I am an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. I work with students who have developmental difficulties, such as speech and vision problems, limited motor skills, sensory-processing difficulties, or special learning challenges.

Some of my students (ages 3-5 years old) may be newly diagnosed and I help determine what services and accommodations they will need. Also, I support and give advice to parents that may still be coming to terms with their child’s special needs. 

A four-year degree in Early Childhood Special Education is required. Throughout the four years, you will be volunteering in different preschool settings. The fourth year is mostly student teaching in a special education classroom with a licensed special education teacher. 

The typical starting wage for a new teacher in Minnesota is around $40,000. Every year, your wage will increase based on the number of years you've taught and continuing education credits. After 10 years of teaching with a bachelor's degree, you will make around $55,000 per year. If you continue on to get your Master's Degree during that time, that amount can increase to about $75,000 per year. 

Absolutely! Early Childhood Special Education teachers are in huge demand due to our specialty licensure. According to the National Education Association, the number of students enrolled in special education programs has risen by 30 percent in the past decade. As better screening identifies more disabilities in children, the demand for special education teachers is expected to increase steadily. In Early Childhood, we do the majority of initial evaluations of students with special needs. 

I enjoy making strong relationships and making a difference in the lives of my students and their families. The first five years of a child's life are fundamentally important. They are the foundation that shapes children's future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family and community, and in life in general. 

The most challenging aspect of my job is the paperwork. About 30% of my job is doing paperwork (evaluation and IEP writing, progress reports, etc.). The percentage is different for every teacher, but special education teachers do have more paperwork have regular education teachers.

1. You have to love kids! 2. Many people say, "I can't be a special education teacher--I don't have the patience." I have learned patience because of my schooling and experience with young children. Once you understand their little brains, then you will gain more patience!