Special Needs Educators: An In-Need Career
Teaching can be one of the most rewarding professions imaginable today, as an instructor's direct influence may shape a child's success in the future. There are many paths an educator could take in this field, including: child and family studies, English language learning, and general early childhood care.
A popular and fulfilling degree path is earning a degree specialization in Special Needs. In this role you'll be in charge of aiding students who may require a bit of extra attention and care, making their development as individuals all the more satisfying.
What to Expect as a Special Needs Educator
From your advanced training within the special needs spectrum, you'll soon become comfortable with numerous styles of teaching in order to offer students the same learning opportunities as their peers. You'll also become educated in ways to help your students overcome obstacles they may face throughout their lives. In this role, you'll be responsible for developing a curriculum that will encourage mental, emotional, and physical growth.
Coursework for an Early Childhood Education Degree Seeker
Many of your courses within your Early Childhood Education degree program will guide and help you develop the skills you need, from assessing a child's individual requirements to speaking with the families of students. Additionally, most colleges - whether online or campus-based - will require you to take part in an applied learning program at a school-based setting. Your institution may even offer courses that focus on helping you when the time comes to apply for your Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials.
Early Childhood Educator Earnings
It's easy to see why so many individuals are looking to break into this rewarding field, as it also offers competitive earnings. In fact, in 2008 the median salary of special education teachers who worked in preschools, kindergartens and elementary schools was $50,000 (BLS, 2008). From the knowledge you've obtained from in-depth courses and real life experiences, you'll be able to create a positive learning environment for students who need an extra helping hand. With a degree such as this, you're bound to positively influence scores of children's lives for the better - and improve yours as well.