3 Signs You are Being Called to Special Education

Sketch of lightbulbs hanging

A calling to special education can be both rewarding and challenging, allowing you to help students with unique needs thrive while practicing both empathy and assertiveness. Grand Canyon University’s Arizona State Board of Education-approved Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education dual degree can help you prepare for teaching licensure and pursue a career as a special education teacher. If you’re wondering if this degree is for you, then keep reading to learn a few signs that you are being called to special education:

You Are Adaptable

To help ensure that children who have special needs can learn their course material and thrive in school, a special education teacher must be able to modify their curriculum as necessary. For this reason, adaptability and flexibility are important characteristics for special education teachers. In this role, you should be prepared to develop individualized teaching plans for each of your students to help them succeed in school and develop skills that promote their independence.

You Are Patient

Patience can be advantageous for anyone in a teaching position. However, this skill can be particularly helpful for individuals who are called to work in special education. Because they work with children who have various learning strengths, special education teachers can benefit from being able to avoid frustration and instead take a different approach when a student struggles to grasp a concept.

You Are Passionate

Although patience, flexibility and understanding are all important traits for special education teachers, so are passion, assertiveness and the ability to communicate with various groups and individuals. As a special education teacher, you can help promote the success of your students by advocating on their behalf to ensure that they get the care and attention that they need while in school.

If you feel called to pursue a career in special education, then visit the College of Education or use the Request More Information button on this page to find out more.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

Scroll back to top