9 answers
Makinzey
Student
Crawfordsville, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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How should start preparing?
What should I do if want to go into special education in the future, are there any steps now I can take now as a High school student like volunteer to prepare for that?
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9 answers
Natalie Horner
Executive Assistant
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Natalie’s Answer
Hello Makinzey!
Special Education is an rewarding field and one that needs compassionate people to best meet their student's needs. There are many non-profit organizations that are always looking for volunteers. I would highly recommend "Best Buddies" as one to look into.
Here are a few ideas on ways you further your understanding of different roles w/ in the field and prepare for a career in special education.
1. Research the Field:
* Learn about the different roles within special education (e.g., special education teacher, speech therapist, instructional assistant).
*Understand the types of disabilities and challenges students might face.
2. Gain Relevant Education:
* If you're not already enrolled, consider pursuing a degree in special education or a related field.
* Look into prerequisite courses such as psychology, child development, or education.
3. Volunteer or Observe:
* Volunteer at schools, special education centers, or organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
* Request to observe special education classrooms to get a sense of the environment and teaching methods.
4. Connect with Professionals:
*Reach out to special education teachers or specialists for informational interviews.
*Join online forums or local groups focused on special education.
5. Develop Key Skills:
* Work on communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.
* Learn about behavior management techniques and personalized instruction methods.
6. Pursue Certifications and Training:
*Look into certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or specialized training in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Best of luck to you!
Special Education is an rewarding field and one that needs compassionate people to best meet their student's needs. There are many non-profit organizations that are always looking for volunteers. I would highly recommend "Best Buddies" as one to look into.
Here are a few ideas on ways you further your understanding of different roles w/ in the field and prepare for a career in special education.
1. Research the Field:
* Learn about the different roles within special education (e.g., special education teacher, speech therapist, instructional assistant).
*Understand the types of disabilities and challenges students might face.
2. Gain Relevant Education:
* If you're not already enrolled, consider pursuing a degree in special education or a related field.
* Look into prerequisite courses such as psychology, child development, or education.
3. Volunteer or Observe:
* Volunteer at schools, special education centers, or organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
* Request to observe special education classrooms to get a sense of the environment and teaching methods.
4. Connect with Professionals:
*Reach out to special education teachers or specialists for informational interviews.
*Join online forums or local groups focused on special education.
5. Develop Key Skills:
* Work on communication, patience, and problem-solving skills.
* Learn about behavior management techniques and personalized instruction methods.
6. Pursue Certifications and Training:
*Look into certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or specialized training in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Best of luck to you!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
86
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're considering a future in special education, now is a great time to dive in and see what it's really like. Volunteering is a fantastic way to start. You can help out in special education classrooms, after-school programs, tutoring centers, or summer camps that support kids with disabilities or learning differences. Even being a general classroom helper or mentor can teach you a lot about patience, communication, and building trust with students, which are key in special education. Don't stress about having everything figured out yet. Right now, just focus on learning and observing.
You can also prepare by focusing on important skills for this field. Classes like psychology, child development, or any education-related courses are super helpful if your school offers them. Try talking to special education teachers or aides about their daily work. Many people are happy to share their experiences, and this can give you a better idea of what the job is really like, including both the rewarding and challenging aspects.
I highly recommend keeping a record of your experiences and how they make you feel. Note your volunteer hours and moments that stood out, like when you felt proud, overwhelmed, or really connected with a student. This reflection will be useful when applying to college or education programs, and it will help you decide if special education is the right path for you. You don't need to have all the answers now. Just stay curious and keep participating.
You can also prepare by focusing on important skills for this field. Classes like psychology, child development, or any education-related courses are super helpful if your school offers them. Try talking to special education teachers or aides about their daily work. Many people are happy to share their experiences, and this can give you a better idea of what the job is really like, including both the rewarding and challenging aspects.
I highly recommend keeping a record of your experiences and how they make you feel. Note your volunteer hours and moments that stood out, like when you felt proud, overwhelmed, or really connected with a student. This reflection will be useful when applying to college or education programs, and it will help you decide if special education is the right path for you. You don't need to have all the answers now. Just stay curious and keep participating.
Kathleen Hass
Senior Analyst
5
Answers
Bloomingdale, Illinois
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
It's wonderful that you want to pursue special education! The best thing you can do right now is to become a Peer Tutor at your high school.
My first thought was to see if your high school offers any type of Best Buddies chapter or Peer Mentoring program. First start by visiting with your guidance counselor and ask if your school has a "Best Buddies Chapter" or a "Peer Tutoring Elective" that you can join. Your school may offer a "peer tutoring" class where you spend one period a day in a special education classroom helping peers with life skills or academics which may count towards a course credit. You can also talk with the special education lead at your school simply by saying to them "I'm interested in a career in special education and would love to volunteer or peer tutor," this is a great way to open doors for you in this field.
