How To Become a Special Education Teacher

Earning a high school diploma is the first step toward becoming a special education teacher and applying for an undergraduate program. You may want to enroll in classes that can be helpful in your future role, such as psychology, child development or American Sign Language (ASL). Some high schools offer peer tutoring programs where you can volunteer to support students in a special education classroom.

Special education teachers in public schools must be licensed and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A degree in special education is preferred in most cases and required in some.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}This degree program focuses on equipping future teachers for their role in assisting students with disabilities. You will be taught how to accommodate students with mild to moderate disabilities to meet their learning, behavioral and social needs. Throughout the program, future teachers study ways to advocate for their students and their education through coursework and practical experiences in the field, such as practicum/field experiences.

To become licensed, you will need to complete a student teaching experience as part of your degree program.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}Generally, this student teaching must be supervised by a certified special educator. This ensures that you have opportunities to grow in your knowledge of special education through observation and experience. 

After earning a relevant bachelor’s degree that leads to teacher licensure, your next step toward meeting special education teacher qualifications is to obtain a state-issued teaching license, also called a teaching certification. All teachers who wish to work in public schools are required to have a license.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}Be sure to research the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work, as they vary by state. The requirements will often include one or more state certification exams. Private schools usually require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree, but may not require licensure.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Although it’s not required, some special education teachers may wish to further enhance their qualifications by pursuing board certification from a professional organization. For example, the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) offers a Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE) credential. To qualify to pursue the BCSE credential, you must have a relevant master’s degree or higher, and you must complete NASET’s BCSE course modules.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

After completing a bachelor’s degree and becoming licensed, you may decide to continue your education. Some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree after they start working to become fully certified.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}In a master’s degree program, you will study and examine how to better support children with diverse abilities and needs.

After earning a relevant MEd, you may also wish to complete a PhD program, which can be a path to careers in leadership and academia. However, a Doctor of Education (EdD) or education specialist degree may provide a more direct path for those who prefer to stay in the classroom environment or administrative roles in school districts.