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What is Special Education Teaching?

Special education teaching is an area of work that requires an individual to identify learning and other disabilities that affect a child and develop an educational curriculum and plan that assists in tackling the disability and in order to provide the student learning opportunities. Individuals in this field may choose to specialize in a particular disability or set of disabilities, resulting in a more specific curriculum and skills, whereas others may choose a broader area of focus allowing for more flexibility in employment.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$61,280

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

39.51%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

481,600

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Special Education Degree

The top ranked Special Education degree program at Vanderbilt University is designed for licensed teachers and to those who want to obtain a license in teaching. There are four concentrations that students may choose from. It can be early childhood, high incidence disabilities, visual disabilities and severe disabilities. This program will mold the teachers to embrace student’s humanity as they envision their role in developing a productive system-level change.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Master of Science in Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities Concentration at Johns Hopkins University is for people who seek a certification to work with students who have mild-to-moderate emotional, learning and intellectual disabilities. Students earning this degree will have to complete two field experiences. They will learn how to apply specialized techniques in supporting their students in a variety of educational settings. They will be introduced to applied experiences in legal issues, behavior management and instructional programming.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Master of Education-Special Education K-12 is offered at Averett University. They aim to equip their students in assessing special-needs students. They foster appropriate instructional strategies in helping special-needs students meet educational goals. They maintain small classes to ensure productive discussions. This also makes a way for participation in projects and each student is given attention by the instructors. 

Acceptance Rate

23.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Special Education Certificate at the University of Southern California provides in-service teachers that can effectively respond to the needs, abilities and interests of students with special needs. They can do this both in classrooms and specific school classrooms designed for students with documented learning differences. Individuals who successfully completed this certificate are able to compete in the contemporary professional marketplace. They have surely obtained a wider range of knowledge in teaching and learning.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

School of Education degree at the University of Virginia coupled with a Human Development Special Education degree.  Both are designed to prepare their students in becoming a teacher educator and researcher that can promote the application of practices that are based on evidence in serving children and youth with special education needs. Degree programs for beginners in pursuing as a special educator are offered here. Advanced graduate programs for those who have extensive experience but still want to discover new evidence about effective practices as also available here. The master’s level guarantees to provide exemplary and trustworthy evidence-based services for individuals with disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

In the beginning of Year 2, The Human Development & Psychology program at UCLA houses their Joint Doc students in Special Education. Students interested in this program must first apply to CSULA’s PhD program in Special Education. The Department of Education at the University of California-Los Angeles was recognized as the number one graduate school of education in the country by U.S. News & World Report. They were called the leader in the study of urban education and the teachers that work for them are strongly committed to social justice.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Doctoral degree in Special Education at the University of California-Berkeley is offered jointly with San Francisco State University and culminates in a PhD degree. This joint program renders the strengths of these two dynamic Universities to produce leaders and researchers in the field of atypical learning. Students can choose a specific area of academic specialization in special as well as general education. Faculty and program resources of both universities will be used for advanced knowledge and research.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Special Education Licensure Offerings at Boston College is offered at the master’s degree level in mild-moderate disabilities as well as in severe and multiple disabilities. Students can also choose to take dual programs which combine two special education majors. Another option is a combination of general education program and special education program. All of these programs are designed to prepare the teacher candidate to work in a variety of settings as they serve children with disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

BS in Special Education at Boston University gives their students the opportunities to prepare for careers as teachers in a variety of settings. They can work in public or private school programs or in residential or vocational settings. First-time students will be required to pursue coursework in the BU Hub’s general education program. This will then be integrated into the entire undergraduate experience of first-year students. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Special Education degree at Lehigh University took a person-centered approach to education, including all people with disabilities whether in school or in the entire society. They provided options for students to be a top professional in special education, regardless if they have a Master's degree or not. Their goal is to produce highly-qualified special education teachers, competent researchers, and skilled behavior analysts. Graduates of this program are known to be highly recruited.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Rochester offers a degree in Special Education Teachers. It provides the shortest path to both initial and professional NYS certification and in addition to that, a guaranteed 50% scholarship. Their goal is to produce teachers who can make a difference in their student’s life. This program will prepare teacher candidates to help students with disabilities thrive and grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

A degree in Special Education is available at New York University. Through coursework and field experiences, you will be trained to teach young children at different developmental stages. You’ll receive hands-on experience teaching in schools and will be allowed to collaborate with families. You can gain the in-demand skills to become a secondary school teacher for students with disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Special Education major at the University of Texas at Austin was ranked eighth by U.S. News & World Report. This program conducts innovative research that has a global impact. They provide students the chance to gain specialist training along with research experience. Topics such as supporting math and reading interventions, educating students with autism spectrum disorders and bilingual students with disabilities are studied here.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

