According to the HRD ministry, there are over 3.17 crore people who live with disabilities. For a population of this size, India needs at least 20 Lakhs special educators to address their needs in a true sense
A profession in special education is best suited for those who have a strong desire to educate and care deeply about children with disabilities. Special education refers to individualized instruction provided to children with a variety of physical and mental problems. Children with severe difficulties require specialized training and teaching from well-trained special education specialists.
For children and people with special needs, special education offers a variety of professional options, including teaching, instruction, and curriculum creation. A special educator's main role is to teach and engage with children who have a range of disabilities.
Special Education Teachers are paid well and it has a huge scope abroad too. The average salary of a special educator in India is around INR 27,700 per month.
- All About Career as a Special Educator
- What does a Special Educator do
- Steps to Become a Special Educator
- Types of Special Educator
- How to Become a Special Educator in India
5.1 After Class 12th
5.2 Online Courses To Become a Special Educator
6.1 B.Ed in Special Education Jamia Millia Islamia
6.2 M.Ed in Special Education Jamia Millia Islamia
6.2 B.Ed in Special Education Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
7.1 Canada
7.2 UK
7.2 Australia
All About Career as a Special Educator
| Industry | Education Sector |
| Eligibility | Diploma or B.Ed. or Certification courses in Special Education Course |
| Average Starting Salary | 3 – 4 LPA |
| Job Opportunities |
Special Educators in Schools, Special Educators for High Incidence Disability, Special Educators for Low Incidence Disability, Special Educators for Emotional or Behavioral Disorders |
What does a Special Educator do?
- Students with a variety of special needs and impairments are served by special education teachers. Special education teachers are also involved in the intellectual, social, and behavioral development of each student.
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student are developed with the help of special needs educators. The Individualized Education Program is designed to help students set personal goals and is tailored to their talents and requirements. The IEP is discussed with the child's parents, general education teachers, and school officials by special education instructors. They work closely with parents to keep them informed about their child's progress and to give recommendations to help them boost learning at home.
- Communication and coordination with others involved in the child's well-being, such as parents, social workers, school psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, school administrators, and other instructors, is an important component of a special education teacher's job.
- Responsibilities of a Special Educator are listed below for your reference,
- Examine your students' talents and devise a teaching strategy.
- Adapt instructional materials to the needs of students.
- Keep track of your student's development and reflect on it.
- Monitor children's behavior patterns and, if necessary, plan for appropriate interventions.
- Resolve conflicts and manage crises in the classroom.
- Prepare students for the next grade level.
- Inform parents of their children's progress and any concerns that may arise.
Steps to become a Special Educator
The need for Special Educators has witnessed a gradual inclination from the last decade. The below mentioned points will discuss in detail the steps that are required to follow in order to become a successful Special Educator,
- Completion of class 12th in relevant/related subjects - In order to work as a special educator, students must complete the basic education requirements. Being a special educator is a difficult job. Observing the development of children in special education programs demands patience. The completion of high school education is required for a career as a special education teacher. Students must have completed 10+2 in any subject with a 50 percent aggregate from a recognized board.
- Clear the Entrance Exams - Several colleges and universities administer entrance exams to students interested in special educator programs. Entrance examinations must be prepared for and taken by candidates. There are a number of additional universities and institutes that accept applicants based on their 10+2 grade point average.
- Complete your Bachelor’s Degree - Following the completion of 10+2, students must apply for admission to institutions to pursue a bachelor's degree in special education.
- Pursue Post Bachelor’s Degree - Candidates must apply for admission to a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) program in special education after completing a bachelor's degree program.
- Pursue Post – Undergraduate Level Degree - After successful completion of an undergraduate-level dual degree program in special education, candidates are required to enroll in M.Ed. (Master of Education) in a special education program.
