Earn an Online Masters Degree in Special Education

Special Education, often abbreviated "special ed," is a term usually used in reference to programs for students with special needs, such as learning disabilities or physical or cognitive impairments. Although it is uncommon, special education programs can include students on the opposite end of the scale who may be identified as "gifted" or "talented" and therefore in need of programs and teachers that accommodate a more rapid learning pace.

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Special Education teaching programs will show you how to adapt general curriculum courses to the needs and learning abilities of students who are unable to learn at the same pace or in the typical environment as those without such challenges. Also, most teachers of special education programs do much more than just teach the students. Generally, they have to administer tests for learning disabled, moderate the regular curriculum, and coordinate lessons with the regular teachers to make sure the disabled student learns as much as he or she is capable of learning. Some Special Ed teachers work in stand alone special education schools such as Sylvan Learning Center or other schools dedicated to making sure every student reaches his/her full potential.

Getting the Education
A special education degree is nearly always at least a master’s degree. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in whatever interests you; this degree could be in a particular discipline or in Education. You then apply to a Master of Education degree program. Since all your courses will be in Education, most colleges will simply accept your bachelor degree without requiring additional subject area courses.

If you already have your master’s degree in an education field, you will probably not want a second degree in that level. In this case, you would be better served by pursuing a doctoral degree.  The most common doctorate is the Ph.D. but it is by no means the only option. You can also earn a Doctor of Education or D.Ed., a Doctor of Arts in Special Education, or several other doctoral options. The difference is that the Ph.D. is primarily a research degree and is more appropriate for someone interested in developing educational theory and curriculum while some of the other doctoral degrees focus on the practical application of teaching practice to the needs of special students.

Expected Salaries and Job Outlook
Teaching jobs, like other jobs, tend to be cut back in times of depression. However, the cuts are usually geographically varied. In a rural area, school boards may cram more students into the classroom and cut teaching positions, while in the cities more teachers are needed. Since population is not declining, however, teaching slowdowns are temporary. Furthermore, while the need for teachers in most subject areas is already critical, the need for people who can work in special education—from teachers and aids to administrators—is even more critical. An additional advantage for the Special Ed teacher is that federal law requires that students with physical or cognitive challenges be provided with whatever services are needed in order for them to be able to learn. Thus, Special Ed teachers are less likely to be cut than regular classroom teachers. The field is a high stress position, but one that can be very rewarding as you help find ways to more accurately identify students who are truly disabled versus those whose deficiencies are related to home environment or personality factors.

Since teaching in special education is a challenge itself, you might expect that it would also bring a higher salary. Unfortunately, this is not the case, but is, like other areas in education, directly related to your degree and experience. Consequently, have a doctoral degree will bring a higher salary even though you may be teaching students who can never learn beyond the elementary level. Another option, if you want to make a difference for special needs students, but also want the higher salary, is to consider becoming a school psychologist. This program is available online from numerous universities; while you would not be teaching, you would be identifying students, testing students, and helping teachers develop education programs suitable for the special needs students.