A Special Education degree at the University of Florida is dedicated to producing teachers that will make an impact on learners with challenges. Students who choose this program will be prepared for a field of diversity. They will be trained to give individualized educational support to students with special needs. The outstanding education that they offer was verified when their online graduate programs ranked number 2, while their schools for graduate programs in special education ranked number 5. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Miami is offering a Specialization in Special Education. This gives emphasis on students with high-incidence disabilities. Participation in ongoing faculty research is included in this specialization. They will also give stress on the intersection of special education with diversity issues. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of California-Davis has a Center for Research on Special Education, Disabilities and Developmental Risk. This is a multi-campus research that is devoted in enhancing the ability of the University to attract from a national pool of talented students. This is expected to win huge extramural grants and improve the visibility of the UC efforts. It aims to improve the doctoral preparation of the next generation or research and teacher education.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Special Education degree at the University of Maryland-College park is established to prepare highly qualified teachers both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This is also designed to prepare researchers, leaders and teacher educators at the doctoral level of special education. The students here will receive unparalleled education experience that focuses excellence in professional practice within a diverse community. This program was ranked eleventh in the year 2015 survey by U.S. News & World Report. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Special Education major at Florida State University provides cutting-edge instruction and research. The mentors you’ll meet here will help ensure that you receive the training and tools that are essential to successfully support the learning, creativity and inspiration that your students need. You will be given the opportunity to work with a diverse range of students from all backgrounds, giving you the real-world experience. Slowly, you will learn how to make a real difference in real lives.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Master of Science in Special Education degree at Cal Poly State University teaches their students how to support both children and youth not just in school but also in-home contexts. They will know how to develop, implement and adjust Positive Behavioral Support Plans. They will be effective in collaborating with families and school professionals. They will be able to create learning environments that nurtures and gives joy to students with special needs.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Special Education programs at the University of Georgia provides opportunities for students to work in general curriculum, adapted curriculum as well as in birth through kindergarten areas. They offer programs that span the full range of special education both in academic and clinical preparation and service opportunities. This program remains to be at the top of national rankings. That is done with the help of their well-known faculty, outstanding students, collaborative research and their educational contributions.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Elementary and Special Education degree at Providence College is one of the few in New England that offers dual certification in elementary education. It provides content knowledge and professional practice standards both in general and special educators. Diversity is greatly valued in this program. And together with their candidates they work to implement inclusive practices.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Master’s in Special Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners at George Washington University is offered online. This is for initially certified teachers and educational service providers that work in schools. This is best suited for those who are passionate in improving the quality of learning for children that have diverse needs. This program’s goal is to empower applicants to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of their students.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

SUNY at Binghamton University offers an advanced degree in Special Education. This program may open the way to a Master of Science in education and will give eligibility for New York state teaching certification available in three respective levels. This program is expected to impart knowledge and skills that will enable students to fulfill various special educators’ roles in today’s schools. Sufficient flexibility is offered, and it guarantees to extend applicant’s knowledge and skills that will result in an effective way of working with students that have disabilities.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

BS in Special Education is a highly regarded degree program at Syracuse University.  This academic program can lead to a graduate study at their SOE 50% Master’s and certificate of Advanced Study Scholarships. Students under this program can participate in EDU Sims which helps to identify your strengths and will develop your professional skills. You will be ready to teach in K-6 and K-8 school settings. You will be able to provide general education and specific content knowledge instruction. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Language and Literacy Department at The College of New Jersey offers a degree in Special Education. This is for those who aspire to be an experienced teacher or even to those who already are. This program is designed to provide the right foundation to teach diverse learners. All of their programs are structured to cater specialized repertoire of skills and strategies to their students.

Acceptance Rate

49.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?

