A few days ago
Lindsey

Help! Question about education degrees!?

The advisers at my school suck, so I’m turning to Yahoo. I am working on my bachelors degree in early childhood education. I recently discovered that, for the same number of credits (with 4 of the classes being different) that I could get the above degree, with an added concentration in special education. My question is, if I take this path with the added concentration, am I going to be limited exclusively to special education or can I still be a general education teacher and consider the concentration an extra certification? I’m not sure if special education is the direction that I ultimately want to take so I don’t want to limit myself to that at this point. What are my career options with these two paths? Also, I know rules vary by state, I’m in GA.

Top 5 Answers
A few days ago
Georgia J

Favorite Answer

If you have an added concentration in special education, that does not keep you being a regular classroom teacher. However, with the addition, you will have more opportunities. Just because you have the degree does not mean you have to use it, but, at least in my area, special education teachers are in short supply so an administrator may try to talk you into taking that path.
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A few days ago
leslie b
Seems like there is always a demand for special education teachers, so you might be making yourself more marketable that way. In PA, that would qualify you to work either in a regular ed classroom or special ed. Does this degree allow you to become certified in Elementary Ed, too, in GA? That would also increase marketability and qualify you to teach in a 4 year old, pre-k classroom which is becoming a big trend in education right now. I would add anything that will increase your job options. Call some local elementary schools and preschools and ask what degrees are required for their staff and what their strongest needs are.
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A few days ago
Will B
Rules vary by state, as you said. How about calling the GA Dept of Education to get the rules? As an easier course, go to your local school and talk with the superintendent or principal – they do the hiring so they know the rules. If your adviser sucks, find someone else.
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A few days ago
eastacademic
The demand for special education teachers is intense. However in California if you have a special ed cret. you WILL teach special ed irregardless of your preference.

The need is so extreme, that is all they see when you walk in the door…and once you are here principals reserve the right to teacher placement based on needs of the kids. You are in need for special ed, so thats what you’ll do.

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A few days ago
Anonymous
Special Education is a required subject for all teachers.
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