Teaching can be a fulfilling yet somewhat demanding career.
As we know, teachers and mentors play a huge role in students' overall success, not only academically but also in life. A teaching career in special education is a specialised field where teachers cater to the different learning needs of students and aim to promote inclusive education for all. As educational institutions are placing greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, the need for skilled Special Education teachers has reached an all-time high.
Professionals equipped with the skillsets of cultivating a constructive and nurturing educational atmosphere can aid and assist students to reach their highest potential despite obstacles. Opting for a career in Special Education provides purpose and meaning to individuals looking to positively impact the lives of others.
Special Education is not a one-size-fits-all. It depends on the individual needs and requirements of each child and the teaching and learning processes are tailored to meet those unique needs. Special education caters to children with emotional, behavioural, or cognitive disabilities, as well as those with intellectual, hearing, vision, speech, or learning challenges; it also includes gifted children with exceptional academic skills and those with orthopaedic or neurological disorders.
With the increase in awareness of the benefits of inclusive education, special education as a field of study has undergone several advancements and innovations that equip teachers with modern tools and technologies that help them aid the learning process of children in a more fulfilling way.
In this blog, we will take an extensive look at the various educational pathways that an individual can take to advance their career in Special Education. Whether you are just starting your career, or looking for an advanced-level Special Education course, our wide range of online programs at East Bridge University will help you cultivate the distinct skills and proficiencies required to succeed in this field. Our courses include a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with a focus on Special Education, and an Applied Doctorate in Special Education. All of these programs train educators to assist students requiring personalised instruction, behavioural assistance, and assistive technologies, providing teachers with the skills to address various needs in the classroom.
Why Choose a Career in Special Education?
The special education sector has undergone an immense change since there is a growing global awareness of the need for and benefits of special education. Special educators are now in high demand since they are equipped with the skillsets required to teach in ordinary classrooms as well as classrooms that comprise special children. Special Education teachers support students with a range of learning challenges, developmental disabilities, and behavioural needs, often crafting personalised approaches to teaching that help each student reach their potential. Opting for this career route entails committing to fostering an inclusive educational environment that appreciates and responds to the varied capabilities of every student.
Educators who are equipped with a degree in Special Education can understand symptoms of ADHD, Down Syndrome, Autism, and various learning disabilities to effectively support students. They also learn about ADHD's impact on brain activation and activity levels, and how they can identify these symptoms in their classroom. Special Education training also equips professionals with an understanding of disabilities like Down Syndrome, its history, causes, and complications and enables teachers to identify autistic behavioural symptoms in children. With comprehensive training and understanding of several disorders that can plague children during their early years of growth, educators can develop teaching and learning methods and classroom curricula that help special children overcome challenges. Special education teachers are the flagbearers of 21st-century inclusive education which makes them adequately qualified in the job market.
Special Education experts are more than teachers; they serve as advocates, mentors, and leaders within their schools and communities. With appropriate qualifications like a B.Ed., M.Ed., or Doctorate in Special Education, educators can establish rewarding careers that provide personal and professional development. For anyone wanting to create a significant impact in the educational sphere, focusing on Special Education can be a great choice.
How to Start with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Special Education?
A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Special Education can be a stepping stone for individuals looking to step into the field of special education or make a career transition. The B.Ed. Program equips potential teachers and mentors with the essential skills and knowledge required to guide children with special needs. The course provides a strong understanding of various disabilities and learning challenges and equips with strategies for creating inclusive classrooms that allow all students to succeed.
East Bridge University has created the Bachelor of Education in Special Education for education professionals, guides, and instructors aiming to improve their teaching abilities by comprehending the needs of special children and formulating effective, inclusive teaching strategies. The program educates candidates in international contexts focusing on the challenges faced by children with special needs. Considering the evolving educational landscape of the 21st century, the program provides comprehensive and inclusive training on a range of effective teaching strategies and curricula.
A vital component of the B.Ed. in Special Education consists of learning how to develop and implement Individualised Education Programs (IEPs), tailored plans aimed at addressing the unique needs of students, educational objectives, and assistance requirements of every student. Students pursuing a B.Ed. in Special Education additionally gain practical experience with assistive technologies - devices and tools that aid learning for students with disabilities. This includes a variety of tools, from speech-to-text programs to audio-visual materials, that help students encountering different difficulties in fully participating in the classroom. The B.Ed. curriculum helps learners enhance their comprehensive knowledge and abilities that enable them to teach students in inclusive classrooms globally.
