CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
Working with Special Needs Students
by Monnie E. Mount
Special Education Teacher
"Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And wherever he went, he healed people of every sort of disease and illness. He felt great pity for the crowds that came, because their problems were so great and they didn't know where to go for help. They were like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers...'" Matthew 9:35-38 NLT
Over twenty-five years ago I was blessed to be able to attend college through the generosity of my family. At that time in my life, I was challenged to decide on a career. I had to make a decision what path I would pursue. After getting advice and asking many questions from professors and counselors the answer became clear -- special education. "Take that road," they encouraged. I was grateful for the advice because my heart was immediately exposed to what it takes to serve people with special needs, physically and mentally: a heart to love deeply and long-term commitment. There are many different types of careers associated with special needs people. God is searching your heart, as you are reading this, to see if you have the desire to pursue one of these career possibilities, and eventually use that training in serving
those with special needs. He has opportunities all over the world waiting for faithful and sacrificial disciples to lay their lives down to glorify Him. Some of the exciting careers in serving people with special needs include the following:
Teachers
• Classroom resource teacher
• Special day class teacher
• Teachers aide
• Home teacher
• Recreational therapist
• Adapted physical education specialist
• Assistive technology
• Vocational education teacher
• Orientation and mobility instructor
• Art and music therapist
Health Care Professionals
• Doctor
• Nurse
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech and language therapist
• Psychologist
• Audiologist
Other Related Services
• Lawyer
• Advocate
• Social worker
• Administrator
If you choose one of these careers your character will be challenged. To succeed, you will need the qualities that Jesus displayed as he loved and taught the people. It is only through walking in the
shoes of others and experiencing what they go through, that we truly understand what it means to live with a disability. Through this our hearts are softened and humbled, as we grasp the spiritual strength it takes to endure. These qualities include: love, patience, perseverance, courage, compassion, loyalty, faith, hope, goodness, kindness and integrity. Ask yourself, where do you see yourself glorifying God? Are you having a spiritual impact? Do you dream of making a difference in God's Kingdom? Embrace the challenge it would take to be devoted. Take the time to volunteer, tutor, observe, serve and love the special needs people that God has put in your life. I believe God wants all our children to be cared for and reach their full potential. It is my dream for the 21st century to see the Kingdom fulfill every family's special needs.