You can also check to see if there are Special Olympics in your county. This is a fantastic way to engage outside of school hours. They often need unified partners (peers without disabilities who play on the team alongside athletes with disabilities.
Here is some career preparation advice. See if your high school offers Child Development Classes. You can also take an AP course in psychology to help you understand the neurological side of learning and behavior.
These are also great items to list on your college application as it will show how serious you are about inclusion.
My first thought was to see if your high school offers any type of Best Buddies chapter or Peer Mentoring program. First start by visiting with your guidance counselor and ask if your school has a "Best Buddies Chapter" or a "Peer Tutoring Elective" that you can join. Your school may offer a "peer tutoring" class where you spend one period a day in a special education classroom helping peers with life skills or academics which may count towards a course credit. You can also talk with the special education lead at your school simply by saying to them "I'm interested in a career in special education and would love to volunteer or peer tutor," this is a great way to open doors for you in this field.
You can also check to see if there are Special Olympics in your county. This is a fantastic way to engage outside of school hours. They often need unified partners (peers without disabilities who play on the team alongside athletes with disabilities.
Here is some career preparation advice. See if your high school offers Child Development Classes. You can also take an AP course in psychology to help you understand the neurological side of learning and behavior.
These are also great items to list on your college application as it will show how serious you are about inclusion.
Caroline Betts, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Business Partner
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi Makinzey! To gain experience and learn more about the work, consider starting with volunteer opportunities. You can check out after-school programs, summer camps, tutoring programs, or community centers. Also, see if your school offers extracurricular activities related to mentoring, peer tutoring, or community service. Let your teachers or guidance counselor know about your interest, as they can guide you. Additionally, start looking into colleges and universities with strong education or special education programs.
Paula Kimber
Operations Support
3
Answers
High Point, North Carolina
Updated
Paula’s Answer
Hello,
That's a wonderful and incredibly important field to consider! Special education teachers and professionals make a profound difference in the lives of students. The fact that you are thinking about this now means you can take some excellent, practical steps during high school to prepare.
Here is some advice on what you can do right now to explore and prepare for a career in special education:
Steps to Take Now in High School
1. Gain Direct Experience (Volunteering)
The best way to know if this career is right for you is to get real-world experience.
Volunteer in a Special Education Setting: Ask your school counselor if there are opportunities to be a classroom aide in a special education classroom at your high school or a nearby middle or elementary school. Tasks can include assisting teachers and staff, helping with class projects, or providing one-on-one support.
Work with Youth in General: Look for opportunities to work with children or young adults with a variety of needs. You could volunteer at foster homes, tutoring programs, or local youth development organizations.
Volunteer at Related Organizations: Consider assisting at hospitals, senior care homes, or community centers that serve individuals with special needs.
2. Focus on Developing Key Skills
A successful special education professional needs a diverse set of interpersonal and organizational skills.
Improve Communication: Volunteering will help you practice clear, effective communication with a wide range of people, from students to parents and other teachers.
Boost Organizational Skills: Many roles require you to manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and keep track of various student plans. Joining clubs or activities that require planning and management can help you develop this now.
Build Empathy: By engaging with diverse individuals, you will gain compassion and a deeper understanding for others, which is critical in this field.
3. Academic and Career Exploration
Start planning for your education now.
Take Relevant Courses: If your school offers them, take courses in psychology, child development, or sociology.
Explore College Programs: Research what special education degree programs look like. They often include fieldwork and specific training for different areas (e.g., early childhood, emotional/behavioral disorders, specific learning disabilities).
Network and Learn: See if you can shadow a special education teacher for a day during a school break, or look for local chapters of professional organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that you might be able to learn more from.
Taking these steps now will not only help you build an impressive résumé for college applications but, most importantly, it will help you confirm that a career in special education is the adventure you want to pursue.
You've got a fantastic head start!
That's a wonderful and incredibly important field to consider! Special education teachers and professionals make a profound difference in the lives of students. The fact that you are thinking about this now means you can take some excellent, practical steps during high school to prepare.
Here is some advice on what you can do right now to explore and prepare for a career in special education:
Steps to Take Now in High School
1. Gain Direct Experience (Volunteering)
The best way to know if this career is right for you is to get real-world experience.
Volunteer in a Special Education Setting: Ask your school counselor if there are opportunities to be a classroom aide in a special education classroom at your high school or a nearby middle or elementary school. Tasks can include assisting teachers and staff, helping with class projects, or providing one-on-one support.
