NCSPE-

November 2002

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In this Issue: Special Education Career Resources

Introduction
Career Profiles in Special Education
NCPSE's Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Database
NCPSE's Professionals Network

Introduction

Each month Connections brings you practical information, research, and established programs and strategies for recruiting, preparing, and retaining well-qualified diverse educators and related services personnel for children and youth with disabilities. Through Connections, the Clearinghouse continues its 15 year history as a resource to aspiring teachers and professionals in the field of special education.

This month the newsletter connects you to resources for use with persons thinking about special education as a career. The resources explain the special education professions and describe how to identify the preparation program that matches an aspiring teacher's current educational status.

Career Profiles in Special Education

For individuals considering a profession in special education, NCPSE offers a series of Career Profiles in Special Education. These profiles provide information for 19 career paths in special education. Each includes details about the typical responsibilities, preparation required, personal qualities, job outlook and advancement, and sources of additional information. You can also download full color PDF versions of the Career Profiles.

NCPSE's Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Database

As a service to those interested in a career in special education and related services, the National Clearinghouse offers the IHE Database. This database contains the contact information for over 800 institutions that offer degrees in special education and related services. A potential student or mid- career changer can search over 1300 programs at those institutions to find ones that match needs and interests. The database is searchable by geographic area, field and level of study, and by institution. Updated annually, the NCPSE IHE database can help make sense of a potentially overwhelming experience for many students. It can provide answers to the question, "Where can I study to become a special educator?"

NCPSE's Professionals Network

One of the best ways to learn about the field of special education is to talk with experienced special education professionals about their jobs. NCPSE's Professionals Network connects, via email, practicing special educators who are willing to share their professional expertise with potential special educators seeking information about a particular profession. Twenty-five different careers in special education are represented in the Professionals Network, which includes members from 40 states plus the District of Columbia.

The National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education is the descriptive title for the National Clearinghouse on Careers and Professions Related to Early Intervention and Education for Children with Disabilities Cooperative Agreement H326P980002 between the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Exceptional Children. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of either the U. S. Department of Education or the Council for Exceptional Children. This information is in the public domain, unless otherwise indicated. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Clearinghouse for professions in Special Education. U. S. Department of Education Project Officer Martha B. Bokee