How to become a Special Educator: Types
The work profiles for special educators are considerably distinct from those of other jobs or professions. In schools that provide education to students with special needs, special educators are employed. Teachers, on the other hand, are classified into several groups based on their qualifications and experience. Some job descriptions for special educators can be seen below:
- Special Educator from Early classed till class 12th - In this position, special educators work with children and adolescents who have a range of disabilities. Students in elementary, middle, and secondary school are taught by teachers at this level. They work with kids who have moderate to severe disabilities.
- Special Educator for High Incidence Disabilities - These teachers are responsible for working with students who have high-incidence difficulties like speech-language difficulties, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties.
- Special Educator for Low Incidence Disabilities - These teachers work with children and students who have special needs, such as physical or cognitive. Basic reading and practical abilities for everyday living are the focus of these teachers.
- Special Educator for Emotional or Behavioral Disorders - Special educators that specialize in emotional or behavioral disorders work with children and students who have a variety of symptoms, such as anxiety disorders, conduct disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and so on.
- Special Educator for Autism Spectrum Disorders - These educators work with children and students who have been recognized as being on the autism spectrum, which includes issues such as communication impairments, inability to relate to others, and social settings, among other things.
-
Special Educator in College or University - These educators work with students who have special needs outside of the school education.
How to become a Special Educator in India
The career path to becoming a special educator starts right after class 12th. For a Diploma course in Special Education, a candidate has to get a pass in class 12th. A candidate can also do B.Ed. in Special Education, only after getting a minimum mandatory mark.
How to become a special educator in India after class 12th
Students aspiring to become Special educators, should start preparing from the nascent stage. They should clear Class 12 with a minimum qualifying percentage/grade/marks required to enroll in the Diploma in Special Education program.
Various institutes have different admission requirements for the Diploma in Education Special Education program. While some institutions offer direct admission to the program, others offer admission based on a student's entrance exam result.
Below mentioned are few of the entrance exams required to enroll for this course:
| Arunachal Pradesh D.Ed Entrance Exam | Uttarakhand D.Ed Entrance Exam | SCERT CG D.Ed Entrance Exam |
| Assam SCERT D.Ed Entrance Exam | Goa D.Ed Entrance Exam | HP D.Ed Entrance Exam |
| Haryana D.Ed Entrance Exam | Jharkhand D.Ed Entrance Exam | Karnataka D.Ed Entrance Exam |
How to become a special educator in India after Under graduation
A UG degree from any stream with minimum qualifying marks is required to pursue a B.Ed. study in Special Education. To gain more proficiency in this field a candidate can also do M.Ed.
Admission for B.Ed. or M.Ed. program will be on the basis of the entrance exam or merit-based. Some of the institutes take admission by conducting their own entrance test and some colleges admit the students on the basis of marks scored in qualifying examination. Below are the steps to apply for B.Ed. or M.Ed. in various colleges.
- First of all, you need to visit the official website of the college that offers a B.Ed. or M.Ed. course on Special Education.
- Then you need to fill their application form for admission.
- Pay the application form fees online
- If the college conducts the entrance test, then give the test on the given date which is followed by counseling.
Some of the top Universities that offer B.Ed and M.Ed degree in India are tabulated below for your reference,
How to become a Special Educator: Online Courses
Students can also enroll in a certificate program to gain proficiency in a variety of special education strategies. Certificate courses, on the other hand, are designed to improve knowledge and qualifications.
There are various certifications that you can gain through online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Edx, etc. These courses will help you enhance your prior knowledge.
The list of few top online courses is tabulated below:
| Name of the Courses | Provider |
|---|---|
| Supporting Children with Difficulties in Reading and Writing | Coursera |
| Disability Inclusion in Education | Coursera |
| Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Special Education Services in School | Coursera |
| Education Psychology and Special Education | Udemy |
| Special Education and Special Needs | Udemy |
| Special Child Education for the Children with Disabilities | Udemy |
How to become a Special Educator: Courses
Like every other professional course, Special education too has its own set of courses to be followed. From Certificate courses to Undergraduate courses, one can choose from a variety of options to pursue the courses.
