What kinds of skills and knowledge should a special education teacher have?

It is a high turn over career. You can’t take yourself or the situations you work through too seriously. You can’t solve every problem and a lot of their stories can be sad.

I worked for a few years with mentally and physically handicap and for the last two years I have been working with the emotionally handicap. Very different, but you still need to have patience and understanding.

You should take some time to visit some classrooms to get an idea of how the programs and the students are at school.

It speaks highly of your character to want to do this. I have been teaching at-risk youth for years, and for some reason, keep going back to them like a moth to a flame. I can’t imagine doing anything else, other than being a principal.

As far as special ed, there is more paperwork involved, and sometimes the kids can be a little rough – those usually end up in what is known as a special day class [SDC]. For normal special ed students, usually you’re talking about a legitimate learning disability as determined by tests. You have to follow Individualized Education Plans [IEP’s] and 504 Plans [Behavior contracts]. If you approach each day realistically, with patience and dedication, and realize that at least you are providing some help to a student who may not receive it elsewhere, that’s a good start. Sometimes you need to be the bright spot in every child’s day.

Stick to your guns, and good luck. Remember, the demand for special ed or resource teachers is insane, and you can pretty much write your own ticket.

Patience is the biggest skill. They learn entirely differently than other children. Why not go to a special education class to observe what goes on there? Maybe that will help you decide if you have what it takes or not. A lot depends on the level of special needs too.

Have you ever been a babysitter for a special needs child? If not you may want to contact your church or a community group that supports special needs programs.

I admire your desire to work in this area. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors.

i know one skill that’s a must is patience. if you don’t have it, don’t think about special ed. it takes a person with a good heart too. i couldn’t handle it. Good Luck, and more power to ya!