Special education teachers must be licensed and hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A degree in special education is preferred.4
When researching this career path, you may be asking the question, How long does it take to become a special education teacher? There is no universally applicable answer, since aspiring teachers may follow different career pathways before landing their first teaching job. To better understand how long it might take you to earn a teaching degree, complete the form on this page and request a consultation with a university counselor.
Special Education Teacher Qualifications: Education
A variety of bachelor’s degrees are available and may have different qualifications for each program. However, a bachelor’s degree is typically a minimum educational requirement.4The BS in Elementary Education and Special Education program is one option.
This degree program focuses on equipping future teachers for their role in assisting students with disabilities. You will be taught how to accommodate students with mild to moderate disabilities to meet their learning, behavioral and social needs. Throughout the program, future teachers study ways to advocate for their students and their education.
To become licensed, you will need to complete a student teaching experience as part of your degree program.4 Generally, this student teacher must be supervised by a certified special educator. This ensures that you have opportunities to grow in your knowledge of special education through observation and experience.
Teacher Licensure
After earning a relevant bachelor’s degree that leads to teacher licensure, your next step toward meeting special education teacher qualifications is to obtain a state-issued teaching license, also called a teaching certification. All teachers who wish to work in public schools are legally required to hold a license.4 You should research the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to work, as they vary by state.
Although it’s not required, some special education teachers may wish to further enhance their special education teacher qualifications by pursuing board certification from a professional organization. For example, the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) offers a Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE) credential. To qualify to pursue the BCSE credential, you must have a relevant master’s degree or higher, and you must complete NASET’s BCSE course modules.5
Post-Graduate Education
After completing a bachelor’s degree and becoming licensed, you may decide to continue your education. A MEd in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (non-licensure versions) can allow you to study advanced topics for the special education classroom. This program explores models of child development, classroom management, assessment and monitoring techniques.
In a master’s degree program, you will have the opportunity to study and examine how to better support children with diverse abilities and needs. Graduate education may also allow you to position yourself for possible career advancement and leadership roles that can shape special education.
Doctoral Degrees
For highly motivated individuals, doctoral degrees in education are also available. After earning a relevant MEd, you may also wish to complete a PhD program, which can be a path to careers in leadership and academia. However, a Doctor of Education (EdD) or education specialist degree may provide a more direct path for those who prefer to stay in the classroom environment or administrative roles in school districts.
An Educational Specialist in K-12 Leadership degree can develop leadership skills that may allow you to position yourself for possible career advancement. This degree can prepare learners to look at K-12 education as a whole. Learners can look into training initiatives, how to build an effective community and how to enact strategic planning.
For those committed to supporting the special education population, a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education is a viable option. This degree teaches learners the skills to become advocates for special needs children with a focus on theory, implementation and research.
