,000 teachers from 30 countries, including the U.S. showed that the actual teaching time fell as students with exceptionalities increased in the classroom.
The classroom management was a major task that took up much of the time, possibly resulting in a decrease in student participation. Education experts think that students could benefit from better-trained general education teachers who are more focused on special education and inclusion.
How can special education help me become a teacher?
Not only will you be able to earn more, but your ability to teach makes you the best candidate. It gives you the ability to adapt lessons to suit different learning levels and provides tools that allow you provide person-centered instruction. An M.A. will take you where you want to go. An M.A. in Special Education opens doors to professional and personal growth.
Every student will benefit from a better teacher
Understanding how to best teach students of all abilities and learning styles will help you to understand how to make sure that every student learns. This is important because classrooms have become more inclusive. The number of special education students spending most of their time within the general education classroom has increased by 9% between 2005-2014.
Students with disabilities are also increasing in number — 7 million students had disabilities in 2017-2018 (13.4%). It means that the majority of students with disabilities are educated by general education teachers. They have received little training in special-education.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a 2004 amendment, required that at most one general education teacher participate in the creation of and implementation of each student's Individual Education Plan. A 2007 study found that general education teachers only took 1.5 courses on inclusion or special education as part of their teacher preparation programs. Special education teachers, however, had to take an average 11 courses.
An advanced degree is possible in special education. This will allow you to have the skills, knowledge, and confidence that are necessary to offer the best learning environment for all students.
This sets you apart when searching for teaching jobs
You can stand out from the rest of the applicants for teaching positions, and not just special education. Because a master's degree in special education can make you stand out from other applicants for teaching jobs, not just special ed. Because inclusion has increased, general education teachers don't need to have advanced training. Teachers who seek out this training will be able to stand out from other teachers when they are looking for a job.
It can increase your earning potential
88% of the largest districts offer additional pay for teachers who have earned advanced degrees. A master's can help you increase your annual salary depending on your rank and your progress in your career.
This could open doors to other career options besides teaching
The advanced training in specialeducation offers many opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings. You can become an educational consultant, a teacher, or a trainer in your state's education department.
Your special education knowledge could be useful in a variety of roles that are funded by state-wide programs that meet the needs for people with disabilities. These include case managers, program coordinators, and nonprofit directors.
It empowers students to advocate for social change, both in and out of the classroom. Special education will inspire you to seek out ways to harness diversity's positive effects in schools, communities, and classrooms. You can advocate for and better understand the relationships between students' needs and resources.
It can be used to teach you for the rest of your life
Special education students are a fascinating field of work. Learning to be person-centered in education allows you to understand the unique needs of each student and help them to change. You must be creative and compassionate to reach each student.
Special education degrees can help teachers who are already experienced or give them confidence. A teacher can have a lasting effect on the lives of students by providing behavioral and teaching solutions. While it's not without its difficulties, teaching can be very rewarding.
Next steps in your teaching career
A master's in special education may help you in your teaching career. Point Loma Nazarene University's Master of Arts Degree in Special Education is worth looking into. The program includes information about which courses are available and how it works.
