Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Summary

Special education teachers work with students who may have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities.

Quick Facts: Special Education Teachers
2010 Median Pay	$53,220 per year
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Internship/residency
Number of Jobs, 2010	459,600
Job Outlook, 2010-20	17% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	77,400

What Special Education Teachers Do

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional and physical disabilities. With students who have mild or moderate disabilities, they ensure that lessons and teaching strategies are modified to meet the students’ needs. With students who have severe disabilities, they teach the students independent living skills and basic literacy, communication, and math.

Work Environment

Special education teachers work in either public or private schools. They generally work school hours when students are present but use nights and weekends to prepare lessons, do paperwork, and grade papers. Some special education teachers work during the summer.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Public school teachers are required to have a least a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Private schools typically require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. Teachers in private schools are not required to be licensed or certified, but private schools may prefer to hire teachers who have a license.

Pay

The median annual wage of special education teachers was $53,220 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of special education teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of increasing enrollment and continued demand for special education services.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations.

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What Special Education Teachers Do About this section

With students with mild or moderate disabilities, special education teachers ensure that lessons and teaching strategies are modified to meet students’ needs and with students with severe disabilities, they teach students independent living skills and basic literacy, communication, and math.

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. With students who have mild or moderate disabilities, they ensure that lessons and teaching strategies are modified to meet the students’ needs. With students who have severe disabilities, they teach the students independent living skills and basic literacy, communication, and math.

Duties

Special education teachers typically do the following:

Assess students’ knowledge and skills to determine their strengths and needs
Adapt, and collaborate with teachers to adapt, lessons to meet the needs of special education students
Help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which outline the services and accommodations each student will receive
Develop transition plans that outline services to help students as they graduate or move to a new school
Ensure that students are receiving the services outlined in their IEPs
Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
Meet with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to discuss students’ progress
Work with teacher assistants to ensure that they have the skills and information necessary to work with special education students
Ensure that schools comply with requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Special education services are offered in a variety of ways.

Some special education teachers work exclusively in special education classes that include only students who have IEPs. In this setting, special education teachers plan and present lessons and adapt the lessons to meet each of the students’ needs.

In settings with more inclusive models of special education, in which the students receiving special education services attend general education classes, special education teachers may spend a portion of the day teaching classes together with general education teachers. The special education teachers help present the information in a manner that is more easily understood by special education students.

They also serve as consultants to general education teachers to help them adapt lessons that will meet the needs of the special education students in their classes. Special education teachers may have students who visit them throughout the day to get extra help with particular subjects or lessons.

A team that includes special and general education teachers, counselors, parents, and, in some cases, the students themselves develop the individualized educational programs (IEPs). IEPs outline which services each special education student will receive, such as sessions with the school psychologist or counselor and class periods or times when the student will receive individual attention from special education teachers.

IEPs also may list services such as community mental health services, mentoring, and tutoring, which other organizations in the community provide. Special education teachers are responsible for ensuring that the students receive the services outlined in their IEPs.

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide variety of mental, emotional, physical, and learning disabilities. Some students need assistance only in a few subject areas, such as reading and math. Other students need help understanding how they learn and adapting study skills and strategies that best meet their needs.

Some special education teachers work with students who have physical and sensory disabilities, such as blindness and deafness, or with students who are wheelchair-bound. They also work with students who have autism spectrum disorders and with students who have emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Special education teachers work with infants to high school students. Students who have severe disabilities may work with a special education teacher until they turn 21 years old.

Special education teachers working with young children try to intervene as early as possible. Early intervention in the development of language, speech and social and motor skills allows children the best opportunity to improve in those areas.

With older students who have more severe disabilities, special education teachers help the students develop the skills necessary to live independently and find a job, such as balancing a checkbook and managing their time.

Work Environment About this section

Special education teachers can work with young children in child care centers.

Special education teachers held about 459,600 jobs in 2010.

Special education teachers work in public and private schools. Some teach in public magnet and charter schools. Others teach in private religious and secular schools. Some work with young children in childcare centers.

A few special education teachers work in residential facilities where special education students live or tutor students who must stay at home or in the hospital. Some special education teachers who work with infants and toddlers go to the child's home and work together with the child's parents, teaching the parents how to help the child develop skills.

Helping special education students can be highly rewarding. It can also be quite stressful—emotionally demanding and physically draining.

