Education & Childcare career

Middle School Special Education Teacher

Also called: Middle School Resource Teacher · Inclusion Teacher · Learning Support Teacher · Special Education Case Manager

What middle school special education teachers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a middle school special education teacher do?

Special education teachers, middle school, teach students with learning, emotional, mental or physical disabilities in grades 6 to 8. The median pay is $66,810 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensure, and employment is projected to grow -0.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $66,810
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -0.4%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    6,000
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years plus licensure
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    94,800
    Employment, 2025

What middle school special education teachers do

Middle school special education teachers support students with disabilities during a big transition. They co-teach in general classes, run resource rooms, adapt lessons and tests, write IEPs, manage a caseload of students and teach skills like organization and self-advocacy.

Most have a bachelor’s degree and a state special education license. Special education teachers are in short supply in many states.

Typical duties

  • Co-teach in general classes
  • Teach small resource groups
  • Write and manage IEPs
  • Adapt lessons and tests
  • Track progress
  • Teach study and social skills
  • Meet with families

Work environment and schedule

Teachers work in middle school classrooms, resource rooms and co-taught classes.

Schedule: School-year schedule.

A day in the life

  1. Check in with students at homeroom.
  2. Co-teach math.
  3. Teach a reading intervention group.
  4. Adapt a science test.

See a full day in the life of a middle school special education teacher →

Middle School Special Education Teacher salary

Half of middle school special education teachers earned more than $66,810 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,420 for the lowest 10% to $102,510 for the top 10%.

Full middle school special education teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a middle school special education teacher

  1. Earn a bachelor’s
  2. Student teach
  3. Pass licensing exams
  4. Get licensed
  5. Build a caseload

A bachelor’s degree and a state special education license are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a middle school special education teacher →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • IEP writing
  • Co-teaching
  • Reading and math intervention
  • Behavior supports
  • Accommodations

People skills

  • Patience
  • Advocacy
  • Collaboration
  • Organization

All middle school special education teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong demand
  • Help students through a big transition
  • Varied teaching
  • School calendar

Cons

  • Heavy paperwork
  • Behavior challenges
  • Legal deadlines
  • Large caseloads

Certifications and licenses

  • State special education license: Required.
  • Content endorsement: Valued for co-teaching.
  • Crisis prevention training: Common.
  • Reading intervention training: Such as Orton-Gillingham.

Career path

  1. Special Education Teacher: Caseload.
  2. Department Chair: Lead teachers.
  3. Special Education Coordinator: District role.
  4. Special Education Director: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Middle School Special Education Teacher training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as co-teach a middle school class and teach executive function skills, safety and how to land your first job.

View Middle School Special Education Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

Special Education Teacher

Teach and support students with disabilities so they can learn and thrive.

  • $65,120
  • 4 years plus licensing

Middle School Teacher

Teach students in grades 6 through 8 through big changes in learning and life.

  • $64,370
  • 4 years plus licensing

School Psychologist

Help students learn, behave and feel well by assessing and supporting them.

  • $95,990
  • 3 years after a bachelor’s

Compare: Middle School Special Education Teacher vs. Special Ed Teacher · Middle School Special Education Teacher vs. Middle School Teacher · Middle School Special Education Teacher vs. School Psychologist · Middle School Special Education Teacher vs. High School Special Ed Teacher

Middle School Special Education Teacher FAQ

Is there a special education teacher shortage?

Yes, many states report shortages.

What is a resource room?

A small-group class for targeted help.

Do I need a license?

Yes, in public schools.

How much does a middle school special education teacher make?

The median annual wage for middle school special education teachers was $66,810 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,420 and the highest 10% earned more than $102,510.

How long does it take to become a middle school special education teacher?

Most people need about 4 years plus licensure of training. A bachelor’s degree and a state special education license are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a middle school special education teacher?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

More middle school special education teacher questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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