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What Is a Special Education Teacher?

Special education teachers are tirelessly devoted to helping pre-K-12 students with disabilities succeed and grow academically and developmentally. They are in high demand, as public elementary (74%), middle (74%) and high (66%) schools reported difficulty filling special education teacher roles.¹ 

On a day-to-day basis, special education teachers have various responsibilities, from developing individualized curricula and instructional methods to designing and implementing Individual Education Programs (IEPs). They continuously observe learning progress and adapt to meet physical, academic and emotional needs. 

Special education teachers work with students with mild to moderate disabilities identified through IEP evaluation. IEPs are written plans that outline eligibility for special education and the support systems needed to cultivate student success. Students eligible for IEPs often experience learning, mental, emotional and/or physical disabilities. 

Public and private schools employ special education teachers, and there are also opportunities to work in specialized programs in residential facilities, hospitals or even student homes. Depending on student needs, they can assist in a general setting or a separate special education classroom. 

Amid daily responsibilities are deep rewards as special education teachers shape the academic experience of students with disabilities by guiding them to reach milestones, celebrating their accomplishments, promoting inclusivity and giving hope to families and loved ones. 

If you鈥檙e interested in serving students with disabilities, a career in special education may be for you. This career guide is a one-stop shop for all you need to know.听

Essential Skills and Qualities of a Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers have the same foundational skills and knowledge as general education teachers. However, to best serve students with disabilities, you should also have qualities grounded in supporting diverse and unique student needs. 

• Patience: Students with disabilities might learn and grow at different paces, and it鈥檚 important to practice patience to show them that their pace is valid.听听

• Compassion and Empathy: Taking time to understand the unique needs of each student not only shows that you care, but it helps build trust, so they feel supported. You also want to be empathetic with families and loved ones.听

• Communication: As you get to know your students, you鈥檒l notice that they exhibit diverse communication styles. It鈥檚 paramount to adjust your communication style to a way they understand. You also want to cultivate clear, productive communication with families and loved ones.听

• Adaptable and Creative Teaching Methods: Flexibility with your pedagogy can significantly impact student progress. If your original plan doesn鈥檛 move the needle forward, it鈥檚 time to reevaluate and identify what works more effectively.听

• IEP Knowledge: Accurately and effectively developing and implementing IEPs are large components of a special education teacher鈥檚 role. You鈥檒l need to clearly and fully understand the federal regulations and processes that must be followed.听
• Collaboration: Students with disabilities often have a support system that includes their families, loved ones, therapists and providers. You鈥檒l want to approach this system with a collaborative and holistic mindset to unify all parties, including the administrators at your school.听

Challenges and Rewards of Being a Special Education Teacher

Teaching special education comes with great fulfillment but also challenges. 

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• Making a Difference: A special education teacher is often one of the most treasured individuals in the life of a student with disabilities. Your willingness to meet them where they are and give them the education, life skills and support they need is invaluable.听

• Celebrating Progress: You鈥檙e the ultimate cheerleader as a special education teacher. When a student hits a milestone or even takes a step toward it, you get to celebrate them and build their self-confidence.听

• Career Stability: Special education teacher roles become available every school year, so you can rest assured that these positions are not going anywhere.听

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• Workload: Documenting IEPs and progress reports adds on to the high demands of supporting students with various disabilities. Sometimes, the demand can feel overwhelming.听

• Emotional Investment: Working with students with disabilities often involves building strong bonds and regularly supporting their deepest struggles and challenges. It can sometimes feel discouraging when students don鈥檛 make progress, or they鈥檙e not receiving the care they need outside of the classroom.听

• Advocacy: A special education teacher goes to bat for accommodations and services that students with disabilities need. They also hold schools accountable for following the law, promote inclusion and work to ensure their students鈥� needs are met.听

How Can I Become a Special Education Teacher?

1. Earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Special education teachers can start with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in any field. Many choose a degree in special education, early childhood education, psychology or something similar.听
2. Complete student teaching and gain practical experience. Work with a special education teacher as part of student teaching (typically required to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree). Hands-on classroom experience is critical to your success.听
3. Get licensed and certified. Earn your teaching license and any certifications you may need. Be sure to check what your state and school district requires.听
4. Consider advanced degrees and specializations. You can complete a master鈥檚 degree to grow your career into a leadership or higher-level role where you can lead and shape special education programs. Some colleges offer programs with specialties like behavioral interventions or advocacy.听

Special Education Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

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