How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Learn how to enter this rewarding and in-demand career.
If you're passionate about helping students with disabilities achieve their full potential and become successful, independent adults, learn how to become a special education teacher. In this role, you'll work with children of all ages with various intellectual, emotional, physical, and learning disabilities. You'll be part of a team including other professionals, such as speech and occupational therapists and counselors, to ensure that each student receives the full support they need to succeed.
It's a great time to start teaching special education, as teachers are in high demand. Factors such as an increasing number of children diagnosed with autism and other disabilities and a growing emphasis on inclusive education are driving this demand.
You can also work in various settings within special education teaching. For example, if you become a travel special education teacher, you'll provide services to students in different locations, such as remote and rural areas, or in hospitals or residential centers. You may need additional training to work in and adapt to new environments for this role.
After you learn how to become a special education teacher, you'll have many opportunities to pursue advanced roles, such as a recreational therapist, behavior analyst, speech and language pathologist, or school psychologist. However, these will usually require an advanced degree or certification.
What is Special Education?
Special education is a field specifically designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of services and programs tailored to the individual needs of each student. Special education aims to help students with disabilities to achieve their full potential both academically and socially.
What is a Special Education Teacher?
Special education teachers create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students to meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals. In this role, you can teach students of all ages, from early childhood through high school.
Your responsibilities will vary depending on your work setting, specialty, and the students’ disabilities. However, you'll typically do the following:
- Monitor students' progress and adapt instruction as needed to ensure that students are making progress toward their goals.
- Communicate with parents and other professionals, such as speech and occupational therapists, to ensure that each student receives the support they need.
- Collaborate with other teachers and staff to create an inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of all students.
- Manage behavior, providing positive reinforcement, and by implementing behavior management plans when needed.
- Stay up to date on the latest research and trends in special education and incorporate this knowledge into instruction.
- Advocate for students' rights and ensure access to the services and support they need to succeed.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Special education teacher requirements will vary based on your location, and state and federal laws. For instance, if you want to teach in a public school, you'll need a bachelor's degree and a state-issued license. You won't need a license if you work in a private school, but you will typically need a bachelor's degree in special education.
Becoming a special education teacher typically involves the following steps:
- Earn a special education teaching degree or a qualification in a related field, such as early childhood education or psychology. Many states also require that teachers earn a degree in a specific area of special education, such as learning disabilities or emotional and behavioral disorders.
- Meet state certification requirements. This typically includes passing a special education teacher certification exam and completing a supervised teaching experience. Requirements vary by state, so it's important to check with your state's Department of Education.
- Obtain a teaching license from your state's Department of Education, which may require passing a background check and completing continuing education credits.
- Gain experience. Special education teachers often begin their careers as assistant teachers or teaching assistants and work under the supervision of experienced special education teachers.
- Consider an advanced special education teacher degree or certification. Some states require teachers to hold a master's degree in special education, and some teachers pursue a master's degree to advance their careers. Some states also offer certification for specific areas of special education, such as autism or learning disabilities, which can be beneficial for career advancement.
How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make?
The average special education teacher salary in the U.S. is $20.10 per hour. However, your special education teacher salary will vary based on your location and level of experience. For example, if you’re based in Washington state, the special education teacher salary is slightly higher at $21.81 per hour. In New York, you can make a median salary of $22.87 per hour, which is 12% higher than the national average.
Use Monster's Salary Tool to determine the average pay for a special education teacher in your area. You'll also see salaries for related jobs, plus the skills you'll need to boost your value as an applicant.
How to Find Special Education Teacher Jobs
Now that you know how to become a special education teacher, it's time to look for special education jobs on Monster. Before applying, ensure you've updated your teacher resume along with your teacher cover letter explaining why you chose special education as a career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top five states with the highest employment levels for teachers and special education teachers are:
The top five metro areas with high demand for teachers and special education teachers are:
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