What is a Special Education Teacher?
Are you interested in a career that allows you to work with students with disabilities, facilitating their growth and development? If so, you may be the right fit for a role as a special education teacher.
A special education teacher is an educator who specializes in working with students with a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Special education teachers are trained to adapt and modify their teaching methods to meet the individualized needs of their students, making sure every child receives an education tailored to their abilities and learning style.
What’s the Difference Between a General Education Teacher and a Special Education Teacher?
While both general and special education teachers work with many different students, only special education teachers are specifically trained to work with students with varying disabilities.
Furthermore, general and special education teachers specialize in different areas. For example, general education teachers focus on content specialization, i.e., teaching a specific subject, whereas special education teachers focus on assessment and adaptation.
Therefore, rather than teach students a specific subject, special education teachers try to understand how students with disabilities learn and develop a lesson plan suited to their unique disabilities and learning styles.
Can a General Education Teacher Provide Special Education Services?
Special education teachers must obtain the proper certifications to be able to provide their services. As such, if a general education teacher does not meet the correct requirements, they are unable to provide special education services. However, general education teachers often work in conjunction with special education teachers.
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?
Special education teachers collaborate with parents, school administrators, and other educators to create and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which outline specific goals, accommodations, and support services for each student. The ultimate goal of special education teachers is to help students with disabilities achieve academic success and develop skills for independent living and employment.
How Can Special Education Teachers Help Students with Learning Disabilities?
Special education teachers support students with learning disabilities by creating individualized instruction to meet each student’s unique needs and learning style. They employ specialized training strategies to help students understand concepts and improve their academic skills. They also provide personalized attention and targeted interventions, helping to foster a supportive learning environment.
How Can Special Education Teachers Help Students with Behavioral Disorders?
Special education teachers implement structured behavior management plans, which promote positive behavior and reduce disruptions in the classroom. They may also work with school psychologists, counselors, and parents to develop additional strategies to address underlying issues that may be contributing to the behavior.
How Can Special Education Teachers Help Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Special education teachers create structured and predictable learning environments that cater to the sensory sensitivities and learning styles of students with autism. They may also utilize visual supports to further enhance understanding and promote independence in students’ daily tasks. Special education teachers may also work with therapists and parents to implement interventions that address social skills and behavioral challenges.
Benefits of Being a Special Education Teacher
Along with being a highly rewarding career, special education teachers enjoy a wide range of benefits. These include:
- Impactful work
- Diverse responsibilities
- Job stability
- Fulfilling relationships
- Personal growth
Challenges Faced by Special Education Teachers
While special education teachers enjoy a range of benefits, the role can also face certain challenges. These can include:
- High-volume of caseloads
- Resource constraints
- Emotional toll
- Behavioral challenges
- Complex legal and administrative requirements
How to Become a Special Education Teacher
For those interested in pursuing a career as a special education teacher, it is important to understand the various requirements they first need to meet to be considered for positions. These include both education and certification requirements. Requirements may vary depending on the position, the state where it’s located, and the school district. It is important to understand the local requirements when preparing for a career as a special education teacher.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Special Education Teacher?
To become a special education teacher, candidates must typically meet the following requirements:
Education:
Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in special education; however, some states may accept a bachelor’s degree in a different field in conjunction with a special education teaching certification. Master’s degrees are not always required; however, some positions and certain state licensing requirements may require one. A master’s degree can also help candidates advance in their careers and provide an upper leg in the job market.
Certification:
Once the proper education requirements have been met, candidates must then meet the state certification requirements. While requirements vary by state, they typically involve passing an examination along with supervised field experience.
Specialization:
Some positions and school districts may require additional specialization certifications, such as for working with autism or emotional or behavioral disorders.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Special Education Teacher?
Including both school and certification requirements, becoming a special education teacher typically takes between five and six years. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree usually takes four years, while completing the required field experience and certifications typically take one or two more years. Those wanting to obtain their master’s degree as well can expect it to take an additional two years.
How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make?
The salary expectations for special education teachers can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as location, the candidate’s education level, experience, and the school district.
On average, special education teachers make between $40,000 and $70,000 a year, with less experienced teachers making less and more experienced teachers earning towards the top of the range.
How to Get a Job as a Special Education Teacher
If you are looking for a role as a special education teacher, we can help! Check out our remote special education jobs to find out about roles in your area.