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Makinzey
Student
Crawfordsville, Indiana
1
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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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3 answers
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
22
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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
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
819
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