There are few responsibilities in the education space with more importance than those shouldered by teachers who specialize in learning and behavior disorders (LBD). For individuals who feel called to work with students with learning disabilities, a career focused specifically on learning and behavior disorders can help them better navigate challenges and opportunities in their classrooms.
Having the knowledge and skills to deliver quality services and educational programs for students with disabilities is an important first step to doing this kind of work. The Northern Kentucky University (NKU) online Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) – Teacher as Leader in Learning & Behavior Disorders program is one option for motivated educators who are interested in leveling up their impact on students. The career opportunities for graduates of this program include jobs like special education teacher, resource teacher, inclusion teacher and intervention specialist — all of which have the potential to be captivating and rewarding roles.
Learn About a Master’s in Education in LBD
The learning outcomes of NKU’s online M.A.Ed. – Teacher as Leader in LBD program are wide-ranging and intended to provide graduates with a solid foundation in the theory and pedagogy needed to support all students. The Working with Families of Students with Disabilities course provides teachers with the resources and know-how to interact effectively with parents and other family members who care for children with disabilities. Also, the Learning and Behavior Disorders course details assessment and remedial approaches for LBD.
The general goals for graduates of the M.A.Ed. program include:
- Acquiring the skills necessary to better serve students with diverse learning needs within a general education classroom setting
- Studying the principles and procedures that are required to teach students with learning or behavior disorders
- Exploring methods and techniques for effective instruction that meet the needs of students with mild disabilities
- Developing materials and methods that allow for the inclusion of students with disabilities in general elementary, middle and secondary classrooms
Career Opportunities for Teachers With a Master’s in Education in LBD
With the skills conferred by an M.A.Ed., professionals in the education space can look forward to a number of challenging and rewarding careers, including:
Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers are essential members of any school setting, as they are the educators directly responsible for helping students with disabilities learn on a day-to-day basis. According to Indeed, “They lead classrooms that include children with mental, physical and emotional disabilities. They often work with students on a one-on-one basis, helping them to adjust to their disabilities and complete tasks they cannot complete in the classroom setting.”
Resource Teacher
According to ZipRecruiter, a resource teacher is responsible for providing education, development and emotional opportunities for students with disabilities. While special education teachers are responsible for creating a productive classroom environment for their students, resource teachers have a broader role and often advocate for funding and support for students with disabilities from their school and district.
Inclusion Teacher
An inclusion teacher’s role in a classroom is to help one or more students with disabilities and assist them in being integrated and included in the learning environment. “Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of an inclusion teacher often requires collaborating with regular teachers, managing the education plans of students with congenital disabilities, and planning activities that emphasize inclusion and integration,” according to ZipRecruiter.
Intervention Specialist
Intervention specialists are a key part of any comprehensive special education program. They support students with disabilities, often in a school setting, though sometimes they visit a student’s home to help assist in their physical and academic development, according to ZipRecruiter. In some cases, an intervention specialist may also be a school-based position for drug and crisis counseling.
Advance Your Career With an M.A.Ed. in Learning & Behavior Disorders Online
A job helping students with learning and behavior disorders can certainly come with challenges, like any professional career in education. However, it also has the potential to be rewarding and socially beneficial. For those who want to simultaneously improve their classroom leadership skills and fulfill their passion for helping students with disabilities, an M.A.Ed. is the perfect next step.
Learn more about NKU’s online M.A.Ed. – Teacher as Leader in LBD online program.
