Exploring the World of Educational Therapy: What You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered about the term “educational therapist” and what exactly someone with this title does?

An Educational Therapist differs from a tutor. While some tutors may have training in how children and adults learn, they usually focus on specific subject areas. Educational Therapists look at learning as a whole, and the many parts that go into succeeding in academics.

Educational Therapists go to graduate school for 2-3 years to study learning differences and disabilities, in order to help struggling students in school. 

Educational Therapists focus on helping students, typically in a 1:1 setting, who have different learning challenges, in areas such as reading (dyslexia), math (dyscalculia), writing (dysgraphia) attention issues, or any combination of these. They use what they’ve learned to create personalized student remediation and intervention plans for academic success.

Educational Therapy Overview

While a tutor typically concentrates on specific subjects, an Educational Therapist takes a more comprehensive approach. They work with students’ parents, teachers, and other allied professionals to set goals and make a plan for lifelong learning in school and beyond 

This involves using a mix of personalized strategies to meet a child, teen, or adult’s unique needs. These dedicated professionals are committed to helping learners succeed in academics by addressing each student’s distinct learning difficulties.

Assisting Students with Learning Differences

Educational Therapists act as highly trained and skilled academic coaches, using various tools and strategies tailored to each student’s needs. 

Their mission is to support students by enhancing their school performance through a variety of strategies.

Understanding the Educational Therapist’s Mission

By using formal and informal assessments and observations to understand a student’s strengths and areas of challenge, Educational Therapists can focus on how to leverage a student’s strengths to help navigate their specific academic difficulties. They regularly assess to measure a student’s progress, and can pivot to new strategies when necessary.

This information about their clients helps Educational Therapists create personalized plans and interventions that match each student’s specific needs.

Advocating for Inclusivity

In addition, Educational Therapists play a crucial role in advocating for students with learning differences. They establish collaborative partnerships with schools to ensure appropriate accommodations and support services are available to students. Additionally, they talk with parents and teachers about learning differences and disabilities, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Learning Issues Supported

Educational Therapists may specialize in working with clients with various learning difficulties. These areas often include:

1. Reading difficulties, like dyslexia, by using personalized strategies to enhance reading skills.
2. Addressing attention issues, such as ADHD, with customized approaches to improve focus.
3. Providing special attention to math struggles, like dyscalculia, using targeted methods to improve understanding.
4. Meeting spelling and written language challenges with effective remediation and intervention techniques.
   
   

In addition, Educational Therapists also focus on broader issues like study skills, organization, time management, and executive functioning difficulties 

By tailoring their methods to the needs of their clients, these professionals empower individuals to manage diverse learning challenges and gain independence and confidence in school settings.

Education Needed for Becoming an Educational Therapist

Many Educational Therapists have a bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, or special education. They pursue a Master of Arts in Educational Therapy (MA ET) to develop their skills and understand how to work more intensively in 1:1 settings with students with academic challenges.

During your graduate school classes in the MA ET Program, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills that will prepare you for this rewarding career. Courses will cover topics like:

• Learning disabilities and laws to support Special Education students in school
• Academic assessments, both formal and informal
• How to read and understand psychoeducational & neuropsychological reports and implement recommendations
• Strategies to support students with reading, writing, math and executive function challenges

Real-World Experience Through Internships

The capstone Internship class will be a crucial part of your training, allowing you to apply what you have learned in a practical setting. You will witness firsthand the impact you can have on a student’s growth and success.

In addition to your education and training, being an Educational Therapist requires a genuine passion for helping others. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential in building trust and rapport with your students. Every student is special, and you must make a safe and supportive place for them to succeed.

Becoming an Educational Therapist: The Journey Ahead

For those thinking about becoming Educational Therapists, it’s more than just using regular teaching methods. It’s an opportunity to implement focused interventions to help each student with their unique academic needs.

Being an Educational Therapist means you have the chance to be a part of a student’s academic growth and help them (re)discover joy in learning. As you embark on your journey to become an Educational Therapist, remember that your role extends beyond the classroom.

You will collaborate with parents, teachers, and other allied professionals to ensure a holistic approach to each student’s education. By working together, you can create a comprehensive support system that maximizes the potential of every student.

Choose Your Future

Becoming an Educational Therapist is a fulfilling and impactful career choice. You can change students’ lives by helping them reach their full potential and succeed in school. If you want to help others gain skills, confidence and independence in their learning, becoming an Educational Therapist is the perfect path for you.

Jumpstart your journey! Fill out the form below to learn more about Notre Dame de Namur’s 100% online educational therapy master’s program.