I will be graduating this June with a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in special education. I was also admitted to a graduate program in special education starting this fall, but I have the option to defer enrollment for up to one year.
Financially, going straight into the master’s program would be very difficult, so I’m considering working as a special education teacher for the 2026–2027 school year before starting graduate school. I’m just not sure how I would realistically afford tuition if I went directly into the program.
My question is: if I apply for teaching positions knowing there’s a possibility I may only stay for one year, is that something I should communicate during interviews, before receiving a job offer, or should I wait until later (if at all)?
Part of me feels guilty about potentially taking a special education position for only a year, especially knowing how much support first-year teachers receive from colleagues and how relationship-based this field can be for students. I would likely be working in a resource setting providing push-in and pull-out academic support for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
I would really appreciate any insight or advice from fellow special education teachers or administrators. Thank you!