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What is a special educator and how to become one
Special educators are teachers that specialize in working with students with disabilities. They have many similar duties to a regular teacher, such as designing lesson plans, managing the classroom, and grading student assignments. However, special educators need to be mindful of the different abilities of the children that they serve. They work with parents and administrators to identify a student's needs and develop an IEP (Individualized Education Program). They tailor their lessons to adjust to students' abilities and needs. Besides academic subjects, special educators can also teach their students behavioral management skills and social skills, depending on their needs. They can work with students one-on-one or in small groups.
The requirements to become a special educator differ depending on schools and states. Some states require special educators to have a master's degree, while others have only an associate's. It helps if a special educator has some experience working with children with disabilities.
Most special educators need to have a license from the state in order to teach. Once they do, they can earn an average salary of $54,521 a year.
What general advice would you give to a Special Educator?
Chris Craig
Deputy Provost, Missouri State University
Avg. Salary $53,565
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%
Asian 3.59%
Black or African American 9.16%
Hispanic or Latino 11.39%
Unknown 3.95%
White 71.54%
Genderfemale 78.71%
male 21.29%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Newest jobs for Special Educator in Columbus, OH
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Special Educator career paths
Key steps to become a special educator
Explore special educator education requirements
Start to develop specific special educator skills
Skills 
Percentages Autism 8.72% Student Learning 8.48% Math 6.95% Public Schools 6.64% Learning Environment 6.26% Research special educator duties and responsibilities
- Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
- Develop individual lesson plans at Pre-K level.
- Work collaboratively with teachers in mathematics and writing.
- Counsele and provide special education to senior kindergarten students.
Prepare your special educator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your special educator 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 special educator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
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Build a professional Special Educator 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 Special Educator resume.
Apply for special educator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a special educator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Special Educator Job
Are you a Special Educator?
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Average special educator salary
The average Special Educator salary in the United States is $53,565 per year or $26 per hour. Special educator salaries range between $38,000 and $75,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do special educators rate their job?
Special Educator reviews
Helping students with various intellectual or behavior disabilities to be successful in the classroom and in life.
The kids light up my days.
The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.
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.
I can't say, maybe because there is none.
Updated January 8, 2025
