SPECIAL EDUCATION

WHAT IS SPECIAL EDUCATION?

Special education is a subspecialty of education related to teaching people with disabilities. Societal awareness and legislation have led to an explosion in the kinds of special education services schools offer. A special education major trains you to work with students who have physical or cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, and emotional issues.

WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?

As a teacher you will call on everything you know in the classroom. As a result, no matter what you decide to teach, you will want exposure to a wide variety of disciplines and subject areas. Your general education curriculum in college will give you a background in math, science, the arts and humanities, and technology, as well as impart important skills like writing, speaking, and critical thinking. When it comes time to work on your major, you'll take a cross-section of education classes in addition to courses that focus specifically on special education. Some schools might ask you to double major in education and special education, while others will offer stand-alone special ed programs. You might also have the opportunity to specialize in a given area like mild and moderate disabilities, multiple and severe disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, early childhood, and emotional disabilities. And you will have the chance to get real-world experience through field classes and practicums.

Here are some things you will probably study:

• Assessment Strategies
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Emotional Disturbance
• Gifted and Talented
• Instructional Models
• Introduction to Exceptionality
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Disabilities
• Special Education Law
• Special Education Technology

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION?

You will need to complete certain certification requirements in order to become a special education teacher. Once you have obtained those credentials you can serve as a special education teacher in the public schools, work in public or private residential facilities, hospitals, people's homes, or become a rehabilitation counselor or creative arts or recreational therapist. With further education, you can pursue a career as a school administrator, school psychologist, or speech pathologist. Your job prospects in this field are excellent.