Educational diagnosticians have one of the most important jobs in any school district. These dedicated professionals are experts when it comes to the assessment and instruction of special needs learners. Teachers with at least three years of experience, a master’s degree and a desire to become more involved in special education would do well to consider the online Program Certificate in Educational Diagnostician from Lamar University.
For individuals with questions about an educational diagnostician’s specific job duties, here is a closer look at some of the essential contributions these educators make daily.
What Does an Educational Diagnostician Do?
Without well-educated, experienced educational diagnosticians, students with special needs would not get the assistance necessary to succeed academically. Educational diagnosticians conduct formal assessments to determine which students may be struggling. Once those determinations have been made, they shift their focus to finding ways to help students overcome whatever challenges they may be facing. They also carefully observe students in classroom environments to find out how they approach academic assignments and how they respond to teachers and other students. When necessary, educational diagnosticians can also provide special education services to students who need them.
Educational Diagnosticians and the IEP
Individualized Education Programs (IEP) are essential to the success of any student with special needs, and the educational diagnostician plays a vital role in constructing these plans. Here are a few of the ways educational diagnosticians contribute to a student’s IEP:
- Interpret the significance of a student’s evaluation results
- Assess the relevant strengths and weaknesses of a particular student
- Collaborate with teachers and administration to help determine strategies for success
- Monitor the progress of individual students concerning the IEP objectives or goals
- Make suggestions for necessary curricular modifications or accommodations
Personal Traits and Professional Skills
Skilled educational diagnosticians possess excellent communication and mediation skills, as they often work in group settings to determine strategic approaches for assisting special needs learners. Patience, critical thinking and the ability to resolve conflicts are also extremely valuable. Diffusing potentially high-stress situations – such as collaborating on IEPs – is a big part of the job, so remaining cool under pressure is an absolute must. Multitaskers with analytical minds tend to do well as educational diagnosticians.
Salary and Professional Outlook
Qualified educational diagnosticians can expect a salary between $47,000 and $97,000 annually. The average yearly salary, as of March 2021, is $75,006, but it can touch $105,000. Factors such as the candidate’s experience, the school district, and the cost of living all play a role in determining compensation levels. Many areas desperately need educational diagnosticians, so the professional outlook can be categorized as bright. Additionally, there is solid potential for advancement among experienced diagnosticians. Individuals considering the certification have reason to feel good about their professional futures.
Educational diagnostician certification is the perfect option for teachers with master’s degrees who want to acquire the specialized knowledge and training needed to be a leader in the world of special education. Lamar University’s fully online program is open to educators with at least three years of experience. The shortest possible completion time is 11 months. Online programs are an ideal option for working professionals who want to make a deeper contribution to special education in their schools.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Program Certificate in Educational Diagnostician.
Sources:
American Academy of Special Education Professionals: Educational Diagnostician
Pro Care Therapy: What is an Educational Diagnostician? Job Role, Salary & More
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