Special Education Teacher: Education, Career Paths and Job Outlook

Learn about becoming a special education teacher, possible career paths, and the job outlook for the next decade.
By
portrait of Evan Thompson
Evan Thompson
Read Full Bio

Writer

Evan Thompson is an education and careers writer with BestColleges. He was previously a journalist with bylines in the Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, and Everett Herald. His beats have included education, sports, business, outdoors, and lifestyl...
Updated on January 12, 2024
Edited by
portrait of Sarah Eilefson
Sarah Eilefson
Read Full Bio

Editor

Sarah earned her doctoral degree in English from Loyola University Chicago and her undergraduate degree from Colby College. She believes in the power of education to advance one's personal and professional life and has worked as an educator for more ...
Reviewed by
portrait of Krystin McCauley Watkins, M.Ed., Ed.D.
Krystin McCauley Watkins, M.Ed., Ed.D.
Read Full Bio

Reviewer

Dr. Krystin McCauley Watkins — an esteemed educator, instructional designer, and educational leader — holds a doctor of education in curriculum & instruction: educational technology from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Watkins is renowned for h...
Learn more about our editorial process

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

  • Special education teachers provide instruction and support for students with disabilities.
  • They create inclusive learning environments and empower students to succeed.
  • A degree in special education is the first step to becoming a special education teacher.
  • Special education teachers earn over $60,000 per year, according to national statistics.

Research shows approximately 7.3 million students with disabilities attend public K-12 schools. They make up about 15% of the total enrollment, increasing from 13% (6.4 million) over the past decade.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees "a free appropriate public education" to every student with disabilities from ages 3-21. This includes special education and related services.

Special education teachers play a crucial role in today's education system. They create inclusive learning environments and empower students to succeed.

A special education teacher works with students with disabilities who require specialized accommodations. These students may experience physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties, such as:

  • Disorders involving intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome
  • Learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia
  • Developmental disabilities that can make communication, socializing and learning more difficult, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Disorders that make physical activity challenging, including cerebral palsy, blindness, or deafness
  • Speech impairments or language disorders, such as stuttering, apraxia of speech, and impaired articulation
  • Emotional and behavioral disorders, including social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and more

This guide discusses special education teachers' education, training and career paths.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What is a Special Education Teacher?

A special education teacher specializes in instruction and support for students with disabilities. Special education teachers create inclusive learning environments, address social and behavioral skills, and assess student progress. Their primary goal is to empower students with disabilities to succeed academically and socially.

Special education teachers also collaborate with students, parents, and educators to create individualized education plans (IEPs). Each plan modifies curriculum materials to suit each student's specific requirements. This effort requires advocating for disabled students and coordinating with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support.

How To Become a Special Education Teacher

There are a few ways to start a career as a special education teacher, depending on the type of career you want. Typically, to become a teacher assistant or work on the support staff, you need a two-year degree. To become a teacher, you need a four-year degree and teacher certification.

People with associate degrees in special education often work as teacher assistants or support staff in schools. A bachelor's degree in special education prepares you for many different careers. Besides teaching, you can also be a director at a preschool or childcare center. Administrative or curriculum development roles often require a master's degree.

Specific education requirements vary by state and public and private schools. Some states require teachers to earn a degree in special education. Others allow you to major in education or another subject, like math or science, and minor in special education.

Public school teachers usually need at least a bachelor's degree and state certification or licensing. Private schools usually require a bachelor's degree, but not do not always require a licensing or certification.

Associate Degree in Special Education

Associate programs in special education usually require 60 credits and two years of full-time study. These programs typically focus on understanding disability populations and developing strategies to support their learning and development.

The coursework may cover topics such as inclusive education, behavior management, assessment techniques, and how to collaborate with families. You may also study legal and ethical considerations in special education.

Bachelor's Degree in Special Education

A bachelor's degree in special education usually requires 120-180 credits and takes four years of full-time study. These degree programs provide comprehensive education. Students learn about different disabilities, like learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders.

They learn about inclusive education, IEPs, behavior management, assistive technology, and differentiated instruction. Practical experiences and field placements are often included to provide hands-on training.

