Special Education Teacher Salary and Career Outlook

What Is a Special Education Teacher?

A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with learning, mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities. Most special education teachers work in public schools, though some work in private schools. Public school special education teachers need a bachelor's degree and a state-issued license, while private school teachers typically just need a bachelor's degree. This guide covers special education teaching careers, including degree options, licensure requirements, and career advancement opportunities.

What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?

Special education teachers adapt and develop new general education lessons for students with disabilities. Teachers in this specialty also help students with disabilities to incorporate skills into their daily activities. Special education teachers primarily teach students from preschool through high school, though some work with adults in college or vocational programs. Special education teachers regularly collaborate with other specialists, educators, administrators, and parents.

Common duties for special education teachers include:

• Assessing a students' skills and needs
• Adapting lessons to students' learning needs
• Implementing and monitoring the progress of individualized education plans
• Updating parents and support staff on students' progress
• Preparing students to transition into life after graduation

Special education teachers may specialize in working with students with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities. They may also focus on a particular physical, sensory, or emotional disability. For instance, some special education teachers work exclusively with autistic children. Most special education teachers work in elementary schools, followed by secondary schools. Some of these professionals teach in exclusively special education environments, while others work in general classrooms.

Characteristics of a Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers provide students with basic skills training and mentorship. Successful special education teachers possess the following characteristics:

• Resourcefulness
• Communication skills
• Patience
• Critical thinking abilities
• Interpersonal skills

Special education teachers must also understand new and emerging technology, such as assistive learning support technology.

Become a Special Education Teacher

All special education teachers need a bachelor's degree. Public school special education teachers also need a state-issued license. Private schools do not typically require teachers to hold licensure. Some states require students to hold a bachelor's degree in special education, while others allow candidates with a degree in education and a minor in special education to apply for licensure.

Professional Licensure and Certifications

All public school teachers need a state-issued license to practice. Requirements for a standard teaching license vary by state but typically include the completion of a bachelor's degree and teacher-training program and passing scores on general and subject tests. Candidates must also pass a background check.

Candidates can often take the Praxis I test to meet general test requirements for licensure. Students must also take a subject test in the subject they plan to teach, this test is commonly offered at the end of a state-approved teacher-training program. Some states require additional education, experience, and/or credentialing exams for special education teacher certification. Students should check their state board for individual licensing requirements.