Advice from current teachers for a teacher in training

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about going to graduate school soon and wanted some advice from current teachers. I majored in elementary ed in undergrad and would like to earn a grad degree but I am not 100% sure in what area. I know how hard it is these days for teachers to get jobs (I live in MD) so I want to make sure I am marketable. I've been thinking about a Master's in special education. Any idea what the job market is like for teachers with certification in elementary ed and special ed? Any special ed teachers that can tell me what they like/don't like about their job? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Special Education is probably one of the more marketable areas these days. Also seems to be growing call for autism specialists, under that umbrella.

[Anonymous]

If you want to eventually climb, go for a degree in administration. It does open doors.

[Anonymous]

You do usually need three + successful years teaching experience before you can enter an administration program, though.

[Anonymous]

Please DON'T do special ed if you are just looking for marketability. It is a very difficult route filled with paperwork, litigation, difficult cases, etc. Special ed in elementary school might include anything from emotional problems to feeding, toilet training to bodily fluids. I'm not trying to state these things to dissuade you if this is your true interest but rather to put some of the stark realities faced. If you are looking for a great challenge with the possibility of great rewards then do it- otherwise major in curriculum/ instruction, or enter the classroom now for experience and plan to go admin in a few years if you feel the need to get more. Another hot item would be to specialize in reading instruction and literacy.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PPs. I have always been interested in reading but many people I've talked to said to go with what is marketable and that is special ed. They said that is one of the few areas that is hiring. Everything else, there would be tons of candidates for each position. So I'm not sure which direction to go. I am going to an Open House soon at the school I am interested in and they are going to talk about all areas- reading, special ed, curriculum, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher at a high school in FCPS and I could never teach Special Ed. Teaching itself is hard enough, but Special Ed is a whole different ballgame. It takes an amazing amount of patience, understanding, and time to be a good special ed. teacher. I admire the teachers who do it because I know I could not - I would burn out quickly. OP, if that is something you are interested in, go for it, but don't just go into special ed because that is where the jobs are. It won't help the students and you will probably not like it either.

[Anonymous]

Another high school teacher here. I agree wholeheartedly with pps who said don't go into special ed. if you are not passionate about it. I've had a lot of special ed kids mainstreamed into my classroom over the years, and have team-taught with special ed teachers, and it is incredibly difficult. I've seen even the most committed special ed teachers burn out and switch fields.

And as someone mentioned above, it's not just the classroom work, it's constant IEP and legal issues, parents suing the school district, etc. etc. etc.

[Anonymous]

I agree...please don't go into special ed if you are just doing it for marketability. I you have passion for this area and genuine respect for (not pity) for those with special needs then yes, it's worth it. We need the good ones, not the ones who just want job security. Good luck to you whatever you decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please DON'T do special ed if you are just looking for marketability. It is a very difficult route filled with paperwork, litigation, difficult cases, etc. Special ed in elementary school might include anything from emotional problems to feeding, toilet training to bodily fluids. I'm not trying to state these things to dissuade you if this is your true interest but rather to put some of the stark realities faced. If you are looking for a great challenge with the possibility of great rewards then do it- otherwise major in curriculum/ instruction, or enter the classroom now for experience and plan to go admin in a few years if you feel the need to get more. Another hot item would be to specialize in reading instruction and literacy.

same at some of the high schools, too

terribly depressing

[Anonymous]

http://specialed.about.com/od/idea/a/speducator.htm

[Anonymous]

I worked in the fx co rec special Ed summer program .... Did involve changing maxi pads..and plenty of bodily fluids. It takes a special person to handle that. I soon found out I didn't have the stomach for it.. But stuck out the summer. Was amazed and humbled by some of the kids.

[Anonymous]

There's different types of special ed. In the elemntary school years it often involves working with kids who are diagnosed with processing disorders in reading and math. It isn't all about teaching kids basic life skills and helping them manage their bodily fluids.