Special education teachers are always in demand. Federal law mandates special services for all students assessed as having mental, physical or psychological disabilities that hinder their ability to learn in a traditional classroom setting. This means that nearly every public school must have at least one, if not more, teachers trained in providing special education services.
The special education teacher must be prepared to instruct students in all subjects, and at different grade levels - in fact, students of widely differing abilities are often grouped together in one special education classroom. Some special education teachers are even required to teach outside of a classroom environment, as severely disabled students who must be confined to homes or hospitals are still entitled to education services.
In a bachelor's, or more typically, a master's degree program in special education, you will focus on topics such as education psychology, child growth and development, and the special skills and knowledge needed for educating students with disabilities. You may also need to focus on the legal issues of special education, as when parents and school administrators have different ideas on whether or not special education services are required, it is not unknown for the courts to get involved.


