Because special education teachers are in such high demand, scholarships and grants are readily available to help you get the education you need to work in this field. While you can get started as a special educator with just a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree allows you to qualify for a wider ranger of positions at a variety of schools. Most of the top positions in the special education world require at least a master’s degree.
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Special Education Scholarships
Scholarships are available for students based on talent, skill, or merit. At the master’s degree level, they are typically called fellowships, and these funds often come attached to extra responsibilities in the areas of research or assisting with teaching duties. Scholarships (or fellowships) available for students studying in special education are available directly from schools, from private organizations and companies, and from government resources. Some places where you can begin your scholarship source include the U.S. Department of Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and Coca-Cola.
Special Education Grants
Grants are comparable to scholarships in many respects, but they’re based on financial need rather than merit of some kind in most cases. Some of the places where you can begin your search for grants to pay for a masters in special education program include the National Inclusion Project, the Special Education Foundation, the National Education Association, and Qwest Foundation. Grants are also commonly available directly from colleges, either from the school in general or from the special education department.
Loan Forgiveness
Along with scholarships and grants, special education teachers also have a unique opportunity to have their student loans forgiven in some cases. Most teachers qualify for up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness from the government by working at high-need schools, but as a special education teacher, you could qualify for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness as long as you work for at least five consecutive years. This is a great opportunity for teachers to have a huge bulk of their loans forgiven. In addition to loan forgiveness, if you already work as a special education or general teacher, your school district or private employer may have funds available to pay for you to get your master’s degree.
Teaching students with special needs requires a master's degree in special education. Degree programs focusing on special ed. will equip teachers with the tools and knowledge necessary to take on the challenges of educating students with learning, emotional, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities. Below are the top online colleges that offer masters degrees in special education.
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The MA in Teaching Special Education from Liberty University is a program designed for people with no prior teaching experience that are interested in teaching special education. An M.Ed. in Special Education is designed for students seeking to make a difference at Christian, public, and private schools. You will master the skills necessary to become an effective special education teacher helping ensure the future success of your students.
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An MS in Special Education (K-12) from Walden University will prepare you to increase the success rate of student in primary education. An MS in Special Education for Behavioral Disorders teaches candidates how to create prescribed individual behavioral and instructional plans based on the learning strengths of a child. An MA in Special Education for Learning Disabilities builds teaching skills required to make a significant impact on children with learning disabilities. The PhD in Special Education programs provides graduates with a thorough examination of the theories and principles behind human learning.
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An MA in Teaching - Special Education from the University of Phoenix teaches candidates the skills necessary to become an effective special education educator. This curriculum includes programs to help student become comfortable in dealing with special needs students and learn methodologies to deal with mild disabilities. You will also gain practical experience as a student teacher in special education classrooms.
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The M.Ed. in Special Education with Certification from Grand Canyon University is designed for people interested in becoming certified in special education. Through this program you will learn how to use behavioral techniques to ensure a strong education of children with special needs. The M.Ed. in Special Education will give you an in-depth education on the various topics affecting special education students including the laws that govern the students and their families. Separate programs are available for individuals with or without teaching certification.
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The MS in Special Education online degree program from Western Governors University teaches students how to effectively educate individuals with moderate learning, physical, emotional, or behavioral disabilities. Upon graduation from this program, students will be prepared for certification as special education teachers.
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An MS in teaching - Special Education from Capella University prepares students to assist children with learning disabilities achieve academic and lifelong success. As a student, you be able to effectively teach children that have a variety of needs. A PhD in Special Education Leadership will increase your ability to oversee and act as an advocate for the growing number of students that need special education services.
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