The field of special education is challenging, and only a few who can take the challenge of supporting students with special needs enjoy it. It is estimated that in the next three years, opportunities in special education will improve steadily by up to 6%, with an annual salary range of between $25,000 and $100,000 ( US Department of Labor and Bureau of Statistics, 2000 ). As my short-term goal, the journey to becoming a special education teacher begins by earning a recognized degree in the field within the next three years, gaining the necessary practical and interpersonal skills required during internships with other special needs teachers and students, and applying for a teaching license after certifying all the legal requirements.
As for the long term, taking and completing a two year Master’s degree in special education would be the next course of action to becoming a certified special education coordinator for multiple special need organizations and learning institutions. The skillset required to qualify for this field includes assisting general education teachers in identifying and assessing the students' individual needs and developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPS) necessary for targeted learning. The soft skills that come in handy include a high level of attention and understanding and proper communication skills.
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It involves having to deal with parents, teachers from within and without, counselors, and special education regulatory stakeholders. That I have already mastered a few of these key skills is an important development towards achieving the goal. The fundamental knowledge areas that I need to take next are in the management and coordination processes of special needs education, to integrate it with the long-term goal of becoming a fully certified and recognized special education coordinator within the next six years when its global industry is estimated to become worth over US$3.5 Billion ( McLeskey et al., 2004 ).
References
McLeskey, J., Tyler, N. C., & Saunders Flippin, S. (2004). The supply of and demand for special education teachers: A review of research regarding the chronic shortage of special education teachers. The Journal of Special Education , 38 (1), 5-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669040380010201
US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics Staff, & United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2000). Occupational outlook handbook . Bernan Press (PA).
