Find information on career certification/licensing in the state that you want to work. Contact the state certification/licensing office and ask what additional training or paperwork you will need to become a highly qualified professional in that state.
Requirements to become a licensed special educator or related service provider vary greatly from state to state, as do the terms used to describe disabilities and disability categories. State licensing agencies can give you specific details about the steps you need to take to become a licensed professional or certified paraprofessional.
NASDTEC is the
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. It is the organization that represents professional standards boards and commissions and state departments of education in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the U.S. Territories, Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario that are responsible for the preparation, licensure, and discipline of educational personnel.
Most states have alternative routes to certification. Note that some states listed below have separate websites to describe their alternative programs.
