Should I major in special education ? ?

Robbie Starchman: I majored in Special Education. I'm glad I did, and I loved it, but it really is a demanding and stressful job. It is definitely easier to get a job in Special Ed right now than in other subjects. After I moved, I started teaching history, which is what I'm still teaching now.

Arlen Lopiccalo: Not knowing what your university program is like, it is a little difficult to answer. What level of students and what specific areas of disabilities would you like to teach? Reading is an area which is found across all levels and all programs, so if it is possible to minor in reading or at least take electives in reading, remedial reading, etc. I would urge you to do that. If math is something you enjoy, then that would be another good choice. While psychology sounds like a good match, it really isn't all that helpful in the classroom; what you really want to focus on is the characteristics and specific methodology for each area of disabilities. If your "mino! r" is a specific disability area, I would suggest Preschool Special Education, Multiple Disabilities or Emotional Disabilities as these are the areas that are experiencing teacher shortages. Hope this helps!...Show more

Lynn Mctier: Special Ed is a great starting point for acquiring for Masters degree in OT. Having experience working with children living with developmental disabilities will surely help as you enter the field, when you go into your pediatric placement, your NBCOT, and if you choose later on to pursue pediatrics in your practice as an OT. OTs can work in many areas such as the school system, private practice, hospital pediatric units, outpatient with children, and neonatal; so having that experience is definitely important. If you choose to be a Special education teacher, that background will help you with IEP, as both Special Ed teachers and OTs are involved in IEP Team. Also its a good idea to get that BS degree in Spec Ed, that way, you always have s! omething to fall back on in case you choose not to pursue the ! MOT degree. Meet with your HS counselor/advisor and ask if they could set up something for you to meet with an OT intent advisor with the univeristy during your senior year of HS. Universities have different OT programs and if you choose to get your Special Ed degree and go for your Master's degree later on, it will take about 7-8 years.. If you choose to pursue MOT without getting your BS in Special Ed, there are 3+2 programs available that will allow you to get your MOT in 5 1/2 years. You will have a Bachelors in Biology instead....Show more