How to Become a Special Education Teacher

What does a Special Education Teacher Do?

A special education teacher is an educator who primarily works with students who have cognitive, emotional, physical or learning disabilities, providing the individualized attention students need to succeed academically.

Unlike core subject teachers, special education teachers—sometimes called exceptional student education (ESE) teachers—are not always classroom teachers. They may teach collaboratively with a general education teacher or work with students in small groups or individually, providing one-on-one instruction and working at an appropriate pace for their students. This aims to improve students’ academic performance and ensure they meet developmental milestones and are on track to advance to the next grade level.

Since they provide supplemental instruction for multiple subjects, teaching special education requires a diverse skill set and expertise in many areas of learning. Teachers should be well-rounded and proficient at adapting lessons and activities to best suit students’ abilities.

To best serve diverse learners, special education teachers are responsible for:

• evaluating and identifying students’ educational needs;
• creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students;
• monitoring student progress and adjusting their IEPs accordingly;
• modifying lessons and assignments to accommodate a student’s individual abilities;
• incorporating new technology to assist students’ learning journeys.

In addition to student-focused responsibilities, special education teachers also train and oversee faculty and staff who work with students with disabilities, update parents and guardians on student progress and maintain accurate student records.

What Skills Are Necessary To Be a Special Education Teacher?

In addition to being well-versed in child development, special education pedagogical strategies and assistive technologies, special ed teachers should be excellent communicators. As a special education teacher, you are responsible for reconfiguring a difficult concept into an idea or process students can grasp. Since each student has a unique communication style and variances in cognitive ability, it often feels like trial and error. However, the ability to present a fundamental concept in multiple ways is an invaluable skill to have when teaching special education.

Possessing strong interpersonal skills is also a necessity. Because they work closely with students and often collaborate with other faculty, special education teachers must embody patience, empathy and flexibility.

The learning process is rarely linear. Sometimes a student may make strides in one area only to regress in another. In these moments, teachers need to maintain a positive and encouraging temperament. When students know their teacher believes in their abilities and strengths, they keep learning and progressing.

Above all, special ed teachers must maintain a positive attitude and remain committed to their students. Teaching special education can be challenging, but it is always worthwhile.