Prior teaching experience is a prerequisite for many special education roles in the New Zealand education sector. Special education teachers often advise regular classroom teachers, so a knowledge of the curriculum and an understanding of classroom teaching and generally how things work in schools leads to a better rapport with the classroom teacher, and better outcomes for the students.
Some specialists are employed by the Ministry of Education and work in regional offices, serving all schools within a geographical area, while others work specifically for schools, either mainstream or special schools.
There are many reasons why teachers decide to enter the special education field. For some, it may be after positive experiences working with special needs students. For example, a teacher commented on her experiences with deaf students she met in her secondary art class. “I really wanted to work with them directly…and develop that one-to-one relationship.” For others, it is the feeling that they are facilitating positive outcomes for students and their families.
Special education courses range from diplomas to masters degrees. Postgraduate training is a major step towards a special education career. The Ministry of Education provides study awards and scholarships, often including paid leave for part or fill-time study. Special education teachers are encouraged to undertake further professional learning.
One early childhood education teacher who decided to move into early intervention has a Diploma of Early Intervention, and is now studying towards a Masters degree in Educational Psychology. She may continue and become a registered educational psychologist.
Special education careers include:
Special education advisor
Early intervention teacher
Resource teachers of the deaf or vision impaired
Advisor on deaf children
Education psychologist
Resource teacher: learning and behaviour
Speech language therapist
A teaching qualification is a prerequisite for all these careers.