Majors at the University of Connecticut
(Elementary) Special Education
A special education teacher provides instruction to students with disabilities. A special education teacher must also plan lessons, meet with parents and faculty members, complete paperwork and attend to other tasks as they arise. The University of Connecticut’s Special Education program offers programs at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, Sixth Year, and Doctoral levels. The university offers an Integrated Bachelors/Masters program in which a candidate completes both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in a five-year period.
Academic Department
Nature of Work
Special education teachers are trained in one or more subject areas. They provide academic instruction as well as instruction in life skills. An individual teaching special education must help his or her students to get along with others, develop social skills, and learn study skills. They may work with students from preschool through high school. Their students may have learning disabilities; serious emotional disturbances; autism; brain damage; mental retardation; visual, hearing, or speech impairments; or a combination of these factors. Schools are required by law to build Individual Education Programs for each student, which set personal goals for the student. Individual Education Programs are made to fit each student’s individual learning style and abilities. Special education teachers help to create and implement Individual Education Programs.
Sample Job Titles
- Special Education Teacher
- Visually Impaired Teacher
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- Special Education Resource Teacher
- Learning Disabled Teacher
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Potential Employers
For the most part, individuals specializing in the field of special education will find themselves employed in public schools, private schools, and hospitals. These institutions account for the majority of the hiring for special education teachers.
Useful Skills
Individuals who are immersed in the field of special education find themselves utilizing a number of different skills such as: patience, teamwork skills, organizational skills, communication skills, behavioral management skills, writing skills, and creativity to name a few.
Getting Experience
Special education teachers can gain experience in a variety of ways. Participating in student teaching, clinical activities, teacher’s aide programs, or internships are great ways to gain experience in special education. To attain a job in special education you must show that you have experience working with individuals with special needs and a commitment to working with that population.
Employment Opportunities
As a special education teacher, you may work in a variety of environments. You may work in self-contained classrooms working in small groups of children or you may be mainstreamed into general education classrooms. Some special education teachers travel from school to school and provide consultation to other teachers and aides. As a special education teacher you may supervise teacher’s aides and volunteers that come to work in your classroom. There are many different opportunities in special education.
Internet Links
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