Education is the right of every child, even those with special needs. However, these students require the services of a compassionate and competent special educator. Sadly, the United States is battling a major crisis in this area.
Recent news disclosed that at least 42 US states are facing a dearth of special education teachers. The situation has slightly improved since last year when all but three states had a special educator shortage. Nevertheless, the CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) stated that special needs students were at a disadvantage.
In this article, we will discuss this nationwide crisis in detail and how aspirants can help the government meet the needs of special needs students.
Special Ed Students and Their Families are Suffering
As stated earlier, a shortage of special educators has taken a toll on students. Though schools cannot deny children with special needs their right to education, many have had to limit their services. These limitations may extend in terms of the hours of instruction or certain specialized services like speech therapy.
In some areas like Omaha, the situation is even worse. At least three schools in the area have zilch special education teachers. Students will either need to switch to a different school or forgo their special needs education services altogether.
The COPAA believes that Congress must increase its investments in training special education personnel. A study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 7.3 million students with special needs study in US public schools. They make up 15% of the student body.
In the last decade, special education enrolment has increased by 800,000. Compared to this gargantuan number, teachers are few. Not to mention millions are expected to retire in the present decade. This has skyrocketed demand for special needs educators across the country.
Can Anyone Become a Special Education Teacher?
On the one hand, the situation is dire. On the other, it is a great opportunity for those interested in this field to pursue a career as a special educator. Across all US states, a special education teacher must be licensed and certified to teach in a public school.
While some schools may only require a Bachelor’s degree, others demand a Master in Special Education. Once a relevant state-approved degree is achieved, aspirants need to take up internships for real-life work experience.
Then, there are tests to be taken to qualify for a teaching license. After procuring their license, aspirants can apply for different teacher positions based on salary, location, etc. Can anyone become a special education teacher? For the most part, yes.
Undergraduates in education or other fields (looking to switch careers) can receive training to become special educators. They will be equipped with specialized skills and classroom strategies needed to teach special needs students.
With rigorous training, aspirants will be able to teach all kinds of subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. As a special educator, you will deal with students of different ages from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The current national crisis is your chance to help special needs children navigate the changing education landscape.
Besides the relevant certification and license, you also need to cultivate the following qualities –
- A good sense of humor
- Love for organization and structure
- Creativity, which you can infuse into your teaching methods
- A calm and composed temperament
- An optimistic outlook at all times
Things to Keep in Mind Before Pursuing a Career as a Special Educator
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975 allowed every student with an academic disability to pursue free education across US public schools. These students must be between the ages of three and 21.
Student enrolment under the IDEA Act has almost doubled in recent years. The government is looking for interested citizens to come forward and pursue a career as a special educator. If you are among them, keep in mind the following points –
- Make Fun a Huge Part of the Process
- Your Job Will Be Stressful at Times
- You Will Need to Wear Multiple Hats
- There are No “Typical” Students
Your Job Will Be Stressful at Times
Stress is a part of the teaching profession in general. However, it is more so in the case of special educators, as their students demand more attention. Also, a child may face a sudden meltdown, which will directly impact your mood and mental health.
For instance – many autistic children communicate their desires through screaming. You need to stay calm so that the child feels safe and loved.
You Will Need to Wear Multiple Hats
On the surface, your job title will call you a special education teacher. But in reality, you will need to don several hats at once. These include those of an advocate, counselor, and liaison for child services.
After all, the aim of special educators is to help their students succeed in life, not just schooling. For instance – there may be occasions when you need to counsel a student’s parents on their child’s learning requirements. Most lean on the teacher’s expertise for guidance.
There are No “Typical” Students
Even in general, it is rare for a teacher to come across a student stereotype. Every child is unique, and so is their temperament, learning ability, and so on. This only intensifies in the case of students with special needs.
For instance – a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) needs a different teaching approach than one with speech problems. As a special educator, be prepared to adopt flexible teaching styles that meet a specific student’s learning needs.
Make Fun a Huge Part of the Process
There will be times when you may feel tempted to label a student as ‘lazy’ or ‘impossible.’ During these moments, remember that children (even those with special needs) are trying to do their best. There’s an emotional aspect that needs to be addressed, not just the academic component.
As a student, we all have had to sit through a boring class or two. If you supply a dose of lifeless energy into the classroom, your students will only consume it. Inject some fun into the process by acting goofy and playing around with the children.
Will It Be Worth It?
Despite aspiring to become a special education teacher, many question whether the experience will be worth it. It can feel like an uphill battle since explaining any concept to a child with special needs is challenging.
Besides the academic side, you need to consider their emotional needs and behavioral outbursts. There is a price to pay, but it will all be worth it in the end. Most special educators describe their profession as rewarding despite their daily struggles.
Few moments in life are as precious as watching a child become more capable and independent. Plus, parents are often overwhelmed and watching someone not give up on their child is a tremendously satisfying experience. If you choose to become a special educator, be ready to encounter heartfelt praise for every bit of hard-earned progress.