5 SPECIALIZATIONS IN A TEACHING DEGREE PROGRAM

Teaching Degree Specializations

• Early Childhood Special Education
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Visual and/or Hearing Impairment
• English as a Second Language
• Education Administration

Future teachers have many options for specialization when it comes to earning a teaching degree. Completing a specialized teaching degree provides you with numerous opportunities in teaching, as the job outlook is extremely positive. The need for specialized educators increases every year, as there are more children with specific needs. Continue reading to learn more about the specializations available in teaching degree programs.

Resource: 50 Best Value Colleges for a Teaching Degree

Early Childhood Special Education

This program is favored by those who are interested in working with children from birth until second grade. This specialization prepares graduates to work with children who have a wide range of physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Requirements for this specialization vary from state to state. Due to the fact that this training is tackled at the level of a graduate, you will most likely be required to first obtain your Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood with Elementary Certification. This will allow you a position in early education as a certified teacher while you acquire your training for special education.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

This specialty is only offered to those who are in (or above) the secondary and/or elementary level. It will focus on children who are or have been diagnosed with a disorder in relation to the autism spectrum. It will provide the proper training to those who already have a masters degree. The training will include preparation in psychological fundamentals to modify behavior and also, to assess mediations. Due to the tools and training that help in preparing one to construct intervention programs, this education is necessary for development, but only offered to qualifying graduates as BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts.)

Visual and/or Hearing Impairment

Students who are visually impaired and/or hard of hearing will always require special and individual attention in their process to receive a thorough and proper education. The courses for this are usually courses beginning in basics and go through to advanced in both and sign language. Other courses may include physiology and anatomy of visual and hearing disorders, which can help you in obtaining a career or other possibilities in either private and/or public education. Some states require educators to possess the proper knowledge, skills, and training needed to work with students who are visually impaired/hard of hearing in a classroom setting.

English as a Second Language

Those who are interested in working for inner-city districts, urban districts, or even going abroad will find this particular specialization to be highly profitable and beneficial. This is used for those whose first language is something other than English. Many schools in the United States have an abnormally high percentage in language learning. As a result from the high demand in learning English, a Masters Degree in ESL (English as a Second Language) or ELL (English Language Learners) is both valuable and convenient for educators looking to advance their capabilities. ESL professors must understand the knowledge required to teach English as a second language to students K through 12 and to adults also learning English for the first time.

Education Administration

A degree for administrative work will multiply your job opportunities and it is also a great option if you want to switch careers from education to administration. Administrative careers are available whether you search in schools or private academic environments that include that same policies, such as homeschooling. Most of the administrative openings, if not all, require applicants to have already received a bachelor's degree in a similar field.

Although these options are plentiful, be sure to check with your state to be sure you meet their requirements for a teaching degree, as every college is different in terms of what courses may or may not be available and/or included in the catalog. To learn more about opportunities available in teaching, visit National Center for Education Statistics website.