Work Schedules

Special education teachers generally work school hours when students are present. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers before and after school. In the evenings and on weekends, they often spend time grading papers, completing paperwork, and preparing lessons.

Many work the traditional 10-month school year, with a 2-month break during the summer. Some teachers may teach during summer programs. Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 8 weeks in a row, are on break for 1 week, and have a 5-week midwinter break.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher About this section

Special education teachers need to be able to explain concepts in terms students with learning disabilities can understand.

Education

All states require public special education teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Some of these teachers major in elementary education or a content area, such as math or chemistry, and minor in special education. Others get a degree specifically in special education.

In a program leading to a bachelor's degree in special education, prospective teachers learn about the different types of disabilities and how to present information so that special education students will understand. These programs typically include fieldwork, such as student teaching. Some states require special education teachers to earn a master’s degree in special education after earning their teaching certification.

Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements. However, private schools typically seek teachers who have at least a bachelor’s degree in special education.

Licenses

All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed. A license is frequently referred to as a certification. Those who teach in private schools are not required to be licensed.

Requirements for certification vary by state. However, all states require at least a bachelor’s degree. They also require completing a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, which is typically gained through student teaching. Some states require a minimum grade point average.

Many states offer general special education licenses that allow teachers to work with students across a variety of disability categories. Others license different specialties within special education.

Teachers are often required to complete annual professional development classes to keep their license. Most states require teachers to pass a background check. Some states require teachers to complete a master’s degree after receiving their certification.

Some states allow special education teachers to transfer their licenses from another state. However, some states require even an experienced teacher to pass their own licensing requirements.

All states offer an alternative route to certification for people who already have a bachelor’s degree but lack the education courses required for certification. Some alternative certification programs allow candidates to begin teaching immediately, under the close supervision of an experienced teacher.

These alternative programs cover teaching methods and child development. When they finish the program, candidates are awarded full certification. Other programs require students to take classes in education before they can start to teach. Students may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either type of program. For more information about alternative certification programs, contact the National Center for Alternative Certification.

Advancement

Experienced teachers can advance to become mentor or lead teachers. Mentors and lead teachers often work with less experienced teachers to help them improve their teaching skills.

With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators. Some become assistant principals or principals. Both positions generally require additional degrees in education administration or leadership. For more information, see the profiles on school and career counselors, librarians, instructional coordinators and elementary, middle, and high school principals.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Special education teachers must collaborate with teacher assistants and general education teachers. In addition, they must discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators.

Creativity. Special education teachers need to think creatively to develop new ways to present information in a manner that meets the learning styles of the students they serve.

Critical-thinking skills. Special education teachers review and analyze data about students’ progress, strengths, and weaknesses and use that information to develop strategies to help students learn.

Instructional skills. Special education teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand. In addition, they need to be able to get students engaged in learning and help other teachers adapt their content to special education students’ needs.

Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Special education teachers must be patient when students struggle with material.

People skills. Special education teachers must work with general education teachers, school counselors, administrators, and parents to develop Individualized Education Plans that are in the students’ best interests. Managing the priorities of these different groups can be difficult, so special education teachers need to be able to build good working relationships.

Pay About this section

Special Education Teachers

Median annual wages, May 2010

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School: $54,810
Special Education Teachers, Middle School: $53,440
Special Education Teachers: $53,220
Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School: $52,250
Total, All Occupations: $33,840

The median annual wage of special education teachers was $53,220 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,580, and the top 10 percent earned more than $83,410.

The median annual wages for special education teachers by grade level in May 2010 were as follows:

$54,810 for high school special education teachers
$53,440 for middle school special education teachers
$52,250 for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers

Job Outlook About this section

Special Education Teachers

Percent change in employment, projected 2010-20

Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School: 21%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School: 20%
Special Education Teachers: 17%
Total, All Occupations: 14%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School: 7%

From 2010 to 2020, overall enrollment is expected to grow in elementary and secondary schools, increasing the number of students receiving special education services. However, enrollment growth will not be equal across all grades.

Enrollment of special education students in kindergarten, elementary, and middle school grades is expected to grow faster than that in high school grades. As a result, employment of preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school special education teachers is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations, employment of middle school special education teachers is expected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations, and employment of high school special education teachers is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

Along with enrollment growth, continued demand for special education services is expected.

