Special Education Teacher

Not sure what you mean by an alternative pgm? I worked in the public school system for 4 yrs as teachers aid at an elementary school kindergarten then went on to get my teaching certificate for ECE. While an aid for six months I helped in the preK special needs class;I loved each day of it. I know it takes a very dedicated, patient, caring and special person to
teach children with special needs, but the rewards are so great. The 3 special ed teachers I worked with are such bright, incredible teachers with huge hearts. I think your psychology bkground and education would be really helpful if you pursue a permanent position. I know there are generally always jobs available in teaching children with special needs and they salary is pretty good. I would encourage you to go forward . With Blessings.

I'm not from TX- but our state has an alt program as well- psychology, I'm sure has prepared you, and I would assume the prgram in your state will add to that as well!
I went through an alternate program to certification and it was well worth it! Though depending on the program it can be intsense and a lot of work!

Good Luck!

I think that anyone with a psychology degree would be beneficial in any teaching area..............If you like it and you seem to enjoy it, then why not do it.......enjoying what you do is a great thing.....

Take care and good luck.

Hi B.,

As a child and family therapist, I have had the pleasure to work at / alongside a number of schools over the years. It is always neat to have teachers with a psych background, as they can be especially insightful into other issues the child may be experiencing. I do think Special Ed teachers are a rare breed and need to make sure they are getting the down-time they need and deserve, as the population they work with is indeed challenging, as well as need more love and support. Good luck! S.

The big plus for you is that you are currently subbing and that is great for networking. I earned my degree in psyc and then got my alternative teaching certification through ECAP (similar to Region 11). I taught PPCD and it was not easy to get a position but previous networking helped. Make sure to keep good ties in any school you are in. I truly think my psyc background has given me an edge compared to my peers.....so much that these children are dealing with are due to anomalies in the brain....having had so much of your college in that area is a great plus. I am so glad I did the route I did, even though it was tough at first to get in the door, so to speak.

Since you are in Ft. Worth, you can go through Region 11 ESC. I am currently enrolled in the Region 10 Alternative Certification Program since I live and want to teach in Region 10, and I have my probationary teaching certificate, and upon completion of an internship teaching position (full teacher's pay, you just teach on a probationary certificate, under a mentor teacher), you will receive your valid Texas certification. To be considered highly qualified, under No Child Left Behind, you will have to take both the SpEd TExES exam, and the Generalist EC-6 TExES exam. It seems to be a little harder to find a job going the alternative cert. route, (I have applied to so many school districts!) because many schools do not like to hire intern teachers in an alt. cert. program, but it definitely helps that you have experience subbing. Good luck - you'll make a great teacher!

I'm going to second previous posters! Having a psych degree is beneficial, as is subbing! I've found a lot of hires-on are already in the system. You have your foot in the door and that is a huge plus!

I received my AC from Texas Teachers (A+ teachers). I took it over the summer so it was very fast-paced. However, I have my BA in Child Development, so a lot of the info was "DUH!" and "I already know that!" There is a lot of info on "best practices," not so much theory-related info which is what is on the TExES tests. But you probably already know a lot of the theories of dev't through psych classes- I did and think my degree has helped me tramendously!

Good Luck and God Bless!!