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Course: Careers > Unit 7
Lesson 1: Education resource specialist (special education teacher)- Education resource specialist: What I do and how much I make
- Education resource specialist: How I got my job and where I'm going
- Education resource specialist: My budget and planning for the future
- Education resource specialist: Work life balance and parental leave
- What does an education resource specialist do?
- How do you become an education resource specialist?
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How do you become an education resource specialist?
Learn about the training required to become an education resource specialist and opportunities for advancement.
As an education resource specialist (aka a special education teacher) you will be responsible for educating students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues. To prepare for this important role, you will first need to invest significant time in higher education and gain experience in a classroom setting.
Before committing to this path, look for opportunities to explore teaching and special education to make sure this is the right career fit for you. Whether you are in high school, college, or already possess a bachelor’s degree, working as a tutor is a good way to build experience. Since education resource specialists have responsibilities that differ from a standard classroom teacher, such as case management and behavioral assessment, it’s beneficial to seek experience as a teaching assistant in a special education classroom.
In order to work as an education resource specialist, the minimum education you will need is a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. Some states also require special education teachers to hold a master’s degree. As you research colleges, look for programs that offer a bachelor’s in special education. Alternatively, you can earn a degree in elementary education or a specific subject area with a minor in special education.
Through your program, you’ll learn about disabilities and how you can explain content in unique ways to meet each student’s needs. Most education programs also require students to gain hands-on-experience through student teaching. This enables you to work directly with students in a classroom, while being observed by an experienced teacher and receiving feedback. After completing your bachelor’s or master’s program in special education, you will need to pass your state’s Praxis exam to gain your teaching license.
With your license and degree(s) in hand, you’ll be ready to apply to openings as an education resource specialist. During the application process, you will likely be asked to share examples of your curriculum and talk about your experience working directly with students. In addition, you will need to pass a criminal background check and be fingerprinted.
As an educator, your learning is never complete. In order to maintain your teaching license, most states require you to take continuing education classes and some require you to earn a master’s degree within a certain number of years. To enhance your skillset, you can also obtain specialized credentials within special education, such as early childhood, mild/moderate disabilities, moderate/severe disabilities, visual impairment, and deaf and hard of hearing.
References
“How to become a special education teacher.” US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“Job profile: special education teacher.” Top education degrees. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“Resource specialist: career types and education requirements.” Study.com. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“What special education teachers do.” Special Education Guide. Accessed March 29, 2017.
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- I am a small business startup consultant. I want to become a business startup instructor for khan academy. What do I need to do to make this happen. thank you.(6 votes)
- what is the fastest way for me to become a Education resource specialist(3 votes)
- Are you in a hurry? Why else would you want the fastest way?
OK, I'll bite on that. It looks like you need a basic 4-year college degree with at least another year of certification tasks and graduate education on top of that. If I were to graduate from high school just before my 18th birthday, I think I might hope for my first education resource specialist employment to begin around the time of my 25th.(3 votes)
- WOW! Rvechael it was my pleasure to listen to all your motivational videos Thank you.(3 votes)
- Can I go to college for 6 years, and still be a Special Education Teacher?(3 votes)
- how do i become an education resource specialist(3 votes)
- if we need we can ask them(3 votes)
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I would like to join the academy as teacher mentor. How do i get into the careers(3 votes) - Where can i find just a regular teacher(2 votes)
- Do you mean that you want to find someone to teach you, or that you want to find a career description like these other ones, but about a classroom teacher? I'm not certain how to help you.(2 votes)