Special Education Teacher Career Outlook & Job Description
A special education teacher works with children of different ages in developing and managing their growth in conjunction with their special needs. The type of children a special education teacher works with will generally have cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Often, a teacher will modify the general education curriculum to make sure a student’s special individual needs are met. Special education jobs require a teacher to be patient, accepting and understanding.
Special Education Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks
Special education requirements in all states call for a teacher to be licensed. Some states require a master’s degree, though others only require a bachelor’s degree. Special education teachers are also required to complete a special education teacher’s training program. Some states offer alternative licensure programs for college graduates, when they would otherwise require a master’s degree, just for special education teachers.
Special education teachers need to be patient, calm, organized, inspiring and accepting. The job requires interactions with special needs children who are very different and come from all types of backgrounds. Special education students have various needs that require special attention and understanding to fulfill. Good communication skills are critical in a special education career, since many special needs children may lack the ability to understand or communicate themselves.
Special Education Teacher Salary and Job Outlook
Most public elementary, middle and high schools hire special education teachers for their special needs children enrolled in the district. While the exact number of special education jobs varies by geography, the general trend is that special needs children enrollment is increasing and the number of special education teachers with the right requirements are in short supply. A special education teacher salary can range between $33,000 and $40,000 at the start of a special education career, and grow to upwards of $75,000. Special education teachers may supplement that income by coaching or participating in running extracurricular activities in the school. Furthermore, teachers may become supervisors or administrators, especially if they go on to earn advanced degrees. Experience in this field may also qualify one to become instructors in college to prepare others who want to work in the special education field.
Special Education Degrees and Programs
Popular Programs:
- M.A. in Education/Special Education
- M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
- B.S. in Education / Elementary Education
- A.A. in Elementary Education
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- Master of Arts in Special Education (Option II)
- MA in Education (Leadership in Early Childhood Education)
- BA in Early Childhood Education
- MA in Education (Curriculum and Instruction Emphasis)
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- M.S. Special Education (K-12)
- B.A. Special Education
- Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program (K-8)
- M.A. Teaching (K-8)
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- Doctor of Education - Special Education
- Ed.S. in Special Education - General
- M.S.Ed - Special Education (non-licensure) (Grades K-12)
- Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Special Education
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: The Inclusive Classroom (SPED)
- Special Education (Middle Level/High School)
- B.S. in Early Childhood Education (Birth - 5 Years)
- M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood Education
- And more...
