Special Education Teacher

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Education · 1 of 4

The path

Become a teacher first. The specialty is added on top, after you are certified.

  1. 1

    High school

    Grades 11 and 12

    Any academic path. Psychology, biology and English all help later.

  2. 2

    Bachelor's degree

    3 to 4 years

    Any subject for elementary. For high school you need enough credits in two teachable subjects. Psychology and child development courses are a good fit.

  3. 3

    Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)

    1 to 2 years

    Ontario requires four semesters. Most other provinces are 1 to 2 years. Includes practicum placements, and you can ask for a special education placement.

  4. 4

    Certification

    A few weeks

    Register with your province, for example the Ontario College of Teachers or the BC Teacher Regulation Branch.

  5. 5

    Special education qualification

    2 to 4 years, part time

    In Ontario this is a three-part Additional Qualification (AQ). Part 1 needs only your teaching certificate. Part 2 needs a year of teaching. The Specialist needs two years, including one year teaching special education.