There are many rewards in store for those who step foot into the field of special education. If you have the drive to assist special needs students, then this career path could be perfect for you. There are several educational options to think about when considering a commitment to helping those with special needs. Special education certifications vary depending on the jurisdiction of where you want to teach, but many counties across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and some require the completion of a master’s degree education.

If taking your education to a new level is of interest to you, then you might want to consider earning your supplemental degree online. Online programs can be less expensive than attending a traditional university. You also save commute time whilst you’re able to live at home. In addition to this, you also have the flexibility of taking courses and doing your independent study at your convenience – a lack of time doesn’t have to stand in the way of pursuing that desired degree.

Besides having the right educational qualifications, there are other traits that a good special education teacher should possess. A keen sense of empathy and understanding goes a long way in this field, whilst you often need to be creative in your teaching methods; being able to offer alternate ways of solving a problem for example. You should also be comfortable managing small classrooms and working one-on-one with students that have assorted learning challenges. Not all teachers are cut out for the tests that face special educators and there is an abundance of extra paperwork, as endless reports must be provided for the families as well as regulatory agencies and onsite school administrators. So do keep all of these points in mind if you’re considering a career as a special education teacher.