As a special education teacher, you need the support and resources to stay educated in your field. Being part of a special education teacher association can help! From professional development programs to networking opportunities, these professional associations are a great place to find information related to the special education field.
National Association of Special Education Teachers
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the only national membership organization dedicated solely to meeting the needs of special education teachers and those preparing for the field of special education teaching.
Benefits of joining the association:
- Professional Development - By being a member of NASET, you get access to more than 100 courses that are included in your membership. Continuing education classes with study hours are also available at an additional price.
- Special-Education Focused Content - As a member, you get free access to an online peer-reviewed research journal in special education, the Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals. In addition, you will receive a weekly e-newsletter focused on special education topics. Other content includes video lectures and presentations.
- Career Center - The National Association of Special Education Teachers Career Center lists the latest job opening for special education professionals throughout the country.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local affiliates and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.
Benefits of joining the association:
- Peer Networking - The NAEYC interest forum is a great place for members to talk to others who have the same passion as them.
- Educational Content - All members receive instant access to a myriad of digital articles that are focused on working with young children. In addition, depending on the membership level, members receive free books, online courses and print subscriptions to Young Children and Teaching Young Children.
Some of the most popular state-based special education associations that are specific for administrators include the Michigan Association of Special Education Administrators as well as the Louisiana Association of Special Education Administrators.
