2 answers
Emily
Student
Mount Vernon, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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What internship or experience will help me get into being a special education teacher?
what internship or experience will help me get into being a special education teacher?
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2 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Emily. If you want to become a special education teacher, the best way to prepare is to gain hands-on experience working with children who have different learning needs. Schools and programs often look for candidates who already have some background in supporting students with disabilities.
One helpful internship is working in a classroom as a teacher's assistant or aide. This gives you a chance to observe how special education teachers plan lessons, adapt materials, and manage different behaviors. You will also gain experience building relationships with students and supporting them one-on-one or in small groups.
Another valuable experience is volunteering with organizations that serve children with disabilities. This might include after-school programs, camps for children with special needs, or nonprofit groups that provide tutoring and social activities.
Internships in related fields, such as working with speech therapists, occupational therapists, or school psychologists, can also be useful. These roles show you how different professionals work together to support students. They also give you insight into the broader services that special education students may need.
Even experiences outside of schools, like babysitting or mentoring children with special needs, can strengthen your skills. What matters most is showing that you have compassion, patience, and the ability to adapt to different situations.
Overall, the more time you spend working directly with children who have disabilities, the stronger your application to become a special education teacher will be. All the best.
One helpful internship is working in a classroom as a teacher's assistant or aide. This gives you a chance to observe how special education teachers plan lessons, adapt materials, and manage different behaviors. You will also gain experience building relationships with students and supporting them one-on-one or in small groups.
Another valuable experience is volunteering with organizations that serve children with disabilities. This might include after-school programs, camps for children with special needs, or nonprofit groups that provide tutoring and social activities.
Internships in related fields, such as working with speech therapists, occupational therapists, or school psychologists, can also be useful. These roles show you how different professionals work together to support students. They also give you insight into the broader services that special education students may need.
Even experiences outside of schools, like babysitting or mentoring children with special needs, can strengthen your skills. What matters most is showing that you have compassion, patience, and the ability to adapt to different situations.
Overall, the more time you spend working directly with children who have disabilities, the stronger your application to become a special education teacher will be. All the best.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Emily !
The path to becoming a Special Education Teacher does not include an internship nor does one need experience teaching before one begins the academic requirements.
After High School, you would need to enroll at a college that offers a Major program in Special Education or Education. You would then complete a state approved teacher preparation program, which often includes a 16-week student teaching experience. So instead of being concerned about experience and an internship in Education now, you may want to explore what experience and things would help you get into college for an Education Degree.
You will need to explore different colleges that offer Education Programs and more importantly, Special Education Programs. Read what courses are involved. Colleges have different requirements for admission, so the only way you'll know what you need from high school is to know what the particular college requires. Most High Schools do not teach Education, but you could take some classes in high school that will benefit you in college and as a future teacher.
So for right now while in junior high or high school, look for volunteer tutoring experiences or go to your community's Library and see if there is a Literacy Program that you can become involved with. Take as many English and Psychology classes and look for public speaking opportunities, too. You can run for a class office for leadership experience. You would not start your learning about Education until you start college, however.
Remember - it won't be an internship or experience that will enable you to become a Special Ed Teacher, it will be your college degree, your student teaching, any necessary credential and by the time you are done, you will know exactly what type of school you'd like to teach in and where your calling is. Give it time and take it step by step. Best wishes to you always !
The path to becoming a Special Education Teacher does not include an internship nor does one need experience teaching before one begins the academic requirements.
After High School, you would need to enroll at a college that offers a Major program in Special Education or Education. You would then complete a state approved teacher preparation program, which often includes a 16-week student teaching experience. So instead of being concerned about experience and an internship in Education now, you may want to explore what experience and things would help you get into college for an Education Degree.
You will need to explore different colleges that offer Education Programs and more importantly, Special Education Programs. Read what courses are involved. Colleges have different requirements for admission, so the only way you'll know what you need from high school is to know what the particular college requires. Most High Schools do not teach Education, but you could take some classes in high school that will benefit you in college and as a future teacher.
So for right now while in junior high or high school, look for volunteer tutoring experiences or go to your community's Library and see if there is a Literacy Program that you can become involved with. Take as many English and Psychology classes and look for public speaking opportunities, too. You can run for a class office for leadership experience. You would not start your learning about Education until you start college, however.
Remember - it won't be an internship or experience that will enable you to become a Special Ed Teacher, it will be your college degree, your student teaching, any necessary credential and by the time you are done, you will know exactly what type of school you'd like to teach in and where your calling is. Give it time and take it step by step. Best wishes to you always !