Work with Youth in General: Look for opportunities to work with children or young adults with a variety of needs. You could volunteer at foster homes, tutoring programs, or local youth development organizations.
Volunteer at Related Organizations: Consider assisting at hospitals, senior care homes, or community centers that serve individuals with special needs.
2. Focus on Developing Key Skills
A successful special education professional needs a diverse set of interpersonal and organizational skills.
Improve Communication: Volunteering will help you practice clear, effective communication with a wide range of people, from students to parents and other teachers.
Boost Organizational Skills: Many roles require you to manage schedules, prioritize tasks, and keep track of various student plans. Joining clubs or activities that require planning and management can help you develop this now.
Build Empathy: By engaging with diverse individuals, you will gain compassion and a deeper understanding for others, which is critical in this field.
3. Academic and Career Exploration
Start planning for your education now.
Take Relevant Courses: If your school offers them, take courses in psychology, child development, or sociology.
Explore College Programs: Research what special education degree programs look like. They often include fieldwork and specific training for different areas (e.g., early childhood, emotional/behavioral disorders, specific learning disabilities).
Network and Learn: See if you can shadow a special education teacher for a day during a school break, or look for local chapters of professional organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that you might be able to learn more from.
Taking these steps now will not only help you build an impressive résumé for college applications but, most importantly, it will help you confirm that a career in special education is the adventure you want to pursue.
You've got a fantastic head start!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Absolutely! I would wager that there are a few programs in your community that support individuals with differing abilities. Seeing if they need volunteers and getting some practical experience can help improve your skills and gain potential references for the future. This may also let you talk with others who have chosen this career path and ask them for advice.
Thanks for the help.
Makinzey
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
21
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
It’s great that you’re already thinking about your future and being intentional about it at this stage. If you’re interested in going into special education, there are definitely steps you can start taking now as a high school student to prepare yourself.
One important step is to learn more about what special education really involves. You can do this by reading, watching videos, or even speaking to teachers or school counselors who work with students with special needs. This helps you understand the challenges and rewards of the field.
Volunteering is also a very good place to start. You can look for opportunities to volunteer at special schools, inclusive classrooms, community centers, therapy clinics, or organizations that support children with disabilities. Even helping with tutoring, mentoring, or after-school programs can build relevant experience and show your commitment.
In addition, try to develop skills that are important in special education, such as patience, communication, empathy, and teamwork. Taking psychology, health, or child-development related classes (if available) can also be helpful.
Lastly, keep your grades strong and stay involved in school activities that involve leadership or service. All of these experiences will help you build a strong foundation and confirm whether special education is the right path for you in the future.
One important step is to learn more about what special education really involves. You can do this by reading, watching videos, or even speaking to teachers or school counselors who work with students with special needs. This helps you understand the challenges and rewards of the field.
Volunteering is also a very good place to start. You can look for opportunities to volunteer at special schools, inclusive classrooms, community centers, therapy clinics, or organizations that support children with disabilities. Even helping with tutoring, mentoring, or after-school programs can build relevant experience and show your commitment.
In addition, try to develop skills that are important in special education, such as patience, communication, empathy, and teamwork. Taking psychology, health, or child-development related classes (if available) can also be helpful.
Lastly, keep your grades strong and stay involved in school activities that involve leadership or service. All of these experiences will help you build a strong foundation and confirm whether special education is the right path for you in the future.
Thanks for the advice.
Makinzey
Danielle Stritt
Human Resources
1
Answer
North Weeki Wachee, FL
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hello Makinzey! My journey into education began in high school, just like yours. I volunteered at the daycare on our school campus and spent time helping in a local elementary classroom. If you’re considering a future in education—especially special education—volunteering is a wonderful way to start. It gives you real-world experience, helps you understand what the day-to-day might look like, and allows you to build relationships with teachers, administrators, and schools early on. Those connections can be incredibly valuable as you move forward.
Becoming an educator is truly rewarding, and there is a strong need for exceptional special education teachers. The fact that you’re already exploring this path shows you have the heart and determination to make a meaningful impact. Your future is bright!
Becoming an educator is truly rewarding, and there is a strong need for exceptional special education teachers. The fact that you’re already exploring this path shows you have the heart and determination to make a meaningful impact. Your future is bright!
Kevin Meyer
Human Resources Manager
2
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Hi Makinzey! I was a Middle School Special Education Teacher for 14 years and I loved every minute of it! It takes a dedicated, hard working, and passionate person to work with individuals with special needs, but it is SO worth it! All of the other answers that have been submitted to your answer are excellent. I would also suggest shadowing professionals in the field and connecting with professional organizations that share best practices and research like the Council for Exceptional Children (exceptionalchildren.org). Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children! Check it out!