Special Education Teachers, All Other

These educators design and implement specialized lessons to help students with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. Depending on their specific role, they may work as autism tutors, teachers of the visually impaired, or instructors for adults with disabilities. The daily work requires a deep understanding of teaching principles, psychology, and therapy techniques.

To succeed in this field, teachers must be highly cooperative, dependable, and self-controlled. They spend their days communicating with students, parents, and administrative staff to track progress and adjust learning plans. Strong social skills and a genuine interest in helping others are essential for managing the daily challenges of a specialized classroom environment.

Entering this field typically requires a bachelor's degree. Students preparing for this career generally major in special education and teaching.

Depending on where they plan to work, candidates may need to meet specific state requirements. Some states list a license for this work, so teachers must check local regulations. Additionally, professionals can pursue credentials such as the DoDEA Certification from the Department of Defense Education Activity to qualify for specific teaching positions.

The median annual pay for these special education teachers is $76,580. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $48,440 and the highest 10% earning more than $120,080.

There are 33,930 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to grow by 1.9%, which is slower than average. Despite this slow growth, about 2,300 job openings are expected to become available each year.