Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require public school teachers to be certified. Certification is generally for one or several related subjects. Usually certification is granted by the state board of education or a certification advisory committee. Teachers may be certified to teach the early childhood grades (usually nursery school through grade three); the elementary grades (grades one through six or eight); or a special subject, such as reading or music. In most states, special education teachers receive a credential to teach kindergarten through grade 12. These teachers train in the specialty that they want, such as teaching children with learning disabilities or behavioral disorders.

Job Outlook:
Employment of special education teachers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 due to legislation emphasizing training and employment for individuals with disabilities; technological advances resulting in more survivors of accidents and illnesses; and growing public interest in individuals with special needs. By 2005, it is estimated there will be 625,000 special education teachers. Qualified persons should have little trouble finding a job, due to increased demand for these workers combined with relatively high turnover among special education teachers. Many special education teachers switch to general education teaching or change careers altogether, often because of job stress associated with teaching special education, particularly excessive paperwork, and inadequate administrative support.

Sources of Additional Information:

Information on certification requirements and approved teacher training institutions is available from local school systems and state departments of education.

Information on teachers' unions and education-related issues may be obtained from: