Special Education Teacher Jobs

by Kara Wahlgren

Communication, cooperation, and compassion -- if these sound like some of your best traits, you may be a perfect candidate for a career as a special education teacher. Special education teachers need to understand their students' needs, find creative ways to motivate them, and document their progress.

Duties of a special education teacher
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of disabilities such as speech or hearing impairment, autism, emotional disturbance, behavioral disorders, brain injuries, or learning disabilities. Special education teachers design an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student, which may include one-on-one instruction, problem-solving assignments, special testing accommodations, and small-group work.

Where to find special education teacher jobs
The majority of special education teachers work in a traditional school setting; some teach only special education students, while others assist students with special needs in a "mainstream" classroom. Special education teachers may also tutor students at home or in a hospital.

Special education teacher programs
Special education programs are widely available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. In addition to general education requirements, special education teachers typically study child development, psychology, and legal issues. All states require special education teachers to be licensed by their state board of education.

Demand for special education teacher jobs
As students are diagnosed at earlier ages, the need for special education teachers is expected to rise. In addition, the heavy workload and emotional stress of special education jobs push some teachers to switch to general education, creating more openings in special education. As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that special education jobs will grow by 15 percent between 2006 and 2016. If working closely with students, parents, and administrators appeals to you, you'll likely find ample opportunities as a special education teacher.