How to Train to Be a Teacher to Visually Impaired Children

Some visually impaired students learn to read using Braille.

Special education teachers who work with visually impaired students must undergo extensive training and obtain specialized certification in their field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teacher jobs are expected to increase by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. This rate is faster than the expected rated of growth for other teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. According to PayScale, Inc., teachers of the visually impaired make between $41,263 and $58,093, as of December 2010.

Instructions

1. Visit your state's department of education website to determine their particular education and certification requirements. Knowing this information before you start down the road to becoming a teacher can be very helpful. Teaching certification and licensing can be complex in some states, so it helps to put together a plan of action before you start training to become a teacher of the visually impaired.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in special education. While you can learn some subjects by obtaining a degree outside of the education field, special education teachers need specialized training. Most bachelor's degree programs in special education take four to five years to complete. Bachelor's degree programs in special education introduce you to the entire field of special education by providing you with a broad overview and training in teaching students with all types of disabilities.

3. Obtain your teaching certificate to work as a teacher in your state. In order to be certified to teach, you must meet the minimum education requirements (bachelor's degree), including the completion of a state-approved teacher education program. By pursuing a degree in special education, you will complete this step as part of your undergraduate education. The remaining step for certification involves passing a series of tests concerning teaching methods and your knowledge of special education.

4. Obtain a master's degree in education with an emphasis in teaching visually impaired students. Most master's degree programs will take one to two years to complete; in some cases, you can complete them via distance education like the program offered at Missouri State University. The master's degree program will provide you with the specialized training you need in order to work with visually impaired students. Most programs will teach you how to use and teach Braille as a way of reading and the use of assistive technology in learning, along with other methods for teaching visually impaired students. Most states only have a small number of schools offering these programs, so if you decide to pursue your degree via distance education, check with your state's education department to ensure that the program meets their specific certification requirements.

5. Pass the certification exams for working with visually impaired children. This is an additional certification that your state will require to ensure that you meet all of the standards necessary for qualification in this area.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers--Special Education
• National Federation of the Blind: Teachers of the Visually Impaired: Roles, Rights, and Responsibilities
• Missouri State University: Teachers of Visually Impaired Students