How to become an emotional and behavioral disorders teacher

Is becoming an emotional and behavioral disorders teacher right for me?

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Overview
What do emotional and behavioral disorders teachers do?

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How to become an Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Teacher

Becoming an emotional and behavioral disorders teacher requires education, training, and certification in special education with a focus on behavioral support. Here’s an overview of the pathway to the career:

Bachelor’s Degree
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education Teaching, Education, Psychology, or a related field. Some programs offer a concentration in emotional and behavioral disorders or behavioral intervention. Common coursework includes special education laws and policies, behavioral management techniques, classroom strategies for students with disabilities, and child development and psychology.

Teacher Preparation Program
As part of a bachelor's degree, you must complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This includes student teaching experience in a special education setting, under the supervision of a qualified teacher, as well as practical training in how to adapt instruction and develop individualized education plans (IEPs).

State Certification / Licensing
After completing a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program, you must obtain state certification (in the US) or equivalent in your country. Certification requirements vary by state, but typically include passing standardized exams (e.g., the Praxis Special Education Exam in the US), obtaining an endorsement in emotional and behavioral disorders, completing a background check, and providing proof of student teaching experience.

Master’s Degree (Optional but Recommended)
Many emotional and behavioral disorders teachers choose to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), or Educational Psychology. A master's may be required for certain special education endorsements. This advanced education can lead to senior roles with higher salaries, such as Behavior Intervention Specialist or Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach.

Special Education Endorsements / Additional Certifications
Many states require an endorsement in emotional and behavioral disorders. Some of the certifications described below may be required, or pursued voluntarily to expand skills, improve outcomes for students, and meet the diverse needs of students with EBD.

  • NASET Board Certifications – The National Association for Special Education Teachers (NASET) offers five board certification programs: Board Certification in Classroom Management (BCCM), Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE), Board Certification in Individualized Education Programs Development (BCIEP), Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE), Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE). These credentials demonstrate high levels of competency and can lead to professional recognition and higher pay.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certification – ABA certification is highly relevant for managing and improving student behavior. This professional credential focuses on the design and implementation of behavior interventions based on evidence-based practices. Candidates must complete a graduate degree with ABA coursework and supervised fieldwork, as well as pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
  • Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certifications – Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) is the world’s leading provider of evidence-based de-escalation training. Their programs equip staff with crisis intervention and de-escalation skills that reduce emotional outbursts or challenging behavior and help prevent future incidents. These are the programs and specialty topics coursework offered by CPI and its affiliates: Verbal Intervention Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI), NCI with Advanced Physical Skills, Trauma, Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Reframing Behavior, Prevention First Online Training.
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Certification – SEL training and credentialing, available through many different entities, focuses on social/emotional-informed practices that enhance teachers’ ability to effectively teach students emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills.
  • First Aid/CPR Certification – While not specific to emotional and behavioral disorders, first aid and CPR certification is often a requirement for all educators working with students, especially those in special education settings.

Teaching Experience
Start your career as a special education teacher, behavioral interventionist, or teacher assistant to gain experience.

Ongoing Professional Development
Stay updated with new teaching strategies, laws, and technologies. Attend workshops, join professional organizations, and renew certifications as needed.

Professional Organizations
In addition to the certifying bodies referenced above in the Special Education Endorsements / Additional Certifications section, the following organizations also support those working in special education and focusing on emotional and behavioral disorders:

  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) – The CEC is one of the largest professional organizations dedicated to improving the educational success of students with disabilities, including those with emotional and behavioral disorders. The CEC Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health Disabilities (DEBH) is particularly relevant for EBD teachers.
  • Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) – In education, ABAI’s main objective is to recruit and train individuals well versed in the science and application of behavior analysis.
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – While NAEYC primarily represents early childhood education (ECE) teachers, it offers resources and professional development opportunities that are relevant for educators working with young students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health (FFCMH) – This organization advocates for families and children with mental health challenges, including those with emotional and behavioral disorders. It offers valuable resources and strategies for teachers working with students with mental health needs.
  • Mental Health America (MHA) – MHA is a leading non-profit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, wellbeing, and illness prevention.