Below mentioned are few of the courses, that can be pursued in order to become a Special Educator,
Eligibility:
(i) B.Ed. (Special Education) with a specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disabilities and a minimum of 50% marks is required.
OR
(ii) B.A. or B.Sc. (except B.A./B.Sc. Vocational or B.Com.) with 50 percent in B.Ed. Degree and 50 percent in One Year Diploma in Special Education with specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disability and 50 percent in B.Ed. Degree with specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disability.
OR
(iii) B.A. or B.Sc. (excluding B.A./B.Sc. Vocational or B.Com.) with 50 percent marks in a Diploma in Special Education for Visually Impaired from a Rehabilitation Council of India-accredited institution.
How to apply: Below steps need to be followed to get admission
- To register a candidate, you need to first visit the official website and fill the application form.
- Fill in all the details like all basic details, choosing the program, category, submission of application form fees, etc.
- Before applying, check your eligibility through the college prospectus.
- Upload all the necessary documents along with your photograph, signature, etc.
- After submitting the application form you will receive an email with a unique code to verify your email id and login password. After this, candidates can log in on the official website using their login id and password and can choose the course of their choice.
- Pay the application fees through online mediums like debit cards, credit cards, net banking, etc.
- Take out the hard copy of the application form for further requirements. Candidates can check the status of their application form on the official website.
How to prepare for the entrance test?
- Learn about the JMI admission exam format and scoring system.
- Obtain the syllabus for the course for which you have applied.
- To help you prepare for the entrance exam, get all of the necessary study materials.
- Make a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule for how much content you'll cover each day.
-
Solve as many question papers as possible, including sample papers, and take mock examinations to determine your strengths and weaknesses
Eligibility:
(i) A B.Ed. Special Education with a specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disabilities and a minimum of 50% marks is required.
OR
(ii) B.A. or B.Sc. (except B.A./B.Sc. Vocational or B.Com.) with 50 percent in B.Ed. Degree and 50 percent in One Year Diploma in Special Education with specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disability and 50 percent in B.Ed. Degree with specialization in Visual Impairment/Learning Disability.
OR
(iii) B.A. or B.Sc. (excluding B.A./B.Sc. Vocational or B.Com.) with 50 percent marks in a Diploma in Special Education for Visually Impaired from a Rehabilitation Council of India-accredited institution.
How to apply – Below steps need to be followed to get admission:
- To register a candidate, you need to first visit the official website and fill the application form.
- Fill in all the details like all basic details, choosing the program, category, submission of application form fees, etc.
- Before applying, check your eligibility through the college prospectus.
- Upload all the necessary documents along with your photograph, signature, etc.
- After submitting the application form you will receive an email with a unique code to verify your email id and login password. After this, candidates can log in on the official website using their login id and password and can choose the course of their choice.
- Pay the application fees through the online mediums like debit cards, credit cards, net banking, etc.
-
Take out the hard copy of the application form for further requirements. Candidates can check the status of their application form on the official website.
How to prepare for the entrance test?
- Learn about the JMI admission exam format and scoring system.
- Obtain the syllabus for the course for which you have applied.
- To help you prepare for the entrance exam, get all of the necessary study materials.
- Make a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule for how much content you'll cover each day.
- Solve as many question papers as possible, including sample papers, and take mock examinations to determine your strengths and weaknesses.
Eligibility
A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% marks for SC/ST category students)
How to apply – Below steps need to be followed to get admission:
- To register a candidate, you need to first visit the official website and fill the application form.
- The application form will consist of 2 forms i.e., form 1 and form 2. In form 1 a candidate needs to fill the Program group, program name, program code, candidate name, contact number, etc. In form 2 general information needs to be filled in.
- Select the exam category.
- After that, you have to do a declaration. For this enter captcha code, click on the ‘I Agree’ checkbox, and then click on submit button.
