Part of special education training teaches future instructors how to develop Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, in order to accommodate each student's needs and abilities. These programs sometimes last for the entire education of the student. Other IEPs include a transition plan to get the child into a mainstream classroom. Special education teachers learn how to recognize different milestones for students to help them accomplish goals and become as successful as possible within their limitations.
Special Ed requires you learn about the general education process, as well. This serves two purposes. One, as a special education instructor you need to know the differences so you can guide the child toward the same goals as the normal classroom as possible. Two, special education teachers need to be able to work with the general education teachers. Some students might only need remedial aid in a few subjects. By coordinating curriculum, the student stands the best chance for success.
Depending on the school, a special education degree might require a five-year commitment as opposed to a four-year standard bachelor's degree. This allows time for more specialized training. Other special education teachers choose to obtain master's degree or doctorate training. When you choose to go into extended training, you can specialize in a particular area such as deaf education, cognitive processing problems or physical limitations.
Upon graduation, you must obtain a special education licensure. Each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia issue individual licenses and have slightly different requirements. It can be helpful to look into these licensing expectations before you complete your education for the state where you plan to work. Oftentimes, once you have been licensed and worked in another state you can petition to be granted a license in a new state. Some states also offer alternative routes to licensing used to attract teachers who do not have a special education background. These options tend to require a special program and supervised instruction for up to two years.