Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through various forms of learning. It can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, vocational training institutions, and online platforms. Education is crucial for personal development, socialization, and economic progress. Education can be divided into different levels, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Primary education is typically the first stage of formal education and usually starts at around age five or six. Secondary education follows and typically includes middle school and high school. Tertiary education includes post-secondary education such as college, university, and vocational training. Here are all about the special educators – blessings for kids with special needs.
Education can also be categorized into various disciplines, such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), humanities, social sciences, arts, and vocational training. Education is often viewed as a key factor in promoting social mobility, economic growth, and social cohesion. It provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to participate in society and contribute to the common good. Education is essential for personal development and plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ lives. It helps people learn new skills, gain knowledge, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Education also helps people become responsible and engaged citizens, enabling them to participate in civic life and contribute to society.
Special Education is a personalized school education given to kids that are dealing with learning, behavioral, physical and mental disabilities. These children need utmost care and special training by well-trained professionals in Special Education. There are various career opportunities in special education like teaching, instruction and curriculum development for children of different age groups with special needs. The main responsibility of a special educator is teaching and interacting with children with disabilities. They are trained in dealing with specific disabilities like learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, visual impairments etc.
Who is a Special Educator?
She/he is a professional who teaches children and youth with special needs and disabilities. They assess each student’s needs and capabilities, then determine and set goals accordingly for individual kid. They use various teaching methods to help these children achieve their highest potential and improve their progress. They continuously evaluate student’s progress and keep the parents and guardians informed. It can be physically and mentally exhausting to be a teacher to students with physical and mental disabilities, but it is extremely rewarding to help them progress and succeed.
Duties of Special Educators
- Involving yourself in academic, behavioral and social development of students.
- Development of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for each student and discuss it with the parents, general education teachers and school administrators.
- Communication and coordination with parents, social workers, school psychologists, occupational and physical therapists and other teachers about the child’s well-being.
- Mentoring and teaching students in class or in small groups or one-to-one.
- Implementing and updating IEPs throughout the year and to track and reflect upon the student’s progress and assess if goals are met.
- Prepare and support students when they get promoted to another class and for life after their graduation.
- Supervising the teaching assistants who work with students with disabilities.
- Planning, organizing and assigning of activities specifically designed according to student’s abilities.
How to become a Special Educator?
- Complete 10+2 with 50% aggregate from a recognized board.
- Qualify the entrance exam conducted by colleges and universities for admission in special education degree.
- Earn a bachelor degree in special education with majors in arts, sciences, commerce and elementary education.
- Candidates can enroll in dual-degree program consisting of bachelors in above mentioned majors with bachelor in education (B.Ed) in special education.
- Interested candidates can pursue M.Ed in special education.
Professional Organizations of Special Educators
- National Association of Special Education Teachers
- Council for Exceptional Children
- International Association of Special Education
- Council for Learning Disabilities
- National Education Association
Top Colleges to pursue job as Special Educator
- P.Marine Academy, Navi Mumbai
- HCL Talent Care, Noida
- Indo-American Society, Mumbai
- Indian Diamond Institute, Surat
- Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala
- Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi
- Institution Of Mechanical Engineers, Mumbai
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bhopal
- Foremen Training Institute, Bangalore
Job Roles
- Emotional or Behavioral disorder Special Educator.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Special Educator.
- Special educator in College.
- Special Educator for low incidence disabilities or Sensory Development.
- Special Educator for High incidence disabilities.
- Pre-KG to class 12th Special educator.
Top recruiting Agencies of Special Educators
These professionals can work with physiotherapists, psychologists and speech therapists. They can find employment in government or private sectors with group of students or an individual student
Special Educators can find employment in following agencies.
- Schools for Disabled Children
- Special Educator Teacher in B.Ed Colleges
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Hospitals that treat Children with Special Needs
- Consultancies that provide Special Education Trainers to Schools.
Salary and Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), special educators in 2019 earned median salaries of $61,000 while the top 10% earning a good $98,000 per year. The growth rate for special education teachers is projected at 3% by BLS. The salaries of these professionals depend on education, experience and location. For instance, special educators with master degrees are paid more than educators with bachelor degrees. Also, special educators at public schools earn higher salaries than private schools.
Experience special educators can get promoted to mentors or lead teachers providing guidance and help to less experienced teachers for the improvement of their teaching skills. An advanced degree in education administration or leadership is useful to advance to higher roles like school counsellors, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals.
