Job Discussion Forums

[marblez]

Hi,

I was wondering if it would be beneficial to earn a Special Education Teacher Assistant certificate. It takes 1 full year to earn and the pay starts at about $15-20/hour. I do have some experience volunteering and I liked it a lot. It will still take me 3 year to earn my BEd (have taken 3 classes/semester so far, not 5/semester) so I still have lots of time. Right now I'm a graphic designer and I earn about $20/hour but I don't really like it that much anymore.

The job market for teachers is so cramped (I have 2 friends trying to get a job right now!) so would this present a really good advantage? Also, if I go overseas, would it help much?

[Ben Round de Bloc]

I think you might find working as a special education assistant somewhat different from volunteering in a special education classroom. In most of the schools where I've worked, special education assistants often got saddled with doing lots of the paperwork . . . and there's a ton of it involved with special ed. Actual teaching was a very small part of their job. (I'm basing this only on what I observed in schools where I worked. It may be different in other schools.)

I really can't think of any EFL situations where having a Special Education Teacher Assistant certificate would be of much benefit. However, there might be some out there. I think a TEFL certificate of some kind would be more beneficial if you're considering teaching English in a foreign country. Just my humble opinion.

[kev7161]

There is a HUGE demand for Special Ed. teachers in the US. You could go just about anywhere and get a job. The pay is higher as well.

But, it's well and fine to say, "I want to be a teacher." But to say you want to be a Spec. Ed. teacher on a whim is not the same thing. It is a job you truly must dedicate yourself to and, not only for yourself, but for the kids who you will serve. Someone else said, lots of paperwork and it's true! And just to say "Special Education" is also a matter to think about:

What age group do you want to teach?
What kind of Special Ed.? Behavior disorders? Learning disabilities? Physically disabled? Mentally retarded? Physical disables with mental retardation?
Are you physically and mentally strong yourself (you'll often need both working with special needs kids)?

I worked with an autistic boy one summer awhile back. His name is Tom and he was 19 years old. Usually he was okay, we'd sit and watch cartoons most of the afternoon. But when he got on a tangent and something wasn't "right" in his world, then watch out! His parents were pleased with the work I was doing with him, but I was somewhat relieved when they said they were moving to another state as I was ready to quit.

Also, during the summer for two years, I worked with a Special Ed. teacher at the local high school. We had a wide variety of kids with a variety of needs. She was a strong lady and I marvelled at her skills and patience. In essence, it was simply playing with the kids and keeping them occupied while trying to teach basics such as counting and the alphabet. Sessions were only 3 hours long, but I was often wiped out at the end of that 3rd hour!

Just some things to think about.

[XXX]

Sp Ed. is NOT for the faint or weak. It is a truely tough row to hoe. Unless you have the patience of Job and are tougher than steel, I wouldn't go there. If you do go that route and make it, you will have my respect.