Review the information on the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook for Special Education Teachers. In 250-500 words, de

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 1/6

What They Do ->

Special Education Teachers PRINTER-FRIENDLY

Bureau of Labor Statistics Publications Occupational Outlook Handbook Education, Training, and Library

Search Handbook Go

OOH HOME | OCCUPATION FINDER | OOH FAQ | OOH GLOSSARY | A-Z INDEX | OOH SITE MAP

Summary

Summary

Quick Facts: Special Education Teachers

2021 Median Pay $61,820 per year

Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree

Work Experience in a Related Occupation None

On-the-job Training None

Number of Jobs, 2020 463,200

Job Outlook, 2020-30 8% (As fast as average)

Employment Change, 2020-30 37,600

What Special Education Teachers Do Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

Work Environment Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students from preschool to high school. Many work the traditional 10-month school year, but some work year round.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher Special education teachers in public schools are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued certification or license. Teachers in private schools typically need a bachelor’s degree but may not be required to have a state license or certification.

Pay The median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,820 in May 2021.

Job Outlook Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 38,600 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for special education teachers.

Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of special education teachers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about special education teachers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What They Do

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

Summary What They Do Work Environment How to Become One Pay Job Outlook State & Area Data Similar Occupations More Info

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 2/6

Special education teachers may teach students in small groups or on a one-on-one basis.

<- Summary Work Environment ->

Special education teachers work with students from preschool to high school.

What Special Education Teachers Do Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

Duties Special education teachers typically do the following:

Assess students’ skills and determine their educational needs

Adapt general lessons to meet students’ needs

Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student

Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities

Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one

Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress

Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals

Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators

Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities

Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school

Special education teachers work with students from preschool to high school. They instruct students who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. For example, some help students develop study skills, such as highlighting text and using flashcards. Others work with students who have physical disabilities and may use a wheelchair or other adaptive devices. Still others work with students who have sensory disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments. They also may work with those who have autism spectrum disorders or emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Special education teachers work with general education teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents to develop IEPs. Students’ IEPs outline their goals, including academic or behavioral milestones, and services they are to receive, such as speech therapy. Educators and parents also meet to discuss updates and changes to IEPs.

Special education teachers must be comfortable using and learning new technology. Most use computers to keep records of their students’ performance, prepare lesson plans, and update IEPs. Some teachers also use assistive technology aids, such as Braille writers and computer software, that help them communicate with their students.

Special education teachers’ duties vary by their work setting, students’ disabilities, and specialties.

Some special education teachers work in classrooms or resource centers that include only students with disabilities. In these settings, teachers plan, adapt, and present lessons to meet each student’s needs. They teach students individually or in small groups.

In inclusive classrooms, special education teachers instruct students with disabilities who are in general education classrooms. They work with general education teachers to adapt lessons so that students with disabilities can more easily understand them.

Some special education teachers work with students who have moderate to severe disabilities. These teachers help students, who may be eligible for services until age 21, develop basic life skills. Some teach the skills necessary for students with moderate disabilities to live independently, find a job, and manage money and their time. For more information about other workers who help individuals with disabilities develop skills necessary to live independently, see the profiles on occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants and aides.

Work Environment

Work Environment Special education teachers held about 463,200 jobs in 2020. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up special education teachers was distributed as follows:

Special educa�on teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 188,600 Special educa�on teachers, secondary school 140,900 Special educa�on teachers, middle school 78,500 Special educa�on teachers, all other 34,300 Special educa�on teachers, preschool 20,800

The largest employers of special education teachers were as follows:

Elementary and secondary schools; local 83% Elementary and secondary schools; private 9

A small number of special education teachers work with students in residential facilities, hospitals, and the students’ homes. They may travel to these locations. Some teachers work with infants and toddlers at the child’s home. They teach the child’s parents ways to help the child develop skills.

Helping students with disabilities may be rewarding. It also can be stressful, emotionally demanding, and physically draining.

Work Schedules Special education teachers typically work during school hours. In addition to providing instruction during this time, they grade papers, update students’ records, and prepare lessons. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers or specialists before and after classes.

Many work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work in summer programs.

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 3/6

<- What They Do How to Become One ->

Special education teachers need to be able to explain concepts in terms students with learning disabilities can understand.

<- Work Environment Pay ->

Special Education Teachers

Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then are on break for 3 weeks.

How to Become One

How to Become a Special Education Teacher Special education teachers in public schools are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree and a state- issued certification or license. Private schools typically require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, but the teachers are not required to be licensed or certified.

Education All states require special education teachers in public schools to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some require teachers to earn a degree specifically in special education. Others allow them to major in education or a content area, such as mathematics or science, and pursue a minor 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 students will understand. Programs typically include a student-teaching program, in which prospective teachers work with a mentor and get experience instructing students in a classroom setting. To become fully certified, states may require special education teachers to complete a master’s degree in special education after obtaining a job.

Private schools typically require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in special education.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed in the specific grade level that they teach. A license frequently is referred to as a certification. Those who teach in private schools typically do not need to be licensed.

Requirements for certification or licensure can vary by state but generally involve the following:

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average

Completion of a student-teaching program

Passing a background check

Passing a general teaching certification test, as well as a test that demonstrates knowledge of the subject the candidate will teach

For information about teacher preparation programs and certification requirements, visit Teach.org or contact your state’s board of education.

