Since you have had your degree, you’ve found that the degree is no longer the distinction it once was. So ambitious teachers and ESP’s (Education Support Professionals) are looking for new ways to differentiate themselves in education. For a growing number of them, specialty certification offers one way to demonstrate a high level of knowledge. But which certification is right for you?  And just how much advantage will certification really give you?

As an advisor for over 14 years, in professional licensure and certification, I’ve seen first-hand what makes some professionals advance in their careers and others struggle with advancement. In special education, a promotion is typically about feeling validated and making a greater impact in the lives of others or about earning what you think you deserve.

A promotion certainly makes one feel validated, and here are three ways I have seen professionals experience career growth.

1. Know your industry. When working in special education, Jennifer wanted to be sure that everyone understood the issues the school was facing.  She created a training process to educate other staff about IDEA compliance.  Learning the issues of your employer shows you think in broader terms, which will help get you noticed.

2. Become an expert. Despite what you may think, getting your degree doesn’t make you an expert by any stretch of the imagination. Specialty certifications demonstrate expertise. They demonstrate years of going to conferences, seminars, and then applying the education with practical experience.  Remember the workplace is incredibly competitive.

3. Prepare for leadership.  Are you ready to become a leader? How you plan, communicate, inspire, motivate, coach, and measure the work of others will require new skills.  Ask supervisors at the next level what they did to prepare, and what they would change or do differently if they could.  Pay particular attention to how they organize their time.

IBCCES understands that Special Education consists of professionals whose mission is to leave the world a better place.  Like IBCCES, they believe that every life has a purpose and they are determined to help each student reach their fullest potential. The CAS and AC specialty certification offered by IBCCES, are not just about providing success but also about creating satisfaction in ones work. IBCCES recognizes great special education professionals and believes they should be compensated for it.

“Parent’s are desperate for professionals to better understand their children with autism, says founder of the Certified Autism Specialist and CEO of IBCCES, Lyndsey Herrman.  “We certainly don’t have to educate parents on specialty certifications and their value,” says Herrman.

It has been reported that the CAS credential is being used to help during litigation cases. You can’t afford not to have the CAS. What makes a certification? Certifications are governed by a third party that requires a renewal process and that accepts continued education offered by industry wide providers.

Article written by Lyndsey Herrman, President and CEO of IBCCES