Children with special needs are being identified earlier, increasing the need for special education teachers for young children. Early identification is important because early intervention is essential in educating children who have special needs.

Laws emphasizing training and employment for people with disabilities are expected to lead to some job growth for special education teachers, as are new higher standards for high school graduation. More parents are expected to seek special services for children who have difficulty meeting the higher standards required of students.

Students will need the services of special education teachers to adapt lessons to their different learning styles and needs. Furthermore, general education teachers will need the help of special education teachers to learn how to present information to students who have learning disabilities.

Although overall student enrollment is expected to grow, there will be some variation by region. Enrollment is expected to grow fastest in the South and West. In the Midwest, enrollment is expected to hold steady, and the Northeast is projected to have declines. As a result, employment growth for special education teachers is expected to be faster in the South and West than in the Midwest and Northeast.

However, despite expected increases in enrollment, employment growth for special education teachers will depend on state and local government budgets. When state and local governments experience budget deficits, they may lay off employees, including teachers. As a result, employment growth of special education teachers may be somewhat reduced by state and local government budget deficits.

Job Prospects

From 2010 to 2020, a significant number of older special education teachers are expected to reach retirement age. Their retirement will create job openings for new teachers.

In addition, many schools, particularly those in urban and rural areas, have difficulties recruiting and keeping special education teachers. As a result, special education teachers should have little difficulty finding employment.

Job opportunities may be better in certain specialties, such as early childhood intervention or working with students who have multiple disabilities, severe disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders.

Employment projections data for special education teachers, 2010-20
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Change, 2010-20		Employment by Industry
Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2010	Projected Employment, 2020	Percent	Numeric	Employment by Industry
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Special Education Teachers	—	459,600	537,000	17	77,400	—
Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary School	25-2041	222,800	270,200	21	47,400	[XLS]
Special Education Teachers, Middle School	25-2053	98,100	117,900	20	19,900	[XLS]
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	25-2054	138,700	148,800	7	10,100	[XLS]

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of special education teachers.

Occupation	Job Duties	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2010 MEDIAN PAY
Audiologists	Audiologists diagnose and treat a patient’s hearing and balance problems using advanced technology and procedures.	Doctoral or professional degree	$66,660
Career and Technical Education Teachers	Career and technical education teachers help students in middle school and high school develop career-related and technical skills. They help students explore or prepare to enter a particular occupation, such as one in auto repair, healthcare, business, or the culinary arts.	Bachelor’s degree	$53,920
Childcare Workers	Childcare workers care for children when parents and other family members are unavailable. They care for children’s basic needs, such as bathing and feeding. In addition, some help children prepare for kindergarten, and many help older children with homework.	High school diploma or equivalent	$19,300
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals	Elementary, middle, and high school principals lead teachers and other members of school staff. They manage the day-to-day operations of elementary, middle, and high schools. They set goals and objectives and evaluate their school’s progress toward meeting them.	Master’s degree	$86,970
High School Teachers	High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.	Bachelor’s degree	$53,230
Instructional Coordinators	Instructional coordinators oversee school districts’ curriculums and teaching standards. They work with teachers and school administrators to implement new teaching techniques to improve the quality of education.	Master’s degree	$58,830
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers	Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare younger students for future schooling by teaching them the basics of subjects such as math and reading.	Bachelor’s degree	$51,380
Middle School Teachers	Middle school teachers educate students, most of whom are in sixth through eighth grades. They help students build on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school and prepare them for the more difficult lessons they will learn in high school.	Bachelor’s degree	$51,960
Occupational Therapists	Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.	Master’s degree	$72,320
Preschool Teachers	Preschool teachers educate and care for children, usually ages 3 to 5, who have not yet entered kindergarten. They explain reading, writing, science, and other subjects in a way that young children can understand.	Associate’s degree	$25,700
Recreational Therapists	Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation programs for people with disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips. These programs help maintain or improve a client’s physical and emotional well-being.	Bachelor’s degree	$39,410
School and Career Counselors	School counselors help students develop social skills and succeed in school. Career counselors assist people with the process of making career decisions by helping them choose a career or educational program.	Master’s degree	$53,380
Social Workers	There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.	See How to Become One	$42,480
Teacher Assistants	Teacher assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction.	High school diploma or equivalent	$23,220