Special education teacher: bachelor's, special education certification, sometimes a master's
Public school special education teachers need a bachelor's degree and a state certificate; some states want a degree in special education itself, others a major plus a special education minor.
For: Patient, creative people who want to help students with learning, emotional or physical disabilities.
Route 1: Bachelor's in special education → tests → certificate Typical
Some states require a degree in special education; others allow a major in education or a content area with a minor in special education.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in special education (or a major + special education minor)
Types of disabilities and how to present information; includes student teaching.
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
General teaching test + subject test
Teacher testsBLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State certificate or license for the grade level
Including a background check.
Certification stepsBLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Special education teacher
To become fully certified, some states require a master's in special education after you get a job.
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Bachelor's → alternative program (sometimes a master's) Every state
All states offer an alternative route for people who already have a bachelor's degree; teachers may earn a master's through it.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Program
Alternative certification program
Teaching methods and child development.
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
-
Goal
Special education teacher
Experienced teachers may become mentors, lead teachers, school counselors or principals with more education.
BLS
Special Education Teachers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State licensing matrix
All states require public school teachers to be licensed in the grade level they teach; a license is often called a certification. What five state education departments publish: BLS
View source
| State or city | What you need |
|---|---|
| Texas Texas Education Agency (TEA) |
Five requirements: a bachelor's degree from an accredited college; an approved educator preparation program (a university program if you have no degree; an alternative certification or post-baccalaureate program if you do); the certification exams your program approves; a state application; and fingerprinting for a national criminal background check. TEABecoming a Classroom Teacher in TexasTexas Education Agency
TEAEducator TestingTexas Education Agency
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| California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) |
Multiple Subject (elementary) preliminary credential, valid up to 5 years: a bachelor's degree; subject matter competence by exam, an approved subject matter program, coursework or a liberal studies major; a U.S. Constitution course or exam; an approved preparation program with reading instruction, CPR training and a Teaching Performance Assessment; and the program's recommendation. The clear credential comes through an induction program. CTCMultiple Subject Teaching Credential Requirements for Teachers Prepared in California (CL-561C)California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
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| New York NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives |
A New York State certificate is required to teach in public schools; it confirms degree, coursework, test and experience requirements. Pathways include an approved New York preparation program, an alternative program, individual evaluation and applicants from other states. Tests usually include the EAS and the Content Specialty Test(s). NYSEDCertification from Start to FinishNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
NYSEDPathways to CertificationNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
NYSEDCertification Test RequirementsNew York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives
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| Florida Florida Department of Education |
Temporary certificate (5 school years, not renewable): a bachelor's degree and subject area knowledge (an exam, or subject specialization with a 2.5 GPA); issued once a Florida school hires you and your fingerprints clear. Professional certificate (5 years, renewable): adds general knowledge and professional preparation and education competence. FLDOECertificate Types and RequirementsFlorida Department of Education
FLDOEGeneral KnowledgeFlorida Department of Education
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| Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) |
At least 18, good moral character, a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work, and a bachelor's degree. Finish a traditional preparation program (GPA of at least 3.0) or enroll in an intern program (a free intern certificate lets you teach up to 3 years). Pass the required tests and apply through TIMS; an instructional certificate application is typically $200. PDEGet Certified to Teach in Pennsylvania SchoolsPennsylvania Department of Education
PDECertification TestingPennsylvania Department of Education
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.