Any ideas?

[SreamoLover]

I'm looking into being a speacial education teacher specializing in mental disabilities. What are courses I can take to prepare myself? What is a good major to choose? Any good books to read on the matter?

[SaxyJag]

You talk about choosing a major. I take it then that you're not in the UK? Well anyway:

Most people here go either through a four year education BA with QTS incorporated, or a three year subject BA followed by a one year PGCE. Even if you teach SEN, you have to have a subject specialism related closely to the curriculum of the age group you intend to teach (eg. maths, english, art, PE etc). However, it's not unusual for teachers in SEN to have psychology in their degree profile.

You need no special qualifications here to teach SEN, other than a first degree and QTS, but many teachers in the field go on to take masters degrees in SEN.

What's more important is enthusiasm for helping others to get the benefit of a subject you love, no matter what their intellectual capacity.

[leekers]

mental disabilities???? correct term is learning disabilities i hope you get the advice you need and quick!!!!

[SreamoLover]

Actually there is a difference between learning disabilities and mental disabilities. Mental is a bit more extensive than learning. If you have a learning disability you may just be a little bit slower than others. I want to teach kids with serious problems. Thanks