Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Middle School Special Education Teacher
What middle school special education teachers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a middle school special education teacher?
Check in with students at homeroom. From there, the day usually includes co-teach in general classes, teach small resource groups, and write and manage IEPs. School-year schedule.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a middle school special education teacher working full time.
- Check in with students at homeroom.
- Co-teach math.
- Teach a reading intervention group.
- Adapt a science test.
- Run a study skills class.
- Lead an IEP meeting.
- Update progress notes.
Where middle school special education teachers work
Teachers work in middle school classrooms, resource rooms and co-taught classes.
Hours and schedule
School-year schedule.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- IEP software
- Assistive technology
- Intervention programs
- Progress monitoring tools
- Learning management systems
- Graphic organizers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong demand
- Help students through a big transition
- Varied teaching
- School calendar
What’s hard
- Heavy paperwork
- Behavior challenges
- Legal deadlines
- Large caseloads
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I connect with young teens
- I’m patient
- I advocate for students
- I’m organized with paperwork
- I like teamwork
- I stay calm with behavior
Not sure? Take the free Middle School Special Education Teacher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow behavior plans
- Follow crisis prevention training
- Protect student records
- Follow mandatory reporting laws