USA Career Guide- Special Education Teachers

Education needed to be Special Education Teachers

To become special education teachers in the USA requires a Bachelors Degree in an approved program for special education, some of these teachers major in elementary education or a content area, such as math or chemistry, and minor in special education. Others get a degree specifically in special education.

Certification

All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed. Those who teach in private schools are not required to be licensed. Requirements for certification vary by state. They also require completing a teacher preparation program and supervised experience in teaching, which is typically gained through student teaching. Some states require a minimum grade point average.

Advancement

Experienced teachers can advance to become mentor or lead teachers. Mentors and lead teachers often work with less experienced teachers to help them improve their teaching skills.

With additional education or certification, teachers may become school counselors, school librarians, or instructional coordinators.

Pay of Special Education Teachers

The median annual wage of special education teachers was $53,220 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,580, and the top 10 percent earned more than $83,410.

The median annual wages for special education teachers by grade level in May 2010 were as follows:

•  $54,810 for high school special education teachers
  
  
• $53,440 for middle school special education teachers
  
  
• $52,250 for preschool, kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers
  

Source:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition

Job Prospects of Special Education Teachers

Employment of special education teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because of increasing enrollment and continued demand for special education services.

The need to replace special education teachers who switch to general education, change careers altogether, or retire will lead to additional job openings. At the same time, many school districts report shortages of qualified teachers. As a result, special education teachers should have an excellent job prospects.

Enrollment of special education students in kindergarten, elementary, and middle school grades is expected to grow faster than that in high school grades. As a result, employment of preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school special education teachers is expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations, employment of middle school special education teachers is expected to grow 20 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

Job opportunities may be better in certain specialties, such as early childhood intervention or working with students who have multiple disabilities, severe disabilities, or autism spectrum disorders.
Industrial Overview of Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers held about 459,600 jobs in 2010. Special education teachers work in public and private schools. Some teach in public magnet and charter schools. Others teach in private religious and secular schools. Some work with young children in childcare centers. A few special education teachers work in residential facilities where special education students live or tutor students who must stay at home or in the hospital.