A special education teacher is a unique type of teacher who provides academic and emotional support to students and their guardians. As an educator and student advocate, special education teachers provide a range of support to students of all needs and all backgrounds. Special education teachers my arrange their schedule to create lesson plans, teach a class or private session, perform classroom observations, assess students, and manage a students ever-evolving Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Like many other teaching positions, the job of a special education teacher requires organization, communication, and task-orientation. From scheduling meetings with co-teachers, parents, and administrators to creating goals and organizing instructional material, a special education teacher is a vital professional in the teaching field. In a recent survey performed by the U.S. Department of Labor of special education teachers nationwide, the most popular job duties of a special education teacher come into focus. The 5 most popular job duties of a special education teacher include:

  1. Meet with parents, administrators, paraprofessionals, testing specialists, social workers, medical professionals, counselors, and others to develop valuable individual education plans (IEP)
  2. Guide and instruct special needs students in academic subjects, using a variety of techniques, such as phonetics, multi-sensory learning, or repetition to reinforce learning and meet evolving student needs
  3. Create individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote educational, physical, and social development of each student
  4. Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities
  5. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, policies, and administrative regulations of a particular school or school district

College Requirements for Special Ed Teachers

Aspecial education teaching degree program teaches an individual to work with children with disabilities and develop an individual education program (IEP) for each child they work with to meet their educational needs. Bachelors, masters, and PhD programs are available, with some programs focusing on a broad spectrum of disabilities while others specializing in one. The final year of the program typically has the student in a teaching environment under the supervision of a certified specialist.

Programs may include courses in:

  • Education of Students with Severe/ Multiple Disabilities
  • Observations in Special Education
  • Working with Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities
  • Psychological Foundations of Learning Disabilities
  • Literacy of the Special Learner

How to Become a Special Education Teacher?

In order to become a special education teacher, you will need to understand your state teaching requirements. Most states require students to earn a bachelors degree in teaching along with a specific number of hours of supervised student teaching. The mix of academic learning and hands-on experience help prepare students for managing a classroom and teaching a diverse group of students in a variety of settings.

After earning your college degree in teaching from an accredited college or university, you will need to apply for a teaching certificate or teaching license in your state of residence. After successfully passing the examination for your teaching license or certificate, you will be eligible to teach in your state. Your teaching license or credential will need to be perpetually renewed at a frequency established by your state with many at 5 year intervals. You will also need to complete a set number of approved continuing education credits to keep your credential active between renewal cycles.

It is important to annotate the above process with a unique opportunity for some known as emergency credentialing or emergency certification. In these situations, states or specific school districts provide teaching credentials to teachers based on demand or need without the teaching degree or student teaching requirements. A teacher will step into a classroom as a full-charge teacher and work on their credentials during the evenings or weekends.

Most Popular Special Education Careers

Like many other professions, the field of special education is a dynamic vocation with ever-evolving needs and demands.  As academia and research bodies learn more about neurology, psychology, and medical science, the field of special education will also push its existing boundaries for the benefit of individuals with special needs.  A cross-section of special education areas of concentration that include a broad array of needs that include the following:

Early Childhood Credential (ECE)

An ECE certificate or degree is a professional credential authorizes a special education teacher to work with young students.  Students in early childhood education can range in age from infant through kindergarten with a range of needs from behavioral to physical disabilities.

Visual Impairment (VI)

With a visual impairment teaching credential, a special education teacher can extend their knowledge and skills to students of all ages suffering from total or partial blindness.  A special education teacher with a VI endorsement may be a specialist in visual needs or work with students with multiple disabilities as part of a team or specialists or as the go-to specialist.

ADD/ADHD

While ADHD and ADD are different conditions, a special education teacher is often trained in both instead of one or the other.  Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder are diverse medical conditions affecting a student’s focus, behavior, mood, and ability to develop a variety of interpersonal skills.  A recent study by the National Resource Center on ADHD cites that over 11% of children are affected by ADD and the need is growing to understand the condition and help to remediate for the benefit of each child.

Cognitive Disabilities

Special education teacher may also find themselves working in the field of cognitive disabilities.  The cognitive disability field is a broad category that includes an array of intellectual or cognitive limitations related to a brain injury, learning disabilities, neurodegenerative diseases, and low-level deficits.

Autism

In the last decade, there has been a large uptick in special education teachers specializing in autism given the current rate of young adults diagnosed with ASD is near 1 in 50.  The field of autism is a classification of neurodevelopmental disorders that can impact a person’s ability to effectively negotiate domains such as social, cognition, behavioral, and communication.

Speech Disorders

Special education teachers that specialize in working with students with speech disorders will typically focus on those with one or more of the following needs: voice, stuttering, apraxia, and dysarthria.  With nearly 10% of young students having an identifiable speech disorder, the needs are real.  Fortunately, special education teachers and paraprofessionals have the tools and adaptive technology to help students with speech intelligibility, phonology, auditory disorders, language development, and articulation.

