A special education degree trains you for some of the most challenging and rewarding teaching jobs out there. You could work with children with disabilities or specialize in the needs of gifted children.

The shortage of special education teachers is so severe that many states offer alternative and emergency licensure to fill the gap, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).

Normally, says the OOH, all states require special education teachers to earn a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program. Some states also require a master's degree in special education, which involves at least one year of additional course work and requires a specialization.

Requirements for alternative licensure may be less stringent. College grads can start teaching with a provisional license. Regular licensure is then obtained after teaching under supervision for one to two years while taking education courses.

"People who seek to be special education teachers must be thoughtful, compassionate problem-solvers and lifelong learners," says Kathleen Spencer Cooter, who teaches future special education teachers at Texas Christian University.

"A thorough knowledge and understanding of human development is needed, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills."

Special education also includes gifted students. "The teacher of gifted children must also have an incredible sense of humor and flexibility. The students may well have the intellectual ability to move ahead of the teacher in topics," says Spencer Cooter.

"The teacher must have the self-confidence to deal with a precocious child as well as the ability to skillfully guide such a learner toward productive and unique learnings," she adds.

What should you take in high school? "Students should take classes which teach them basic psychology, human or child development and classes which enhance their writing and speaking communication skills," Spencer advises.

Extracurricular activities can also help you prepare. "It is a wonderful experience for everyone involved if students volunteer to work with individuals with special needs," says special education professor Janet Jamieson.

"Volunteer activities such as helping out in day cares or other settings where people with special needs are integrated are great experiences, and are helpful in letting students know if they really are interested in this kind of work. I would also highly recommend sign language courses -- and they're fun, too!" Jamieson says.

There are all the usual expenses of tuition and books. You may also choose to pay to attend special conferences.

Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see Special Education Teachers

• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-libr
  ary/special-education-teachers.htm

Personalized Learning for Students with Disabilities
Review the latest research

• http://www.parentcenterhub.org/personalized-learni
  ng

My Child's Special Needs
Links to resources

• https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/edpicks.j
  html

Types of Learning Disabilities
Learn more about the types of challenges students face

• https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-i
  ssues/child-learning-disabilities