Advancing with a Master of Education (M.Ed.) with Special Education
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) with specialisation in Special Education is aimed at professionals who are looking to deepen their knowledge in the field of special education. This is an advanced-level program that enables educators and teachers to gain in-depth knowledge about the comprehension and principles that govern inclusive educational frameworks. A master's in Special Education assists candidates in mastering modern techniques in special education. It imparts the abilities and expertise that are required to thrive in the modern educational landscape of the 21st century. The program offers detailed insights into inclusive education, curriculum design, academic administration, educational assessment, and evaluation practices.
Candidates pursuing an M.Ed. in Special Education can recognise students with learning disabilities and establish appropriate educational strategies to assist them in managing their academic progress by addressing their challenges. Both aspiring and current teachers can benefit from an M.Ed. degree as it allows them to learn the skills necessary to instruct in classrooms that include both regular students and those with special needs. The students study the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Autism, and different Learning Disabilities. Candidates also acquire leadership and advocacy skills that are essential for individuals looking to initiate larger changes in their schools or districts. The M.Ed. program generally comprises subjects like behavioural analysis, inclusive classroom management, and assistive technology.
Career prospects for M.Ed. graduates are varied and fulfilling, with roles accessible in both teaching and administrative capacities. M.Ed. graduates frequently assume positions that extend beyond the classroom, such as program managers, heads of Special Education departments, and curriculum creators focused on inclusive education. The program enables candidates to take on leadership roles in schools, and further policies that foster inclusivity and enhance the educational experience for students with disabilities.
Specialising with an Applied Doctorate in Special Education
The Applied Doctorate in Special Education is a research-level degree program that is one of the highest levels of academic qualification in the field of education. The course is aimed at experienced professionals who are willing to become thought leaders and experts in the field of special education and bring about positive change. Individuals who pursue an Applied Doctorate often take up higher-management positions in educational institutions, work as consultants in academic research, and become university-level professors along with taking up roles in special education inclusive teaching. Professionals and educators who are willing to take up research programs in the field of special education often play an important role in shaping the policies and procedures in Special Education and bringing about innovative change.
Candidates pursuing an Applied Doctorate in Special Education are well-equipped with topics like behavioural support, successful teaching methods for various learners, and the creation of innovative assistive technologies. By performing original research, doctoral students can create innovative solutions to various issues encountered in Special Education, offering important insights for both educators and policymakers. Doctorate professionals in Special Education often become key influencers in this field and play an important role in shaping the trends and changes that take place within the field.
East Bridge University’s Applied Doctorate course provides a comprehensive exploration of education, equipping learners to create 21st-century classrooms, promote digital literacy, design curricula, oversee academics, and utilise various assessment and evaluation skills. They gain proficiencies in inclusive learning methods, provide instructional guidance to other special educators, create curriculum that addresses the needs of special children and more. EBU’s online Applied Doctorate is perfectly suited for individuals who are looking to make a lifelong commitment to the special education sector and make an impact globally.
Essential Skills for Success in Special Education
Special Education as an educational specialisation has gained importance over the last few years as schools and educational institutions are increasingly realising the importance of inclusive education. It is a specialised field that requires expertise in specific skills and abilities that are more advanced than traditional teaching methods. Now special education is based on the fundamental idea of inclusive education which requires the ability to recognise the different needs of specially-abled children and address those needs individually. Every stage of Special Education training - B.Ed., M.Ed., and Doctorate - develops crucial skills that equip teachers with valuable understanding and skills. Some of the vital skills encompass expertise in developing Individualised Education Programs (IEPs), applying behavioural support techniques, and incorporating assistive technology.
Inclusive education strategies are vital in Special Education, enabling teachers to develop classrooms where every student, no matter their ability, feels welcomed and supported. This entails modifying lesson plans for different requirements, encouraging respect, and using special instructional strategies to address a range of learning preferences. Proficiency in these techniques enables Special Education teachers to ensure complete involvement and achievement for every student. Creating Individualised Education Programs (IEPs) is also essential, as they specify customised learning objectives and necessary assistance. Working together with families and stakeholders guarantees successful IEPs. Moreover, teachers acquire behavioural support skills and employ assistive technology, including speech-to-text programs and visual resources, to improve learning. These skills promote positive experiences for students with disabilities, allowing teachers to create a significant effect.
To End With
Special Education has emerged as an important field in the evolving landscape of 21st-century educational landscape. Through the various degree levels available for special education, educators and teachers can enhance their careers in the field of special education. Whether you are pursuing a B.Ed. or M.Ed. course or an advanced level degree like an Applied Doctorate, each will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required to seamlessly navigate modern inclusive education.
Enhance your eligibility as a global educator by mastering contemporary inclusive teaching methods and understanding curriculum design and learners' social and emotional competencies with East Bridge University B.Ed., M.Ed., and Applied Doctorate Programs in Special Education.
Written By : Philip Campbell
