Have you ever considered becoming a special education teacher? Special Education is a very rewarding field with many specializations. SPED teachers assist students with a spectrum of different needs from minor interventions to inclusive programs. These teachers are the vehicles to meet all IDEA requirements and support students in setting, meeting and exceeding IEP/504 goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the field of special education, "excellent job prospects are expected due to rising enrollments of special education students and reported shortages of qualified teachers." This growth is due to earlier diagnoses along with legislation placing more importance on training and employing individuals with disabilities. As a result, an increased number of positions are available for special education teachers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The number of special education teachers is expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations."
Earning a special education degree can lead to a rewarding career in this high-demand field. Grand Canyon University offers a variety of master's special education degrees.
Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators
This program is designed for those who are currently certified to teach special education and are interested in advanced studies in this area. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards form the foundation of this program. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in the areas of learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments.
Graduates will be prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the various learning needs of students with special needs. Applicants must have at least one year of teaching experience prior to entering this program.
Master of Education in Special Education: Cross Categorical
Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education, this program is geared toward individuals interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. All courses are directly aligned with the Arizona Professional Teacher Standards (APTS), the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles, and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards.
Teacher candidates must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. The classroom setting must have at least three of the five disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, intellectual disability, physical impairment, and health impairment. Teacher candidates must be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program. Prior to starting their student teaching experience, students must submit a passing score on an applicable AEPA or Praxis content exam. Applicants are required to submit an undergraduate degree from an accredited, GCU-approved college or university with a grade point average of 2.8 or better on the degree-bearing transcript.
Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators
Master of Education in Special Education: Cross-Categorical