Master's Degree in Special Education

Earning a master's degree in special education can help you qualify for a promotion or salary increase. You can go after higher positions like instructional coordinator or school principal. It also gives you the power to pursue more specific roles, such as academic counselor.

Master's programs in special education may include topics such as teaching strategies for students with disabilities, integrating exceptional learners into regular classrooms, and evaluating special education behavior.

Students in master's programs may also take a series of classes in research design and analysis, preparing them to incorporate research into their practice or continue their education at the doctoral level.

Certifications and/or Licensure

The requirements for becoming a certified teacher vary by state. Most teachers begin their careers with an apprentice or provisional teaching license, which is valid for 1-3 years.

Some states may allow educators to renew their beginner license once. After that, they must qualify for a professional teaching license.

A professional license may require graduate courses in special education. It may also require professional development programs.

The American Academy of Special Education Professionals offers board certification in special education. This voluntary professional credential recognizes your commitment to education for exceptional children. This certification requires a relevant master's degree and five advanced professional development courses.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards offers an autism certificate for educators. The certificate specializes in autism spectrum disorder. Applicants need to finish 14 credits for autism education. They also have to pass a competency exam and pay a fee. Renewal requires ongoing education.

Special Education Teacher Career Paths

Special education degree programs usually offer several study options for students. These options can lead to the career path that aligns with your personal. For example, you can choose to work with certain age groups. Or, you could work in support areas that enhance student education.

Early Intervention

An early intervention concentration focuses on helping children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth to age five. These professionals help children with communication, motor skills, thinking, and emotions. They can assess, make personalized education plans, teach parents, and collaborate with other education professionals.

Elementary Education

An elementary education specialization focuses on teaching and supporting children with disabilities in elementary school settings. They provide personalized instruction, accommodations, and support for students with disabilities.

These disabilities may include learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual disabilities. Elementary special education teachers learn about inclusive classrooms, behavior management, and adaptive instruction.

Secondary Education

A secondary education concentration teaches students with disabilities in grades 6-12. This concentration prepares students to teach specific subjects like English, math, science, social studies, or foreign languages. It may also emphasize the importance of inclusive classrooms.

Special Education Technology

Teachers in this concentration use technology to assist students with disabilities. Different tools and programs can make learning easier. These include software programs, mobile applications, and communication devices.

A special education technology concentration teaches you how to choose and adapt tools to meet the needs of students. For example, some students may perform better when presented with information on screens instead of in books.

Gifted Education

Special education also encompasses instruction provided to gifted learners. Students who select this focus can learn about fast-paced curricula, condensed lessons, and identifying and evaluating gifted students. They can also learn about opportunities for gifted students, like advanced classes and enrichment programs.

Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers

The career outlook for teachers in special education is generally positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $62,950 in May 2022. Although employment rates are not expected to rise, there are about 33,500 job openings each year for special education teachers.

Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers
Job Title Average Base Salary Typical Entry-Level Degree
Special Education Paraprofessional $22,229 Associate Degree
Teacher Assistant $25,787 Associate Degree
Special Education Teacher $52,897 Bachelor's Degree
Educational Specialist $56,636 Bachelor's Degree
Director of Special Education $82,246 Master's Degree
Source: Payscale

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Teachers

What Challenges Do Special Education Teachers Face?

Special education teachers face several unique challenges in their field. Some teachers struggle adapting to students who need individualized attention or specialized instruction. Managing behavior can be tough when students exhibit challenging behaviors. These behaviors may result from difficulties in communication or self-regulation.

What Skills Do Special Education Teachers Need?

Patience, creativity, and empathy are key for working with children with disabilities. Special education teachers must know behavior intervention, positive reinforcement, and de-escalation. These strategies address challenging behaviors. Special education teachers must also understand the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other relevant laws and regulations that govern special education.

What Else Can I Do with a Special Education Degree?

A special education degree gives you career options outside of the classroom. You can pursue curriculum development, education administration, or early intervention. Also, special education graduates find work with state and federal agencies. They may also work for residential care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.


Page last reviewed December 13, 2023.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Compare Your School Options

View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.