The demand for qualified special education teachers continues to grow across the United States, creating meaningful career opportunities for those passionate about supporting students with diverse learning needs. Programs like Arkansas State University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education K-12 provide accelerated pathways for educators as well as career changers interested in entering this rewarding profession.
During the 2020-21 school year, 4 percent of U.S. public school teachers held “provisional or temporary certificates,” requiring additional coursework or testing to obtain regular certification, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Such statistics show there is high demand for trained professionals in the field. This guide walks you through the steps you need to take to become a special education teacher, from choosing the right degree program to deciding whether an accelerated online pathway may better align with your schedule and goals.
Educational Requirements for Special Education Teachers
Building the foundation for a special education teaching career requires understanding both the degree pathways and program accreditation standards that prepare you for classroom success. The educational landscape offers multiple entry points, particularly for professionals transitioning from other careers.
Specialized degree programs combine coursework in educational theory, disability studies and evidence-based instructional strategies with supervised clinical experiences. These programs typically lead to initial teacher licensure while equipping educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support students with diverse learning needs.
Degree Pathways: Traditional and Alternative Routes
While traditional routes require an undergraduate degree in education, alternative pathways have expanded access for career changers who already hold bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Overall, public school teachers had higher educational attainment in 2020–21 than in 2011–12, with 51 percent holding a “master’s degree as their highest credential,” according to the NCES.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs specifically designed for special education provide an efficient route for individuals with non-education bachelor’s degrees. These programs typically combine coursework in several essential areas:
- Assessment methods: Learning to evaluate student progress and identify individual needs
- Instructional strategies: Developing differentiated approaches for diverse learners
- Behavior management: Creating supportive classroom environments
- Legal frameworks: Understanding requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Importance of Accreditation
When selecting a teacher preparation program, accreditation matters significantly. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation sets national standards that ensure programs meet rigorous benchmarks for candidate performance and program effectiveness. CAEP-accredited programs demonstrate commitment to evidence-based practices and continuous improvement — qualities that employers value when hiring special education teachers.
Understanding these educational pathways helps you choose the route that best fits your circumstances and career timeline. Alternative route programs particularly benefit career changers who need to earn income while transitioning into education, though they require strong time management skills.
Licensure and Certification Process
State licensure requirements create the official pathway from student to credentialed teacher, with various assessments and checkpoints verifying your readiness to lead a special education classroom. These requirements vary significantly by state, making it essential for you to first determine your intended teaching location.
According to the Arkansas Department of Education licensure requirements, special education teacher candidates must pass specific Praxis examinations as part of their pathway to licensure. The state requires passing scores on multiple assessments designed to verify both general teaching competencies and special education-specific knowledge. Additionally, Arkansas implemented requirements for candidates in Special Education K-12 programs to pass the Foundations of Reading assessment, ensuring teachers possess essential literacy instruction skills.
Provisional vs. Standard Licensure
The concept of provisional licensure creates an important bridge for career changers and alternative route candidates. This temporary credential allows individuals to begin teaching before completing all standard license requirements.
In 2020–21, of all public school teachers, “90 percent held a regular or standard state teaching certificate or advanced professional certificate, while 4 percent held a provisional or temporary certificate,” according to the NCES. For MAT programs in Arkansas, candidates can earn provisional licensure eligibility after completing their first six credit hours of coursework and passing necessary Praxis examinations — a timeline that can be as brief as 14 weeks in accelerated program formats.
These licensure checkpoints ensure quality standards while creating accessible pathways for motivated career changers. With credentials in progress, the next essential component involves hands-on experience in real classroom settings.
Building Teaching Skills Through Clinical Experience
Quality teacher preparation extends beyond classroom coursework to include meaningful field experiences where candidates apply their learning in real school settings. Supervised clinical experiences form the cornerstone of effective teacher development, particularly in special education where individualized instruction and behavior management skills require hands-on practice.
