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Online Special Education degrees

Earn your Special Education degree online

Online special education degrees equip graduates to perform a valuable service for the community while making a lucrative living.

If you have a heart for challenged children or adults and would like to help these unique individuals achieve academic goals, then a career in Special Education is right for you.

Special learners include physically, emotionally and mentally challenged students who might not otherwise have the chance to get an education. Your pursuit of a special education degree can lead to a satisfying career that will touch the lives of others in lasting ways.

What is a Special Education Teacher?

A Special Education teacher works with a variety of students with special needs from emotional and social behaviors to physical and health disabilities. On some level a special needs learner will have one or a variety of disabilities which may include academic, physical, mental, emotional, or involving speech and language abilities.

Special Education Teachers are trained to help students with several of the following therapies: speech therapy, adaptive PE, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, vocational training, self-help assistance, special transportation among others. As a Special Education teacher you will be responsible for guiding these students through their daily work which often times may just include some of the most basic activities like personal hygiene. You will work with a team to help create an IEP for each student which modifies regular classroom work to suit their needs.

Requirements to Become a Special Education Teacher

An Online Degree in Special Education will prepare you to take on the challenges associated with teaching in this field. A Bachelors Degree and teaching certificate are typically required however with the need rising for more Special Education teachers, many schools are hiring teachers on waiver. Presently, online special education degrees and programs are offered only at the Master's and PhD Special Education level.

Many states require a Masters Degree in Special Education, involving at least one year of additional course work, including specialization in such fields as learning disabilities or behavioral disorders.

Online course work for Special Education teachers may include; an introduction to special education and its environment, an introduction to specialized theories and research, identifying needs, methods and applications for successful learning.

Online Special Education Career Schools

Walden University - offers the following online special education degrees:

  • Ph.D. in Education - Special Education

Walden University Teacher Preparation Programs include:

  • Special Education, Emotional Behavioral Disorders (K-12)
  • Special Education, Learning Disabilities (K-12)

Request FREE info from Walden University>>

University of Phoenix - the largest online school with over 99,475 students as of 2/29/2004, is Accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools among other specialized accreditations. The college offers a rolling schedule with classes starting once per week. They also offer financial aid programs. UOP takes pride in having instructors/professionals who hold masters and doctoral programs. Offers the following Masters online Special Education degree program:

  • M.A.Ed./Special Education

Request Info from University of Phoenix>>

Grand Canyon University - accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Offers the following master special education degree:

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education

Capella University

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education - Special Education Leadership

The Future of Teaching in Special Education

Special education frequently experiences teacher shortage. Many more students are being appropriately diagnosed with special needs and require the attention of a Special Education teacher. According to the 2008 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education teachers make an average national annual salary of $46,000 with the lower end around $31,320 and the higher end at $73,620. Salaries can vary from state to state with private school teachers generally making less than public schools. In 2006 there were approximately 459,000 Special Education teachers employed in the United States. This number is projected to rise by 71,000 or 15 percent by the year 2016.

If you are motivated by helping people learn and want the additional challenge of teaching students with special needs, then join the ranks of those who are successfully pursuing online special education degrees and work your way to a well-paying job.

Find more Online Special Education Colleges by zip code>>>

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