For the past couple years I’ve been thinking about studying psychology, sociology, social work or special education. Right now I’m leaning towards special education, though. The problem is my current #1 college, Emmanuel College, only offers elementary education and secondary education. Should I just not go to Emmanuel, or should I just study elementary or secondary education? I’d definitely go on to get my masters in special education. Would an elementary education degree prepare me well enough, though?
An elementary education degree certainly would prepare you for a masters in special ed as few other things will. Most UG ed programs offer some classes on special ed topics and you can take electives in areas like psych or communications. My D did elementary ed with a concentration in music (but she had no interest in being a music teacher) and then got a masters in sped.
Many teachers get their initial certification in elementary or secondary ed, then complete a masters in special ed. Look carefully at the programs at other colleges and universities. Many don’t offer special ed as the first certification program. If you really want special ed as your initial certification, then you need to go to a place where you can do that.
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You’ll want a college where you can graduate, fully certified to teach Special Ed. You can’t be certified without the Special Ed coursework.
I would find a new #1 school.
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Okay, okay, no need to keep bumping! I am an elementary school administrator who hires teachers.
Do not major in either. Major in something intellectually interesting. Psychology or sociology appeal to you, and they will make you a more interesting candidate. In my opinion, education classes are usually silly and obvious, and only the student teaching part will ever help you as a teacher. If you are definitely planning on a Master’s degree anyway, you can save most or all of your education classes for graduate school.
Just one opinion here!
(I admit bias. I went to Williams and majored in English, taking only liberal arts courses. Got a pre-teaching Master’s in Teaching from Teachers College at Columbia University, and an advanced certificate in school administration from Hofstra. I loved, loved, loved all my classes at Williams and my grad classes were… okay.)
^Also, a candidate who is primarily interested in being a special education teacher is wonderful. A lot of people we interview pick up their special ed certificate just to be more marketable but their heart clearly is in general education. Administrators want to see a candidate who is truly passionate about making a difference for students with special needs.
(You do not need to major in it as an undergrad, though. Grad school is fine.)
Be sure to show commitment in your interview, and do a great demonstration lesson.
Juniata College has a program where you can graduate and be dual certified in special ed and elementary ed. You have to take 18 credits a semester but it is doable.
In addition to the wonderful advice already offered, keep an eye on where you’ll want to live after college. If at all possible, you want to graduate from college certified to teach in the state you’ll be living in; each state has its own requirements as far as that is concerned.
One thing to look for is NCATE accreditation. A program which has it is one from which it may be easier to get licensed in another state. If you think you might want to move to another state, check its requirements and keep those in mind as you plan your course of study. Of course, nobody can predict where they will wind up, but once you have been teaching for a while, becoming certified in another state might be easier than when you are just out of school.