What is a resource teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Diana Jones
introduction image

When a teacher or instructor needs someone to discuss a specific topic, they outsource to a resource teacher who has more knowledge or expertise in the matter. On the other hand, a resource teacher can have the role of providing curriculum support to teachers and school administrators.

The general duties of a resource teacher include conducting learning activities (theoretical or practical), helping teachers adopt instructional practices, providing tutoring sessions to students, assisting school administrators in the implementation of learning plans, and providing additional support to students with learning difficulties. They may work on an as-needed basis, but they may also work permanently for an educational institution.

The main requirement that most schools look for is a bachelor's or master's degree in special education or general education, as well as a teaching license and prior classroom experience. In addition, a resource teacher must be able to display effective classroom management skills and proficiency in working with children (or special needs children).

Resource teachers earn an average of $49,000 per year. Aside from traditional educational institutions, they may also find work in community program services, non-profit agencies, and special education schools.

What general advice would you give to a Resource Teacher?

D

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn Profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreResource TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,487

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.6

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.68%

Black or African American 9.97%

Hispanic or Latino 12.79%

Unknown 3.92%

White 69.12%

Gender

female 81.64%

male 18.36%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress Level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.5

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
4.3

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Resource Teacher career paths

Key steps to become a resource teacher

  1. Explore resource teacher education requirements

    Most common resource teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    64.3 %

    Master's

    25.1 %

    Associate

    5.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific resource teacher skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Classroom Management7.42%
    Math7.28%
    Professional Development7.14%
    Mathematics6.88%
    Student Learning6.24%
  3. Research resource teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
    • Provide remedial services to students with language impairments and learning disabilities in mathematics.
    • Provide special education support for students grades k-5 who have IEP.
    • Introduce social skills instruction to kindergarten students.
  4. Prepare your resource teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your resource teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a resource teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Resource Teacher Resume templates

    Build a professional Resource Teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Resource Teacher resume.
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
    Resource Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for resource teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a resource teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Resource Teacher Job

Zippi

Are you a Resource Teacher?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average resource teacher salary

The average Resource Teacher salary in the United States is $43,487 per year or $21 per hour. Resource teacher salaries range between $15,000 and $123,000 per year.

Average Resource Teacher Salary
$43,487 Yearly
$20.91 hourly

What Am I Worth?

Loading...
Loading...
salary-calculator

How do resource teachers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Resource Teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The kids light up my days.

Cons

The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Pros

You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.

Cons

I can't say, maybe because there is none.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


Working as a Resource Teacher? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse education, training, and library jobs