Special education training varies by region and includes degree programs, alternative education programs, and certification training for teaching assistants. Accreditation is necessary for qualification, and some regions require additional education for certification. Alternative programs take one to two years to complete.
The types of special education training available vary depending on regional and local requirements for certification and licensing of special education teachers and assistants. In the United States, special education teaching requirements are regulated by the board of education of the state of residence. In general, the different types of special education training include degree programs, alternative education programs for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree, and certification training for teaching assistants. All programs share a requirement for supervised time spent in a classroom environment working directly with students. Some regions may require additional education in the form of a master’s or doctoral degree in special education.
Schools offering special education training programs must be accredited by the appropriate regional organization for the program to qualify an individual to obtain a special education teaching license or certificate. In the United States, this is the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and is recognized by the United States Department of Education. Colleges, universities, online education programs, and community colleges are all places that may be accredited to provide special education training. It is important to verify that a school or program is recognized in your area before attending classes or completing courses.
Traditional degree programs at a college or university offer training in special education in addition to general education experience. Additional courses specific to special education are part of the program, along with time spent teaching students in a supervised classroom environment. Completion of the course usually takes four to five years, and some students may choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level. Master’s and Ph.D. programs in special education are offered at many universities and may include courses and specific educational experience for certain types of student disabilities, such as visual and hearing impairments, autism, and physical injuries. There are regions that require training in special education and education in addition to an undergraduate degree to obtain certification.
There are some regions that offer alternative special education training programs to allow individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree to become certified as special education teachers. These programs require classes and courses, classroom teaching experience, and an evaluation process to obtain special education teacher certification. Typically, alternative programs can take one to two years to complete.
Many schools and special education programs hire assistants to assist teachers and help students in the classroom. Requirements to work in these positions vary by region, but most require individuals to have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited institution. Community colleges may also offer certification programs to become a special education teaching assistant, and there are some regions that require certification prior to employment as an assistant.
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