BECOMING A

SPECIAL
EDUCATION
TEACHER
Deserae Duran
EDT 180E
September 24, 2018
 WHAT DO SPED TEACHERS DO?
The special education teacher wears many hats. Unlike
other teachers who focus primarily on academics, the
special education teacher serves both as an educator and as
an advocate for students with special needs. His or her
schedule is divided among planning, instruction, assessing
students and managing their individualized education
programs (IEPs). (Special Education Guide, 2013-2018)
To see a "Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher",
please click here:

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 WHY GO INTO THIS FIELD?
Becoming a Special Education teacher
can be rewarding everyday. You are able
to celebrate the little victories your
students accomplish and to just see those
smiles everyday can instantly make you
feel better if you were ever to have a bad
day.
You will also have an impact on your
students that will last a lifetime since you
are teaching them everyday. They will be
able to remember you as the teacher who
always helped and pushed them to
pursue their future goals.
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 REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO BECOME A
SPED TEACHER
First, you need to obtain a Bachelors degree
in Special Education from an accredited
college or university.
Second, you need to get the proper
certification for which grades you choose to
teach. 
Also, whatever feild you choose to teach in or
whatever state you are required to obtain an
IVP fingerprint clearance card.
After you get those things you are able to
legally teach Special Education in the state of
Arizona
For further information please click here.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!

If you have any further questions please email

me at: Djduran3@asu.edu
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 RESOURCES
Author, Guest. “Bridging the Knowledge Gap of Special Education Studies.”
Getting Smart, 24 Dec. 2016, www.gettingsmart.com/2016/07/bridging-the-
knowledge-gap-of-special-education-students/.
LexingtonOne. “A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher.” YouTube,
YouTube, 23 Mar. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0ArYbZd5rk.
“Special Education Teaching.” Special Education Guide,
www.specialeducationguide.com/teacher-certification/what-special-
education-teachers-do/.
Study.com, Study.com,
study.com/articles/special_education_certification_requirements_in_arizo
na.html.
“Special Education.” Douglas Education Service District,
douglasesd.k12.or.us/special-education/home.

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