Additional Information
Those in the field say it's important to know what you're getting into.
"You either like it or you don't," says special education teacher Nancy Mendonca.
"My advice would be to volunteer in some classroom like that. That would be
the best way to determine if you're cut out for it."
Volunteering at a group home, or at an event like the Special Olympics,
is another way to find out what it's like to work with the mentally and physically
handicapped.
In the United States, special education teachers have to be licensed. Individual
states have slightly different rules governing licensing.
In general, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree and have completed
an approved teacher preparation program with a specific number of subject
and education credits and supervised practice teaching.
Many states also require special education teachers to obtain a master's
degree in special education, involving at least one year of additional course
work, including a specialization, beyond the bachelor's degree.
National certification standards for special education teachers are being
developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This
will allow licensed special education teachers to move freely between states.
To learn more about the special education teacher certification and licensing
requirements in your area, contact your state's department of education.