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#IOLchat Report: Finding Professional Development OpportunitiesEach week we meet via Twitter for #IOLchat to discuss current issues related to online learning. Participants include students, instructors, eLearning companies, schools, publishers, and instructional designers. As we approach the summer months, …
Special Education
What Will I Learn in a Special Education Degree Program?
Special education teachers learn how to teach students with mental, physical or emotional disabilities. This degree program will give you the tools to work with special needs children, and show you how to cater educational programs to better serve them. Much of your course work will be the same as a standard teacher's, including classroom instruction, curriculum and behavior management. However, you will also take courses designed specially for special education. You will learn about learning disabilities, mental and physical retardation and other topics that are essential for success as a special education teacher.
What Can I Do With a Special Education Degree?
Most students who graduate with this degree start their careers as special education teachers. As this type of teacher, it is your duty to ensure that your students receive an excellent education despite their disabilities. Some special education degree students will decide to continue their careers outside of the classroom, taking on work in fields such as educational leadership or supervision of special education programs. Individuals who have experience and expertise in special education are especially valuable in education policy as well. Some of these careers may require additional education beyond a bachelor's degree, most often a master's.
What Is the Career Outlook for Special Education Degree Students?
Special education degree students will have excellent employment opportunities through 2018, with job growth that is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations. Many school districts report that they have trouble finding adequate numbers of licensed special education teachers, and they are always looking for qualified applicants to fill these roles. Average annual wages for special education teachers will be about $51,000. Most special education teachers will have the opportunity to earn extra pay if they teach summer school, or work with students in extracurricular activities and sports.
