Related job titles are: Special Education Teacher, Resource Teacher, Teacher, Preschool Special Education Teacher, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (EC Special Education Teacher), Intervention Specialist, Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Special Education Resource Teacher, Early Interventionist, or Teacher of the Handicapped.
How Much Does a Special Education Teacher Make? | Special Education Teacher Salary
The median yearly salary for special education teachers was $53,220 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). This median salary is simply the salary where half the employees earned more and half earned a lesser amount. Employees in the lower 10 percent had an annual salary less than $35,580, and those employees in the top 10 percent earned greater then $83,410.
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do? | Job Description
Middle School Teacher is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013." 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.
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.
Special Education Teacher Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
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.
Special Education Teacher Jobs | Who is Hiring?
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.
Get information on paying for college using Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.
