6 Reasons to Become a Special Education Teacher

Dr. Marla J. Lohmann, Assistant Professor of Special Education at Colorado Christian University

In today's classroom, about thirteen percent of students have been identified with a disability that requires special education services (National Center for Education Statistics, 2016).

Special education teachers are uniquely trained to support the learning needs of students with disabilities and to ensure their educational, behavioral, social, and emotional success.

Why Becoming a Special Education Teacher is a Rewarding Career

Serve God.

Throughout the Bible, we are specifically called to serve others and we are told that our service to those around us is service to our Lord. In Matthew 25:40, God tells us that "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (NIV). As a special education teacher, you will have the opportunity to serve God by serving students with disabilities and their families.

Make a difference.

One of the biggest blessings of being a teacher is the ability to make a difference every single day. As a special education teacher, you will get to teach your students academic, social, and behavioral skills that they will use throughout their lives. The simple lessons you teach every day will have a lifelong impact on your students.

Become a lifelong learner.

Teachers are provided with the opportunity to be lifelong learners. As a special education teacher, you will be encouraged to continue learning through attending professional developments and networking with other teachers. In addition, you will learn daily life lessons from your students.

Embrace challenge.

Students with disabilities are unique individuals with a variety of needs. As a special education teacher, you will be challenged to discover the specific interventions that will fulfill the needs of your students. Figuring out what each student needs is like having a new puzzle to solve every single day.

Build relationships with students and families.

Special education teachers often teach fewer students than do their general education counterparts. In addition, special education teachers often work with the same group of students over the course of several years. The small class size and increased time working with students will allow you to build strong relationships with your students and their families. 

Broader your job prospects.

Currently, in Colorado (and throughout the United States), there is a significant shortage of special education teachers (Colorado Department of Higher Education, 2017). As a certified special education teacher, you will be in demand by school districts.

Now is a great time to become a special education teacher and CCU Online is the ideal place to do it.

Colorado Christian University does not guarantee any job placement as a result of earning this or any other degrees offered by the university.