To become a teacher in all U.S. states, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required. The average time for a student to complete a bachelor's degree varies, but usually takes about four years. Students completing a degree at a traditional college usually take about two years of core academic classes before beginning their degree-specific courses. Prospective special education teachers take courses in growth and development, instructional strategies, literacy and methods for educating students with disabilities.
Prospective teachers gaining certification through college must complete a one-semester full-time unpaid internship. This internship is usually referred to as student teaching and is the culmination of a bachelor's degree in special education. Student teachers are placed on campuses with veteran mentor special education teachers who guide them in pedagogy and classroom management. Student teachers may work in inclusion classes, resource rooms, regular classrooms or other educational settings.
All public school teachers must also pass state exams in order to be licensed or credentialed. These exams vary, but in most states, students take an exam for pedagogy or teaching methods, as well as an exam for their specific teaching field or area of expertise. Special education teachers must demonstrate knowledge in testing and evaluation of students with disabilities and student learning and development. Once licensed, teachers often take additional professional development classes to stay up to date with the most current special education research and trends. Many teachers take these exams while student teaching or immediately after graduation.
Alternative programs are available for those who already have a bachelor's degree, but have not taken courses in education. Texas, for example, requires a candidate to take 12 hours of college courses in special education, complete 80 clock hours of classes focused on teaching methods and classroom management, 60 clock hours of formal classroom observation and at least a semester of student teaching. Completion time varies, but most candidates can complete this process in about a year.