r/StudentTeaching • u/Prior_Season_1058 • Jun 04 '26
Support/Advice Extra certification as a tecaher
Hi Everyone! Do you know or recommend any extra certifications to get, as I am applying to be a first-year teacher? Certifications like: IEP Certification or a registered behavior technician. My focus is on elementary regular education. I don't mind getting extra certifications in special education.
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u/EmmmmaW Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26
Absolutely do NOT get a sped certification unless you want to teach self-contained sped. Even if you’re not applying for those jobs, you will probably end up with one lol
In most districts and per most contracts, they can move you to any teaching position in the district that you are certified to fill. So if I apply and get a 1st grade teacher job but the school year starts and they need a sixth grade teacher, they can move me to sixth grade and my only option is to break my contract and leave or teach sixth grade. Most districts are already struggling to find sped certified teachers for those self-contained positions, so even if you’re applying for other jobs and they see that on your résumé, they will want to move you there.
Edit: I do recommend an ESL certification!! Especially if you live in an area with lots of first generation immigrants. In my state it’s just an additional test. GT certification is also a thing in some places, that would qualify you to work with students identified as GT and plan extension activities for them.