Becoming a Special Educator

Each day, over 600,000 special education students in our nation's schools are instructed by teachers who do not have a license to teach. The need for well-trained special educators has never been greater.

Whether you are a mid-career changer, a recent college graduate, a general education teacher, or someone who does not yet have a college degree, you can become a special educator.

Getting Started

If you don't have a bachelor's degree...

• While every state has somewhat differing requirements for becoming a teacher, they all require at least a bachelor's degree. Search our university program listings to find degree programs in special education. Contacts are listed for each of the programs who can answer questions about that school's specific program and how it will prepare you to become a licensed special educator.
  

If you already have at least a bachelor's degree...

There are several paths you can take to obtain your license in special education.

• One way is to use our university program listings to find schools that offer graduate degrees in special education. When you find one or more schools that you're interested in, you can contact the special education program office to determine how much additional training you will need to become a licensed special educator.



• Many states have alternative routes to certification programs specifically designed to help people with bachelor's degrees in subjects other than education get their teaching license. These programs are often shorter in duration and place participants in the classroom more quickly than traditional degree programs. Many offer financial assistance. Go to our university program listings to search just for alternative programs.



• In some states, local school districts will evaluate your transcripts and help you determine the steps you will need to take to become a certified special educator.