How to Get a Job as a Special Education Teacher
- jrs7530
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
Special Education Teachers work with students who have learning differences, developmental disabilities, or emotional and behavioral challenges. They adapt general education lessons and use specialized teaching methods to help each student succeed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, with approximately 33,500 job openings each year【source: BLS】.
Entry-Level Requirements for Special Education Teachers
To become a Special Education Teacher, you typically need:
Education: A bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field such as elementary or secondary education. Some states require a master’s degree after initial certification.
Certifications & Licenses: All U.S. states require special education licensure or certification, which generally includes student teaching experience and passing state-specific exams such as the Praxis series. Information on certification can be found through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC).
Experience: Clinical or practicum experience is typically part of degree programs. Volunteering with special needs students, tutoring, or working as a paraprofessional can also provide relevant experience.
Expected Salary for Special Education Teachers
Entry-Level: $47,000–$55,000 annually
Mid-Level: $55,000–$70,000 annually
Senior-Level: $70,000–$90,000+ annually
The median annual wage for special education teachers in the U.S. is $65,910【source: BLS】.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Patience and adaptability
Empathy and emotional intelligence
Knowledge of individualized education programs (IEPs)
Creative problem-solving and classroom management
Organizational and documentation skills
Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?
This career is generally a better fit for extroverts. Special Education Teachers work closely with students, parents, and multidisciplinary teams. Success in this role relies on communication, enthusiasm, and interpersonal engagement to motivate and support learners with diverse needs.
Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Special Education Teachers
Vanderbilt University Peabody College – B.S. and M.Ed. in Special Education
University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences – B.S. and M.S. in Special Education
University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development – B.S.Ed. and M.Ed. in Special Education
University of Florida College of Education – B.A.E. and M.Ed. in Special Education
Michigan State University College of Education – B.A. and M.A. in Special Education
Can You Become a Special Education Teacher Without a Degree?
No. A bachelor’s degree and state certification are required to become a Special Education Teacher. However, some states offer alternative certification programs that allow individuals with a bachelor’s in another field to begin teaching while completing licensure requirements.
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Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Special Education Teachers
Top Ten Employers Hiring Special Education Teachers
Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Special Education Teachers
Presence (virtual special education and teletherapy)
LearnWell (education services in healthcare settings)
K12/Stride Learning (online K–12 education)
Sesame Workshop (educational media and inclusion advocacy)
Catapult Learning (specialized K–12 instruction)
FullBloom Education (special education and behavioral health support)
Connections Academy (virtual public schools)
Therapy Source (school-based staffing)
Edmentum (digital learning programs for diverse learners)
Swing Education (substitute teaching network)
Special Education Teachers make a lasting impact by ensuring every child has access to quality education tailored to their unique needs. The role is emotionally rewarding and highly interactive—best suited for extroverts who thrive on collaboration, communication, and making a direct difference in students’ lives.
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