Special Education Teacher
Quick Facts
Median Salary$68,155
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+12.97%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
Core Tasks:
- Instruct students with disabilities in academic subjects, using a variety of techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, or repetition to reinforce learning and meet students' varying needs.
- Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
- Modify the general elementary education curriculum for students with disabilities.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
- Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.
- Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, or social development.
- Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.
- Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.
- Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.
- Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students.
- Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.
- Guide or counsel students with adjustment problems, academic problems, or special academic interests.
- Plan or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or school or state requirements.
- Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise elementary school programs.
- Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, or food preparation.
- Confer with other staff members to plan or schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Prepare, administer, or grade tests or assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.
- Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.
- Interpret the results of standardized tests to determine students' strengths and areas of need.
- Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.
- Administer standardized ability and achievement tests to elementary students with special needs.
- Plan or supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, demonstrations, or visits by guest speakers.
What to expect as a Special Education Teacher
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
48% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Special Education Teacher related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
25215 openings for Special Education Teachers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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