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What do I need to become a special education itinerant teacher
I have always loved working with children. I have a bachelors degree in Behavioral Science and Human Services and will be going for my master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in the fall #special-education #teaching
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Amy’s Answer
Hi Tobi,
Special education teachers are in high demand - always! It is a very challenging and rewarding area of PreK-12 Education.
As for any teacher, the job varies based on the grade level you teach. But in special education, you will probably teach several "subjects"; and there will be many different levels of student need. As you investigate the special education field and college degree programs, you may want to think about your personal passion and preferences. Do you want a college that offers specialized training in certain areas of special education - oftentimes identified on a continuum of "high-frequency/low-need" to "low-frequency/high-need" disabilities? Or are you happy with a more generalized program?
The answer may depend on where you plan to teach. Special education is defined by law to be "a need not a place", but the reality is that school districts translate needs into different levels of "programs" or "classrooms" based on their student enrollment and resources. If you are in a small school or school district, there may only be one special education "program/classroom" and teacher. You will do it all! If you are in large school or school district, there will be many different "programs/classrooms" and many special education teachers. For example, you may teach Resource English or Math to 11th graders only. Just always remember that in spite of district "programs", students are individuals. They have individual needs - the I in IEP - and should never be shoehorned into a pre-defined program. Know your students and advocate for their needs!
In terms of financing your education, college students pursuing certification in special education *may* qualify for special tuition grants or scholarships. For career changers, there is the federal "Alternative Routes to Certification" program. For first time college students, there may be other similar programs as the demand for special education teachers far exceeds the supply. If you commit yourself to your coursework and student teaching experience, you will have no trouble finding a job.
My final advice is to always schedule time to care for yourself. Teaching, and especially Special Education, can be a very challenging job.
Good luck to you!
Special education teachers are in high demand - always! It is a very challenging and rewarding area of PreK-12 Education.
As for any teacher, the job varies based on the grade level you teach. But in special education, you will probably teach several "subjects"; and there will be many different levels of student need. As you investigate the special education field and college degree programs, you may want to think about your personal passion and preferences. Do you want a college that offers specialized training in certain areas of special education - oftentimes identified on a continuum of "high-frequency/low-need" to "low-frequency/high-need" disabilities? Or are you happy with a more generalized program?
The answer may depend on where you plan to teach. Special education is defined by law to be "a need not a place", but the reality is that school districts translate needs into different levels of "programs" or "classrooms" based on their student enrollment and resources. If you are in a small school or school district, there may only be one special education "program/classroom" and teacher. You will do it all! If you are in large school or school district, there will be many different "programs/classrooms" and many special education teachers. For example, you may teach Resource English or Math to 11th graders only. Just always remember that in spite of district "programs", students are individuals. They have individual needs - the I in IEP - and should never be shoehorned into a pre-defined program. Know your students and advocate for their needs!
In terms of financing your education, college students pursuing certification in special education *may* qualify for special tuition grants or scholarships. For career changers, there is the federal "Alternative Routes to Certification" program. For first time college students, there may be other similar programs as the demand for special education teachers far exceeds the supply. If you commit yourself to your coursework and student teaching experience, you will have no trouble finding a job.
My final advice is to always schedule time to care for yourself. Teaching, and especially Special Education, can be a very challenging job.
Good luck to you!
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Itinerant teachers usually go to a student's home because the student cannot go to the school. Be prepared to be able to work with the classroom teacher and to be able to teach a variety of subjects such as science, biology, math, reading, on all levels, or you can specialize by level, but not usually subject. You will be doing lots of paperwork. I taught for 40 years, so I have worked with itinerant teachers. You get paid well, but you have to travel and prep on your own time. Your assignment may last a few weeks to several years.
You must have a teaching certificate. Your job can take place any day of the week, and different times. You might check with the school district to find out the need, as well as what documents they require. Depending upon the disability, you might have to specialize.
You must have a teaching certificate. Your job can take place any day of the week, and different times. You might check with the school district to find out the need, as well as what documents they require. Depending upon the disability, you might have to specialize.
Updated
Virginia’s Answer
Tobi, this is a great question and it seems like you are already well on your way!
The more certifications you can get, the more marketable you can be - so spending time persuing these is important. But, make sure you pick the areas you enjoy working in, as certain districts can force assign based on certifications that you have in areas that they need. Spend time researching required certifications by State to ensure you're meeting various requirements based on where you live or might want to live.
Good luck!
The more certifications you can get, the more marketable you can be - so spending time persuing these is important. But, make sure you pick the areas you enjoy working in, as certain districts can force assign based on certifications that you have in areas that they need. Spend time researching required certifications by State to ensure you're meeting various requirements based on where you live or might want to live.
Good luck!