Hearing Impairment

A special education teacher may elect to concentrate on helping student with hearing impairment in the classroom or during private tutoring sessions.  Hearing loss can be grouped into sensorineural, conductive, or a mix of conductive & sensorineural.  With hearing loss or hearing impairment reaching 15% of adults in the United States, special education teachers are needed more now than ever to perform audiometric assessments and treatment programs.

Learning Disabilities

The NCLD defines a learning disability as a “neurological difference in the brain’s structure and functionality that restricts the capability to receive, process, store, communication, and/or retrieve information”.   Special education teachers working with students suffering from one or more types of learning disabilities are uniquely trained and equipped to help modify and enhance learning for students of all types.

Physical Disability

Special education teacher’s may also specialize in helping others with a physical disability and can find themselves working in a public school, private school, educational support facility, or government agency.  Physical disabilities can include a wide array of conditions that adversely affects dexterity and/or mobility such as paraplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, polio, dystrophy, and absent limb/reduced limb functionality.

Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities and Teaching Licensure

All 50 states requiring licensing for special education teachers, though the requirements for licensing will vary from state to state. As detection methods for disabilities improve, the need for qualified special education teachers is expected to increase. Additionally, special education teachers can move into regular education positions, which is another source of expected open positions. The shortage of qualified individuals ensures that work will be available upon completion, though demand may vary by area and  require relocation. Teachers specialized to work with specific disabilities may find it easier to find work.  A special education teacher needs to be attentive and patient when working with children with disabilities and must be able to apply a variety of teaching methods in order to work with students who are having difficulty learning.

Common Job Titles of a Special Education Teacher

A set of common job titles for a special education teacher will vary from district to district along with the specific job responsibilities.  Nonetheless, we have gathered a list of popular job titles to help prospective students understand some nomenclature and terminology used by school districts and private organizations.  The list of common job titles of a special education teacher includes:

  • Early Childhood Special Educator
  • Severe/Profound Mental Handicapped Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Inclusion Teacher
  • Emotional Disabilities Teacher
  • Hearing Impaired Itinerant Teacher
  • Learning Support Teacher
  • Resource Program Teacher
  • Severe Emotional Disorders Elementary Teacher
  • Special Education Resource Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher

Where Do Special Education Teachers Work?

A special education teach can work in a number of different settings across various industries. By in large, special education teachers will work in a public or private teaching setting while a small number of other teachers will work for government agencies and various educational support services. A list of the most popular places a special education teacher can work include:

Early Childhood Education School: A special education teacher may work in a early childhood education center as a Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher. The qualification requirements depend on the school or school district along with specific state requirements for the program. Special Ed teachers may work with individual children in a preschool setting or with small groups to work on specific skills such as communication, self-help skills, sign language, and behavior modification.

Elementary School: Special education teachers working in an elementary school may work independently or with a team of aides or paraprofessionals in the classroom depending on the set-up of the class and the needs of the children.

Middle School/Junior High: The requirements of a special education teacher in middle school tend to shift from basic communication found in ECE and primary grades to behavior management and disability assistance.

High School: Special education teachers working in a high school setting are focused on helping students develop life skills necessary to succeed after graduation. From working with students on communication skills to preparing students for a vocational program after high school, special education teachers are an important facet for students with disabilities transition from school or high school to college.

Medical/Healthcare: Special Education teachers can also be found working in medical and healthcare settings. Although limited in number, special education teachers have the skills, attributes, and personal characteristics to assist patients from a variety of backgrounds and disparate needs move forward.

ESS: Educational Support Services (ESS) is yet another work setting you will find special education teachers. Working in a district office or as a paraprofessional for a private or public entity supporting the work of others is the nature of an ESS professional.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational Rehabilitation Services or VRS is a viable career path for a special education teacher. A special education teacher may work with or for a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or an associated professional to help prepare individuals join the work force.

Government Agencies: A special education teacher may find themselves working for a variety of state, local, or federal government agencies. From politics to family support services (CPS, DSHS), a special education teacher will often have the demeanor and latent skills needed in various types of government-related jobs.

Job Growth, Salary and Related Teaching Fields

As the acceptance of educational needs for students becomes more widespread, and the requirement to have specialized teachers in public school systems becomes mandatory, the resulting growth is expected to increase steadily over the next decade. Areas of higher population will have more opportunities for employment. The average salary of special education teachers is $57,910 per year, with a projected growth rate of 6% over the coming decade adding some 28,100 special education teachers during that time.

Individuals interested in a career in special education teaching may also be interested in education, early childhood education, or elementary education. For more information about a career in teaching, check out The Single Most Comprehensive Guide to a Teaching Career post on our blog.

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