If you're patient, understanding, and love working with kids, teaching special education is a rewarding way to help shape the lives of young learners. Children with learning disabilities often need special attention to ensure their success at school. With an online special education degree, you'll be trained to handle the specific requirements of children with various disabilities, helping them move past their limitations and achieve their highest potential in the classroom. Beyond general education, as a special education teacher you'll be equipped to help students develop the life skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond, such as healthy communication techniques.Overall, special education is a stable field. More than 450,000 positions for special education teachers were available in 2014, and that number is predicted to rise steadily through 2024 with a 6% growth rate in the field.As a special education teacher, you'll need to be organized, detail-oriented, even tempered, adaptable, and dedicated to helping your students reach achieve academic success. If you are considering a career in special education, read on. Our degree guide provides an overview of the functions special education teachers serve across various student grade levels, and the degree you will need to land your career goals.
Online Special Education Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $6,371 | 14.22% | 2 years | Not reported | $25,000 | Not reported |
| Bachelor's | $15,183 | 9.42% | 4 years | $52,500 | Not reported | 4.5% |
| Master's | $16,401 | 11.52% | 2 years | $45,913 | $48,450 | Not reported |
The No Child Left Behind Act requires all teachers to have their bachelor's degree, and in some states a master's degree as well. Special education teachers must also complete a teaching preparation program, including supervised student teaching. Earning an associate degree in special education is faster and relatively inexpensive compared to higher level degrees, requiring only two years of school at an average total cost of just over $6,000. There is, however, a limit to job possibilities and a lower cap on salary possibilities, with associate degree-holders in the field making an average of $25,000 per year.
Online Special Education Degrees
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| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education Teachers | $56,800 | 6% | 450700 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers | $54,550 | 6% | 1517400 |
| Middle School Teachers | $55,860 | 6% | 627500 |
| High School Teachers | $57,200 | 6% | 961600 |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $90,410 | 6% | 240000 |
Online Special Education Professional Requirements
State Licensed Teacher
After completing your online special education degree, you'll also need to acquire a teacher's license. Licensing (and therefore completion time and specific requirements) varies by state, but it typically requires passing a standardized certification exam, like the Praxis. In all states, teachers will only be granted a license after completing a bachelor's degree. To pursue a career in special education, you are required to obtain a special education-specific teaching license. Typical completion time is 2-4 years depending on your program and specific state licensure requirements.On top of licenses, some teachers may be required to obtain or wish to obtain additional certifications. A popular certification is the National Board Teacher Certification, a credential that demonstrates a teacher's exemplary knowledge beyond that required for a standard license. National Board certified teachers usually make higher salaries and/or are compensated for continuing their education.