Reasons To Get A Special Education Degree

As the saying goes, “Teaching is touching a life forever,” and this sentiment is especially true for special education teachers. Teaching is an honor, but teaching students with special needs requires extra commitment. Special students’ education, occupational, social, and emotional needs necessitate individualized instruction. Teachers in special education assist these pupils in achieving their objectives. Still, many special education teachers find that the rewards are worth it.

However, doing a master’s in special education isn’t only beneficial for special education teachers. It can do wonders for other educational professionals as well. By earning a master’s degree in special education, you increase your earning potential, as well as your employment prospects. In addition, by using this program, you can provide more personalized education and adapt lessons better to different learning styles.

No matter where your career takes you, a master’s degree in special education offers both personal and professional growth. But why should one pursue a master’s in special education? Here we will talk about some proven reasons how completing a master’s of teaching in special education will help you.

So, let’s dive right in!

Perks of Doing a Masters in Special Education

High demand for Special Education Teachers

There is a shortage of teachers throughout the United States. A lack of qualified professionals in many states has led to high demand for teachers of all kinds, including special education teachers.

Due to the nationwide teacher shortage, many states have begun rethinking salaries, benefits, and certification requirements. Individuals with a teaching degree will advance to a higher wage, better benefits, and a smoother transition if they desire to relocate from one state to another.

A teacher is generally more likely to have job security and a more comprehensive list of career options with a special education degree than before. Because of this reason, most teachers are now pursuing an online Master in Special Education. In addition, online degrees make it easier for professionals to continue their studies along with their jobs.

Increased Salary

Teacher salaries are usually determined by two factors: education and experience. With a master’s degree, you can earn a higher salary. As special education is a specialized area and sometimes a very demanding job, many school districts offer special education teachers enhanced pay. Therefore, after completing a master’s degree in special education, you can even pursue your career as a special education teacher.

Further, 88% of the nation’s largest school districts offer additional compensation, either in the form of salary increases or stipends for teachers with advanced degrees. With a master’s degree, your salary can increase on average between $2,000 and $7,000 per year, depending on where you are on the pay scale and how far you are into your career.

It Could Open Up New Career Options Outside Of Teaching

A degree in special education can lead to a variety of career options, including working in an academic diagnostic capacity, working in a clinical setting (such as in early rehabilitation in hospitals or rehabilitation centers), or working as an independent consultant or trainer for school districts and state departments of education. You could also work as a case manager, program coordinator, or nonprofit director with your special education knowledge and experience.

This course can advocate for social justice in and out of the classroom. Special education will inspire you to consider ways to harness the positive power of diversity in classrooms, school districts, and communities. When you understand the relationship between the needs of students and the deficiency of resources, you will be able to search and advocate for solutions to meet those needs.

Special Education Provides A Lifetime Of Learning

Educators of all kinds are committed to learning, but a bachelor’s degree is only the beginning of the journey. Students with special needs present their teachers with a unique set of gifts and challenges – as well as a new opportunity to learn. Having the opportunity to work with students, especially those in special education, is very rewarding. Learning to focus on the needs and goals of each student will help you adapt continuously and change to meet their needs.

The experience of autism practitioners and scientific study in recent years has yielded new insights, motivating teachers to continue learning. When special education professionals develop an interest in a particular subject, they may decide to improve their education to pursue a career directed towards that subject.

You Become an Effective Teacher

The best way to teach all learners, not just those with exceptionalities, is to understand the best way to teach them. Fortunately, classrooms are more inclusive than ever before – the number of special education students spending a great deal of time in regular classes increased by 9% between 2005 and 2014.

Additionally, the number of students with disabilities is on the rise – there were 7 million students with disabilities (13.4% of all students) in 2017-2018. Consequently, with little or no special education training, general education teachers are responsible for most of their education.

As part of a 2004 amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a general education teacher must also develop and implement each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

According to a 2007 study, general education teachers took only 1.5 inclusion and special education courses while teachers took an average of 11. Consequently, you will gain knowledge, skills, and – perhaps most importantly – the confidence to provide every student in your class with the best possible learning environment.

Conclusion:

A master’s degree in special education can help you in your career as a teacher in various ways, including giving you and your students more learning and growth opportunities. Teachers receive new training and knowledge to enhance their careers or boost their confidence with a special education degree.

Ultimately, by finding teaching and behavioral solutions for each student, a teacher can make a lasting impact. Though teaching has its challenges, it’s a rewarding career if you do it right.