Teacher (Special Education)

Print

Work Tasks

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS teach and work with children with disabilities, such as autism, visual, hearing, and physical impairment, brain injury, and other impairments. They design and modify instruction to meet a student's special needs. They also work with the gifted and talented. They use various teaching methods, depending on the disability, including individualized instruction, problem-solving assignments, and group or individual work. They design curriculum, assign work, and grade papers and homework. They are also involved in student behavior and help them develop emotionally, be comfortable in social situations, and be aware of socially acceptable behavior.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $58,000 average per year ($28.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (468,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.7% per year)

Entry Requirements

All states require SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS to be licensed. A bachelor's degree and completion of an approved teacher program with a certain number of credits, and supervised practice teaching are required. Some states require a master's degree. Many colleges offer programs in special education at all degree levels. Special education teachers have more training than other teachers. Courses include educational psychology, legal issues of special education, and child growth and development. Courses imparting knowledge and skills needed for teaching students with disabilities are also given.