Francis Said:

Master's degree in Preschool Special Education or Secondary School Education?

We Answered:

Being a special education teacher is time consuming and draining - if you are not willing to put forth the effort into a degree, is this the right choice for you? My teacher hours are 7:10 - 2:45, however I actually work from 6:45 to 5:00 and I bring work home at nights and on the weekends. I also have to take continuing education classes and mandatory training classes over the summer. I love what I do, but the turn over in special education is substantial.

If you truly want to do this, then I would suggest that you stay away from "online" institutions. You will have to do student teaching at some point and obviously this can't be done online. Also, you have to attend a school that is accredited by the CA Department of Education - not just any old school.

You will also have to become highly qualified (I'm sure you've heard of No Child Left Behind) in a subject area (in this case elementary education) and you will also have to take a similar test for special education http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/requir…

If your first degree is a bachelors (and it is not too old), you will already have earned some of the basic credits (English 101, etc.). In my school district, we have several programs that offer those with a bachelors degree in "whatever" a fast track into a masters degree program (usually in about 18 months) for high needs areas (i.e. special education, science, math).

As far as what to pick, "art" is being cut across the country as is music and PE. If you are considering special education, I would suggest backing it up with elementary education certification as well (you'll have more options) than if you select pre-school.

Just my 2 cents...

Jerome Said:

Degree In Special Education?

We Answered:

If you live in Arizona, I would look into Grand Canyon University. They have an entry-level master's program, which is entirely on-line. It would require a semester student teaching, but AZ, especially northern AZ and anywhere around the reservations, is so desperate for anything related to special ed, that you might be able to work for a district on an emergency license after a few semesters and get paid for student teaching. Northern Arizona University also has a program that is about 1/2 on-line, but I am not sure if you are in the southern part of the state.

University of Phoenix also offers an entry-level master's but I would consider this as a last resort. They are way overpriced for the quality (or lack thereof) of education delivered.

If you are in the southern part of AZ, your guess is as good as mine. I am clueless about anything around phoenix.

Steven Said:

Special Education Teachers and Compensation?

We Answered:

I work in a public school and I earn about $1800 more a year than a general education teacher with the same level of education. We go up the pay scale at the same rate, but obviously, I will continue to be higher. Education and classes taken towards a master's degree also increase pay.

Lynn Said:

Should I get a B.A. in Special Education exclusively?

We Answered:

Special Ed with a minor in English (or math, history, etc).

Special Ed teachers are few and far between here in Texas. There is quite a demand.

TX Mom

Debbie Said:

Question for Teachers...Special Education Qualifications?

We Answered:

It really depends on where you live. The people that will be able to answer all you questions are at the state teacher credentialing agency. For example, in California, it is the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing www.ctc.ca.gov/