All states offer an alternative route to certification or licensure for people who already have a bachelor’s degree. These alternative programs cover teaching methods and child development. Candidates are awarded full certification after they complete the program. Other alternative programs require prospective teachers to take classes in education before they can start to teach. Teachers may be awarded a master’s degree after completing either type of program.

Advancement Experienced teachers may advance to become mentors who help less experienced teachers improve their instructional skills. They also may become lead teachers.

Teachers may become school counselors, instructional coordinators, and elementary, middle, and high school principals. These positions generally require additional education, an advanced degree, or certification. An advanced degree in education administration or leadership may be helpful.

Important Qualities Communication skills. Special education teachers need to explain concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand. They also must write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and share students’ progress with general education teachers, counselors and other specialists, administrators, and parents.

Critical-thinking skills. Special education teachers must be able to assess students’ progress and use the information to adapt lessons.

Interpersonal skills. Special education teachers work regularly with a team of educators and the student’s parents to develop IEPs. As a result, they need to be able to build positive working relationships.

Patience. Special education teachers must be able to stay calm instructing students with disabilities, who may lack basic skills, present behavioral or other challenges, or require repeated efforts to understand material.

Resourcefulness. Special education teachers must develop different ways to present information that meet their students’ needs. They also help general education teachers adapt their lessons to the needs of students with disabilities.

Pay

Pay The median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,820 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,040.

Median annual wages for special education teachers in May 2021 were as follows:

Special educa�on teachers, preschool $62,420 Special educa�on teachers, secondary school 62,120 Special educa�on teachers, middle school 61,820

Median annual wages, May 2021

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 4/6

<- How to Become One Job Outlook ->

Special Education Teachers

<- Pay State & Area Data ->

Special educa�on teachers, all other 61,720 Special educa�on teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 61,640

In May 2021, the median annual wages for special education teachers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Elementary and secondary schools; local $62,070 Elementary and secondary schools; private 50,270

Special education teachers typically work during school hours. In addition to providing instruction during this time, they grade papers, update students’ records, and prepare lessons. They may meet with parents, students, and other teachers or specialists before and after classes.

Many work the traditional 10-month school year and have a 2-month break during the summer. They also have a short midwinter break. Some teachers work in summer programs.

Teachers in districts with a year-round schedule typically work 9 weeks in a row and then are on break for 3 weeks.

Job Outlook

Job Outlook Overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 38,600 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment Demand for special education teachers will be driven by school enrollments and the need for special education services.

Demand for these teachers and services should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.

Federal laws require that every state must maintain the same level of financial support for special education every year. However, employment growth of special education teachers may depend on increases in funding.

Employment projections data for special education teachers, 2020-30

Occupational Title SOC Code

Employment, 2020

Projected Employment, 2030

Change, 2020-30 Employment by IndustryPercent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Special education teachers 25-2050 463,200 500,800 8 37,600 Get data

Special education teachers, preschool 25-2051 20,800 23,400 12 2,500 Get data

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 25-2052 188,600 203,400 8 14,800 Get data

Special education teachers, middle school 25-2057 78,500 84,400 8 5,900 Get data

Special education teachers, secondary school 25-2058 140,900 151,800 8 10,800 Get data

Special education teachers, all other 25-2059 34,300 37,900 11 3,600 Get data

State & Area Data

State & Area Data Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Special education teachers, all other

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school

Special education teachers, middle school

Special education teachers, preschool

Special education teachers, secondary school

Projections Central

Special education teachers $61,820

Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and

special education teachers $61,030

Total, all occupations $45,760

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics

Percent change in employment, projected 2020-30

Preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and

special education teachers 9%

Total, all occupations 8%

Special education teachers 8%

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 5/6

<- Job Outlook Similar Occupations ->

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com . Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

CareerOneStop CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations

Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of special education teachers.

Career and Technical Education Teachers Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts.

Bachelor's degree

$61,160

Childcare Workers Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.

High school diploma or equivalent

$27,490

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. Master's degree

$98,420

High School Teachers High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.

Bachelor's degree

$61,820

Instructional Coordinators Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness.

Master's degree

$63,740

Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling.

Bachelor's degree

$61,350

Middle School Teachers Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades.

Bachelor's degree

$61,320

Occupational Therapists Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

Master's degree

$85,570

Preschool Teachers Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten.

Associate's degree

$30,210

Recreational Therapists Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.

Bachelor's degree

$47,940

Social Workers Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. See How to Become One

5/15/22, 3:36 PM Special Education Teachers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 6/6

<- State & Area Data More Info ->

<- Similar Occupations

More Info

Contacts for More Information For more information about special education teachers, visit

Council for Exceptional Children

Personnel Improvement Center

National Association of Special Education Teachers

For more information about teaching and becoming a teacher, visit

Teach.org

American Federation of Teachers

National Education Association

Related BLS articles Career Outlook: “Interview with a… Teacher of the deaf”

O*NET Adapted Physical Education Specialists

Special Education Teachers, All Other

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

SUG

Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers

Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.

Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS

Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?

Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.

We write plagiarism Free Content

Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.

Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.