- After that, you will see another message telling you about your login id and password for further requirements.
- Login to your account using the login credential and then follow the below steps:
- Fill in the general information like name, date of birth, region, address. Upload the photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and then click on upload.
- After that click on the “close this window” button after you receive the message that ‘Your images have been successfully uploaded.
- Click on the Next button.
- Fil all the qualification details and then click on the next button to process further.
- Click on the Course application form and then choose the course for which you are applying.
- Make the payment and take out the print of the application form for further requirements.
How to prepare for the entrance test?
- Learn about the GGSIPU admission exam format and scoring system.
- Obtain the syllabus for the course for which you have applied.
- To help you prepare for the entrance exam, get all of the necessary study materials.
- Make a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule for how much content you'll cover each day.
-
Solve as many question papers as possible, including sample papers, and take mock examinations to determine your strengths and weaknesses.
How to become a Special Educator Abroad
The special Educator courses are not only restricted to India, but also have a huge scope globally. There are several countries that offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education. Below mentioned are the list of countries along with their eligibility and other prerequisites to pursue this course,
Canada
Education Requirements – To become a special education teacher a candidate must have at least a bachelor’s degree. If a candidate has a master’s degree in special education from Canadian universities then it would be easy for the candidate to get a job.
Other requirements - A three-year bachelor's degree and a two-year teacher education program are required. Candidates must then qualify as a registered teacher through their province's teacher’s college once this is accomplished.
Aspiring teachers must pass a written exam, pay an annual fee, and meet the requirements outlined above. At this time, teachers can enroll in a professional development program at the teacher’s college that focuses on educating children with disabilities. Employers may request extra qualifications such as CPR and First Aid certification, as well as a swimming and aquatic safety course. In addition to being creative, enthusiastic, and a team player, a special education teacher should have strong communication skills.
Top Colleges
| College Names | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Northern British Columbia | 3181 |
| Brock University | 15969 |
| University of Saskatchewan | 4573 |
Courses offered
| Education Psychology and Special Education | Critical Studies in Education | Applied Disability Studies |
| Special Education | Clinical Education | - |
UK
Admission Process
SEN teachers are fully qualified teachers who have previously taught in a regular classroom setting. Before you may train as a special education teacher, you must first obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Educational Requirements – After earning an academic degree, you can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). A PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) is an additional academic certificate that includes QTS.
- Obtaining a Bachelor of Education or a BA / BSc with QTS is a good way to start.
- School-Centered Initial Teacher Training, School Direct, or Teach First are some of the options. These are various school-based certifications that allow you to obtain experience in a school while pursuing QTS.
- You must also have a SEN certification that is no more than three years old, and you may require additional qualifications if you are working with children who have specific disabilities, such as vision or hearing problems.
Other Requirements - Aside from the usual teaching abilities of communication, patience, teamwork, leadership, and organization, you'll also need a calm demeanor. SEN students can become distressed, and you must be able to keep them calm in order to teach them effectively. Working with vulnerable people or those who require special attention in order to attain their full potential is always useful.
Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees INR |
|---|---|
| Anglia Ruskin University | 16,23,697 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 15,82,329. |
| University of Reading | 19,72,740 |
| University of Chester | 13,83,762 |
| University of East London | 13,69,283 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | 13,44,463 |
Courses Offered
| Education with Special Education and Disability (MA) | Childhood (Special Educational Needs and Inclusion) (BA) |
| PGCE, Primary with Special Educational Needs | Education, Psychology and Special Educational Needs (B.Sc hons) |
Australia
Educational Requirements - Relevant tertiary qualifications are required to become a special education teacher. A Bachelor of Education degree with a specialization in special education is required at the very least. To specialize in this sector, qualified teachers might pursue postgraduate credentials in special education.
