Des Moines Special Education Jobs Overview
Are you looking to positively impact students' lives and help them reach their highest potential? If the answer is yes, you should start applying for special education jobs. As a special education teacher, you'll work with children of all ages with various behavioral, learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities to help improve their quality of life.
While many begin their careers working as a teacher or teacher's assistant in special education classrooms, you can pursue opportunities in roles such as a behavior analyst, recreational therapist, speech and language pathologist, or school psychologist as well. However, these will usually require an advanced degree or certification.
In a teaching role, you'll work with counselors, administrators, general teachers, and parents to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student according to their needs. An IEP outlines the performance and requirements of the student and provides measurable learning and behavioral goals.
Your responsibilities will vary depending on your work setting, specialty, and the students' disabilities. However, you'll typically do the following:
- evaluate the students’ skills and determine their educational needs
- meet with parents to discuss their children's progress
- schedule activities specific to each student's abilities
- teach and mentor students in classrooms, small groups, and one-on-one
- update IEPs throughout the year to reflect students' development
You can expand your search for education jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Des Moines, Iowa
If you don't live in Des Moines, cornfields may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Iowa's capital city. But Des Moines is far more than prairies and farms. According to several rankings, Des Moines is among the best and safest places to live in the U.S., a great city for young professionals, and an affordable place to buy a first home. So, if you're thinking about looking for jobs in Des Moines, you're not alone!
Des Moines has a lot to offer residents. You can admire the breathtaking architecture of the State Capitol building, browse the displays at Des Moines Art Center, or take a scenic walk through Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens before eating a "Dead Moines burger" from Zombie Burger or a crab rangoon pizza from Fong. The vibrant Historic East Village located downtown is lined with more than 90 locally owned restaurants, bars, food trucks, and shops.
The unemployment rate in Des Moines is lower than the national average, and its job market is healthy in comparison to other similarly sized metro areas. To top it off, the cost of living is pretty low in Des Moines. Jobs can also be found in other nearby cities like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames.
Update Your Des Moines Special Education Resume
When it comes to your job search, resume writing can be a challenging subject to conquer. That's why we're here to help. When you craft your resume, highlight your teaching skills, such as communication style and teaching methods, with solid examples of how you've put them into action. If you want an A+ job, check out our sample teacher resume for ideas and inspiration to get your resume noticed.
Also, don't forget to include that all-important cover letter that briefly describes your professional background and passion for the job. For more help, refer to our sample teacher cover letter and library of practical cover letter tips.
How Much Do Special Education Jobs Pay in Des Moines, Iowa?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in special education jobs in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median special education teacher pay in Des Moines is $16.85 per hour, which is 21% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Des Moines Special Education Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in special education? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those special education jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Des Moines, how to nail your job interview, and more.