Synonyms: Special Education Instructor, Special Education Facilitator, Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Education Resource Teacher, Resource Teacher, Teacher

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics:
• How to Become a Special Education Teacher
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Matthew

Quick Facts

What special education teachers do:

Special education teachers tailor educational plans for students with disabilities, focusing on individualized instruction and adapting materials to meet their unique needs. 

Median income:

$65,910 annually or $31.69 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Special education teachers typically follow a school schedule but often extend their hours for lesson planning and meetings. They work in various settings, including schools, classrooms, resource rooms, collaborative spaces, and specialized support centers.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required, along with a teaching license, which varies by state.

Job Outlook:

The future for special education teachers is stable, suggesting that new job opportunities are likely to arise.

This is perfect for you if:

• You are passionate about supporting diverse learners
• You are dedicated to making a positive impact on students with disabilities
• You are patient and empathetic
• You are mission-driven
  

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Matthew Gomez to learn more about being a special education teacher here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Follows a school schedule, working from early morning to mid-afternoon, with additional hours for lesson planning and meetings. They may also work evenings for parent-teacher conferences and have summer breaks, though most teachers use this time for training or preparation.

Setting:

Classrooms, resource rooms, collaborative spaces, and specialized support centers. 

Tasks:

Teaching, individual instructing, creating lesson plans, monitoring and tracking student progress, meeting with parents and colleagues, completing required documentation and progress reports, and assisting students in developing social skills and emotional resilience.

Topics:

Teaching strategies, educational psychology, behavioral management, individualized education plans (IEPs), legal and ethical guidelines, and disability awareness and advocacy.

Skills:

Proficient in educational assessment, specialized instruction, and behavioral intervention. They also manage individualized education programs (IEPs), use assistive technology, and ensure legal compliance.

Tools:

A laptop or computer equipped with tools such as diagnostic software (e.g., measures of academic progress (MAP)), educational apps (e.g., IXL), assistive technology, and special education documentation software.

Common Characteristics:

Natural Talents (strengths):

Special education teachers are naturally empathetic, patient, and adaptable. They have strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.

Interests:

Hands-on work includes classroom activities, understanding individual learning needs and behaviors, and engaging directly with students to assist them with their needs.

Personality:

Special education teachers typically have realistic, investigative, and social personality types. They are practical, curious, and love engaging with others.

Values:

Student growth, equity and inclusion, empathy, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in special education or education, along with a state-issued license is typically required. Having a master’s degree is beneficial for career advancement or specialized roles.

Preferred Majors

Pursuing majors in special education, elementary education, secondary education, psychology, child development, or social work can be helpful.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

• Behavioral Therapist
• School Counselor
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Educational Psychologist
• Development Therapist

Advice from Matthew

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Gain experience by working at an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic to learn about behavior and reinforcement, obtain certifications such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Crisis Prevention and Intervention (QBS) Training, and read relevant books to deepen your understanding of education and behavior management. 

Recommended resources:

Books:

1. One World Schoolhouse by Salman Khan
2. Serve Them Well by Matthew Gomez
3. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
4. Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD
5. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
6. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Certifications, Training, and Programs:

1. RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
2. QBS Training (De-escalation Strategies)
3. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinic

What Matthew would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“Don’t get fixated on the destination. Instead, focus on the next step and don’t stress too much. Things might not turn out as expected, but they will work out. As Hal Elrod suggests, you have three minutes to vent about life’s challenges; then, acknowledge ‘Can’t change it’ and move forward. Concentrate on what you can control and keep progressing.”

Watch the full interview with Matthew:

Connect with Matthew

LinkedIn 

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 26 July 2024.

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