During clinical placements, aspiring special education teachers develop essential competencies outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children, including learner development, instructional planning, assessment practices and collaboration with families and other professionals. The mentorship component of clinical experience proves particularly valuable for special education teachers who must navigate complex legal requirements, manage individualized education program (IEP) processes and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
For candidates in alternative route programs who begin teaching on provisional licenses, the clinical experience often occurs while serving as the teacher of record. This model requires strong support systems including assigned mentors and regular observations. These clinical experiences bridge theory and practice, preparing you for the realities of daily teaching life.
Launching Your Special Education Teaching Career
Entering the teaching profession as a newly licensed special education teacher requires understanding the support systems, professional expectations and growth opportunities that will shape your early career years. The transition from preparation program to independent classroom leadership represents both an exciting milestone and a period requiring continued learning.
The job market for special education teachers remains strong, driven by both increased identification of students needing specialized services and ongoing recruitment challenges in the field. Quality induction programs provide new special education teachers with reduced course loads, mentor support and targeted professional development addressing the unique challenges of special education settings.
Professional development requirements typically continue throughout a teacher’s career, with most states mandating ongoing learning for license renewal. Career advancement pathways in special education extend beyond the classroom to include positions like special education coordinator, instructional specialist or district-level special education director. These career trajectories allow you to leverage classroom experience while expanding your impact on students with exceptional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you consider your path to becoming a special education teacher, you likely have questions about specific requirements, timelines and expectations. The following answers address the most common questions prospective teachers ask about entering this rewarding profession.
What degree do you need to become a special education teacher?
You need at minimum a bachelor’s degree to enter a special education teacher preparation program, though the undergraduate major does not need to be in education. Many special education teachers earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education. In the 2020–21 school year, 51 percent of U.S. public school teachers held a “master’s degree as their highest degree,” according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
How long does it take to become a special education teacher?
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, accelerated MAT programs can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months. Some programs offer provisional licensures after completing initial coursework — sometimes as early as 14 weeks — allowing you to begin teaching while finishing your degree. Traditional undergraduate programs typically take four years.
Can you become a special education teacher without an education degree?
Yes, alternative certification pathways specifically serve individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in fields other than education. Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs provide comprehensive preparation regardless of your undergraduate major, allowing candidates to work as teachers while completing requirements.
What is the difference between provisional and standard licensure?
Provisional or temporary licensure allows you to begin teaching before completing all requirements for a standard license. Standard licensure indicates you have met all state requirements including degree completion, required assessments and clinical experience.
What Praxis exams are required for special education teachers?
Required Praxis assessments vary by state but commonly include tests measuring both general teaching knowledge and special education-specific content. The Arkansas Department of Education requires candidates in Special Education K-12 programs to pass the Foundations of Reading assessment. Your teacher preparation program typically provides guidance on which assessments you need and when to take them.
Can you teach while completing a master’s degree?
Yes, many alternative route MAT programs are specifically designed to allow you to teach while completing your degree. After completing initial coursework and passing required assessments, you can qualify for provisional licensure that permits you to work as the teacher of record while finishing your program. This model requires significant time management but provides income during your preparation.
What states accept Arkansas special education licensure?
Interstate license reciprocity varies and is governed by individual state agreements. According to the Arkansas Department of Education licensure reciprocity guidelines, many states recognize Arkansas teaching licenses, though additional requirements may apply when transferring your license. When planning to teach in another state, research that state’s reciprocity policies early.
What skills do you need to be a successful special education teacher?
The Council for Exceptional Children professional standards identify key competencies including understanding learner development, creating supportive learning environments, planning differentiated instruction, implementing assessments, and collaborating with families and other professionals. Effective special education teachers also demonstrate patience, creativity, strong communication skills and commitment to ongoing learning.
About Arkansas State University’s Online MAT in Special Education K-12
Arkansas State University offers a CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education K-12 program designed specifically for career changers and individuals holding non-education bachelor’s degrees. The accelerated format allows completion in as few as 12 to 16 months, with provisional Arkansas teaching license eligibility after just 14 weeks once you pass required Praxis examinations.
The 36-credit-hour curriculum combines comprehensive foundations in assessment methods and teaching strategies with required supervised clinical experience. The program is delivered entirely online with flexible scheduling. As a CAEP-accredited program, A-State’s MAT meets national quality standards and specifically addresses Arkansas licensure requirements including preparation for required assessments.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education K-12 program.