How to Become a Behavior Specialist in Schools
Behavior Specialist Education Requirements, Career Path, & More
Behavior specialists are truly making a difference in the lives of students, especially those facing behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges. These professionals work directly with students to develop strategies that help improve behavior, build social skills, and support academic success.
If you’re someone who’s passionate about helping kids overcome obstacles and thrive in school, becoming a behavior specialist could be an incredibly rewarding career. In this guide, Soliant school career experts walk you through how to become a behavior specialist, covering everything from the education you’ll need to the incredible impact you can have.
How to Become a Behavior Specialist in Schools: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re interested in becoming a behavior specialist, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path to this rewarding career:
Step 1: Meet the Behavior Specialist Education Requirements
The first step toward becoming a behavior specialist is earning a bachelor’s degree, a crucial behavior specialist education requirement. While a master’s degree isn’t always necessary, many behavior specialists choose to pursue advanced education to deepen their knowledge and boost their qualifications.
If you’re thinking about going a step further and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), which is a higher-level certification in behavior analysis, then a master’s degree is a must. This degree typically covers subjects like applied behavior analysis (ABA), developmental psychology, and how to collect and analyze data, all of which will help you excel in your career as a behavior specialist.
What Degree Do You Need to be a Behavior Specialist?
While there isn’t a specific major required, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, education, or special education is an excellent starting point. A background in these areas will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to understand behavioral issues, child development, and educational systems.
A master’s degree in behavior analysis, special education, or psychology can provide you with specialized skills in behavior modification, intervention strategies, and working with children with complex needs.
Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, getting hands-on experience is key to becoming a successful behavior specialist. Many start out as teaching assistants, behavioral technicians, or in other entry-level roles where they get to work directly with students in school settings. This experience will give you the chance to apply behavior strategies, learn how classrooms operate, and understand how to work with students who have various behavioral needs.
If possible, look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time jobs that allow you to work with children or individuals with special needs. The more direct experience you gain, the better prepared you’ll be to step into a full-time behavior specialist role.
Step 3: Obtain Relevant Behavior Specialist Certifications
State certification requirements for behavior specialists can vary depending on the location and role. However, many specialists also pursue certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA), such as becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or working toward BCBA certification.
Typically, the process of getting certified involves completing a set number of supervised practice hours, passing exams, and meeting continuing education requirements. If you plan to work in public schools, you may also need state-specific certification or licensure in special education or school counseling.
Step 4: Apply for Roles
Once you’ve completed your education and certifications, it’s time to start applying for behavior specialist roles! When you’re starting your search, make sure you carefully read through the job description to ensure it matches your skills and experience.
Consider the type of environment you’d like to work in. Do you prefer a larger school district with diverse populations? Or would you like to work in a smaller, more specialized setting? What about the age group of children you’d like to work with?
The job search process can feel a bit overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can find a role that’s a perfect fit.
Explore Behavior Specialist Opportunities
Becoming a behavior specialist is a highly rewarding career that allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of students. Explore Soliant’s wide variety of school behavior specialist job opportunities today to find the perfect role for you!
Looking for more information about behavior specialist careers? Check out Soliant’s additional school career resources here, including helpful guides, tips, and more to support your career journey. Start making a difference today!
