Special Education For Special Lives

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 is being appraised at the moment, and it's impact is likely to be felt towards the end of this year (2005) and in 2006. This act requires more rigorous educational qualifications for teachers who are teaching in special education, and is likely to have an impact on all personnel involved with teaching special education groups in elementary, middle and high schools.

The New Act Demands Higher Teaching Qualifications

The new Act demands that you will have to have full State certification as a special education teacher, and you will have to hold a license to teach in the State you teach in. You will also have to have at least a Bachelor's degree, and you have to be able to demonstrate subject area competence in the academic subjects you teach. It is no longer enough simply to have degrees in special education, even if they are at graduate level. However, these requirements are modified if you are entering teaching as a veteran teacher, so you need to look carefully at how the new regulations affect you.

These new regulations affect teachers who teach core subjects, but in fact if you are considering entering special education you need to be sure that you are adequately qualified to teach, and to progress in your new career. Many special education teachers find that their program of continuing education helps them to keep up with new requirements, particularly as many suitable courses are available online.

Teaching special education is a really rewarding area, but it demands special qualities from teachers in the area. It also demands special levels of skills, and the only way to make sure that you are able to keep fully abreast of these demands is to be sure that you have up to date training and knowledge. Online programs allow you to study and teach, applying the precepts of your course to your work immediately, and giving you feedback that enriches your study.

Sources: http//specialed.about.com/

About the Author

Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.

Copyright � 2005 HQ Publications. All rights reserved.