Education & Childcare career

Special Education Teacher

Also called: Special Ed Teacher · Resource Teacher · Intervention Specialist · Learning Support Teacher

What 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 special education teacher do?

Special education teachers work with students who have learning, emotional, mental or physical disabilities, adapting lessons and writing individualized education programs. The median pay is $65,120 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensing, 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
    $65,120
    Annual salary · May 2025
  • Job growth
    -0.4%
    2025–35, little or no change
  • Openings per year
    16,400
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Bachelor's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    4 years plus licensing
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    259,100
    Employment, 2025

What special education teachers do

Special education teachers help students with disabilities succeed. They assess needs, write and carry out individualized education programs (IEPs), adapt lessons, teach in resource rooms or co-teach in general classrooms, manage behavior plans, track progress and work closely with families, therapists and teachers.

Public school special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a special education license. It is one of the most in-demand teaching specialties, and many districts offer incentives.

Typical duties

  • Assess students’ needs and progress
  • Write and implement IEPs
  • Adapt lessons and materials
  • Teach individuals and small groups
  • Co-teach in general education classes
  • Implement behavior plans
  • Communicate with families and specialists

Work environment and schedule

Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.

Schedule: Teachers work school-year schedules with significant paperwork and meeting time.

A day in the life

  1. Review IEP goals and progress data.
  2. Co-teach a reading lesson in a general classroom.
  3. Lead a small math group in the resource room.
  4. Support a student with a behavior plan during a transition.

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

Special Education Teacher salary

Half of special education teachers earned more than $65,120 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,350 for the lowest 10% to $103,010 for the top 10%.

Full special education teacher pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a special education teacher

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete student teaching
  3. Pass licensing exams
  4. Get licensed
  5. Advance

Public school special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree, a special education preparation program and a state license. Some states require a master’s degree within several years.

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

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • IEP development
  • Special education law (IDEA)
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Behavior intervention
  • Progress monitoring

People skills

  • Patience
  • Empathy
  • Collaboration
  • Persistence

All special education teacher skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Deeply meaningful work
  • High demand and incentives
  • Small group teaching
  • Strong team collaboration

Cons

  • Heavy paperwork and legal requirements
  • Behavior challenges
  • Emotional demands
  • Many meetings

Certifications and licenses

  • State special education license: Required for public school special education.
  • Praxis special education exams: Licensing tests.
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): Advanced behavior credential (master’s level).
  • Reading intervention training: Programs such as Orton-Gillingham.

Career path

  1. Special Education Teacher: Teach students with disabilities.
  2. Lead Teacher or Case Manager: Coordinate IEPs.
  3. Special Education Coordinator: Lead programs.
  4. Director of Special Education: Lead district services.

Learn the job before day one

Our Special Education Teacher training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as write a measurable IEP goal and run an IEP meeting, safety and how to land your first job.

View Special Education Teacher trainingIs this career right for me?

Teacher Assistant

Support teachers and help students learn in classrooms.

  • $36,780
  • Weeks to 2 years depending on the district

School Counselor

Help students succeed academically, socially and in planning their futures.

  • $64,330
  • Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s

Rehabilitation Counselor

Help people with disabilities live independently and find meaningful work.

  • $46,850
  • 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)

Compare: Special Ed Teacher vs. Teacher Assistant · Special Ed Teacher vs. Elementary Teacher · Special Ed Teacher vs. School Counselor · Special Ed Teacher vs. Rehabilitation Counselor

Special Education Teacher FAQ

Is special education in demand?

Yes, it is one of the most needed teaching areas.

Do I need a special license?

Yes, a special education license is required.

Is the paperwork heavy?

Yes, IEPs require significant documentation.

How much does a special education teacher make?

The median annual wage for special education teachers was $65,120 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $103,010.

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

Most people need about 4 years plus licensing of training. Public school special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree, a special education preparation program and a state license. Some states require a master’s degree within several years.

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

Yes, for public schools. Special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a special education license, though alternative routes help career changers enter this high-demand field.

More 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.

Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz