Special education teachers instruct and mentor students of all ages who have mental, physical or learning disabilities. These professionals accommodate general education lessons according to a student’s needs and develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They work with students in a class, in small groups or one-to-one, providing lessons and activities that help students develop academically, socially and personally.
40hweek
Full Time
Standard school hours
Special education teachers work in school classrooms, resource centres, hospitals or students’ homes. They may also work outdoors during times of play.
While helping students develop academically can be extremely rewarding, the job can also be stressful and emotionally draining.
$40k
$60k
$97k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Undergraduate
DVM / VMD degree
4years
Both public and private schools require that special education teachers have a bachelor’s degree preferably in special education, although some schools will accept applicants with a degree in in elementary education or a specialised area, like English or maths.
That said, you will need to pursue at least a minor in special education. Some states, meanwhile, require aspiring teachers to complete a master's programme in special education.
All states require licensure or certification in the particular grade level that they teach. Professionals in private schools do not need such licensure.
Those with a bachelor’s degree can gain certification after completing alternative programmes that cover teaching methods and child development.
3%
13.6k
N/A
With experience, you can become a mentor to less experienced individuals starting out in the same position, or you can progress to a lead teacher role in the schools you work for.
Some special education teachers decide to become school counselors or even school principals.
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics