Special Education & Elementary Education

Start your degree to become a teacher

Are you interested in becoming a Special Education teacher? The teaching degree to become a SpEd teacher is BS, Interdisciplinary Studies with EC-6/SpEd Ec-12 certification.

Who is the typical student?

Students in the School of Education, earning their teacher degree in EC-6/SpEd EC-12, are passionate about teaching learners with exceptionalities in urban settings. Their own experiences inspired them to become a teacher and give back to others.

Learn MoreConnect with a current student or a current teacher to learn more about earning your degree to become a teacher.

What will you learn?

Face to face and online courses will prepare you to become a teacher. Our program focuses on student wellness and wellbeing in addition to teacher wellness and wellbeing. 

By senior year, students are in the field at least one day a week districts such as Cedar Hill ISDDallas ISDDe Soto ISDGarland ISDGrand Prairie ISDIrving ISD Lancaster ISDMesquite ISD, and Uplift Education.

Want to know how to become a Special Education teacher? Review the program course catalogue or connect with a pre-admissions advisor on questions about requirements and transfers

What are the requirements?

Requirements for becoming an elementary teacher are admission to the teacher education program, a semester of student teaching, a criminal background check, and passing your certification exams. 

Learn MoreConnect with SpEd program coordinator Dr. Marco Shappeck, or learn more about certification testing

What are the job prospects?

A teaching career provides stability and benefits while allowing you to impact the world. Starting salaries in N. Texas are just above $50,000 a year with health and retirement benefits. Special Education teachers also benefit from signing bonuses in most districts. Many teachers interview and receive preliminary offers before graduation.  Scholarships also ensure you leave the School of Education with low debt.  Learn more about the job market

Why a teacher degree?

A teacher degree with certification is an investment in a stable career with benefits.  Some become a teacher and stay teaching. Others advance by becoming a master reading or math teacher, instructional coach, curriculum writer, or even, administrator.  After successfully teaching over several years, others take their skills outside of schools to become tutors, educational sales reps, consultants, business owners, or policy advisors.  Learn more about career paths and design a roadmap