How do you become an education resource specialist?

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.

“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.