Other Requirements - Because of the nature of their work, special education teachers must be compassionate and patient. They must be adaptable in order to adjust lessons to meet the needs of specific students. They also need to be able to respond quickly to classroom situations and evaluate the moods of students throughout the day. Because some kids are unwilling to study, special education teachers must be skilled at inspiring others.
Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees INR |
|---|---|
| Torrens University | 14,62,777 |
| University of Newcastle | 20,20,912 |
| University of Southern Queensland | 17,07,138. |
| Edith Cowan University | 18,56,124 |
| Griffith University | 17,95,175. |
Courses Offered
| MA in Education (Special Education, Advanced) | Education, (Autism) | Special and inclusive Education |
| Special Education - Applied Behaviour Analysis | Special Education - Disabilities | - |
How to become a Special Educator: Benefits
- Working hours in the field of special education are shorter than in other disciplines.
-
In terms of their work, special educators have more flexibility and freedom.
How to become a Special Educator: Skills Required
| Critical Thinking | Patience |
| Communication Skills | Problem Solving Skills |
- Critical Thinking - A special education teacher is a professional who is in charge of assessing the progress of students. He or she devises a variety of strategies to help children with special needs learn more effectively.
- Patience - Patience is a necessary quality for a special education instructor. When compared to kids without exceptional needs, individuals with special needs may take longer to learn and understand a subject. A special education teacher must be aware that students are not always responding right away.
- Communication Skills - A good communicator is required in a special education teacher. He or she should be able to communicate with parents, teachers, administrators, and children in a clear and concise manner.
- Problem Solving Ability - A special education teacher must be able to recognize and address the issues. He or she should be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of several alternatives. A special education teacher concentrates on the learning and development of life skills in children. He or she comes up with a variety of techniques to communicate with students.
How to become a Special Educator: Job Scope & Salary
Special educators might work at schools that specialize in working with children with a variety of disabilities. They can also work in inclusive schools, which include students with special needs in their classes.
After obtaining the relevant credentials, special educators who have mastered a variety of special education strategies might work as consultants in schools or open their own therapy centers.
Physiotherapists, psychologists, and speech therapists can all collaborate with special educators. Jobs for special educators can be found in both the public and commercial sectors, working with groups of kids or one-on-one. They can also work in rehabilitation facilities. So top recruiting agencies for Special Educators are given below:
| Rehabilitation Centers | Consultancies that provide Special Education Trainers to Schools | Schools for Disabled Children |
| Hospitals that treat Children with Special Needs | Special Education Teacher in B.Ed School | - |
Salary of a Special Educator in India
- In India, a Special Education Teacher earns roughly 27,700 INR per month. Salaries range from 13,300 INR to 43,500 INR (lowest to highest) (highest).
- A Special Education Teacher with under two years of experience earns around 15,600 INR per month.
- Someone with two to five years of experience may expect to earn 22,100 INR a month, which is 42 percent higher than someone with less than two years of experience.
-
Moving forward, someone with five to ten years of experience earns 29,000 INR a month, which is 31% more than someone with two to five years of experience.
How to become a Special Educator: FAQs
Ques What is the average salary of a Special Education Teacher in the USA?
Ans: Special educators earn between USD 50,000 and USD 60,000 per year on average in the USA.
Ques Where do Special Education Teachers generally work in India?
Ans: Given below are the fields where special education teachers work:
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Hospitals that treat children with special needs
- Consultancies that provide Special Education Trainers to Schools
- Special Education Teacher in B.Ed. School
- Schools for Disabled Children
Ques What are the top colleges that offer courses on Special Education Teacher?
Ans: Top colleges are:
- B.P. Marine Academy, Navi Mumbai
- Indian Diamond Institute, Surat
-
Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Mumbai
Ques What are the demerits of becoming a Special Education Teacher?
Ans: Demerits of becoming a special education teacher are:
- The salary paid to the teachers are not quite impressive
-
Less promotion is there in these jobs.
Ques Who is known as the father of special education teacher?
Ans: Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard, a French physician, is known as the "Father of Special Education."
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