You do not need a college degree specifically in special education to teach in any state, but you do need a bachelor’s degree in general. You will also need to meet state teacher credential requirements and provide additional certifications that show you are qualified to teach in a public school classroom for children with special needs. Some states require more levels of certification and training than others. Education for special needs children is in high demand, and many states have a priority for hiring teachers with this expertise. Here are five states that need special ed teachers, which do not require specialized bachelor’s degrees in the field, and their requirements for working as a public school teacher for students with special needs.
TEACH California
California is a high need state for special-needs educators. A specialized credential is valid for five years. You need to complete a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) or higher degree and satisfy the basic skills requirement, which means you can pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). You have several pathways to completing additional required certifications and your credential. Seven specialized areas of expertise include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood, and different levels of disability, ranging from mild to moderate, and moderate to severe. Special area credential requirements may be waived if you have completed your bachelor’s degree and a professional teaching preparation program that includes student teaching.
Related: How Do you Become a Special Education Teacher?
Connecticut
Connecticut’s requirements for special ed teaching credentials are similar to California’s. Your bachelor’s degree needs to satisfy basic educational requirements. You will show you are qualified to be a special ed teacher by passing a subject-specific test. The state has the highest pay for special ed teachers on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Arizona
Arizona has the largest number of jobs available for special ed teachers. This state requires specific coursework in special ed areas, depending upon the type of specialized credential you want to obtain. The requirements range from 37 to 45 semester hours, which constitute a minor in various specialties throughout a four-year college degree.
Kentucky
More than 15 percent of Kentucky’s students qualify as special needs students, higher than the national average of 12 percent. The state’s requirements include completion of a teacher preparation program and three years of full-time teaching or one year of full-time work as a school psychologist. The state is the most affordable for teacher housing and will accept interstate transfer of credentials.
Alaska
Alaska has a high need for special ed teachers and is one of the states with the fewest requirements and steps to become a credentialed educator. You only need a bachelor’s degree and an endorsement in special ed to receive an initial teacher certificate in the state.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in general education and want to be a special education teacher, most states have several different pathways for teachers to become certified and qualified to teach. All but two states have alternative credentialing and certification programs. Accredited teacher training programs and internships are available. Special education degree programs are beneficial but not essential to teach children with diverse needs.
