Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher
What special education teachers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review IEP goals and progress data. From there, the day usually includes assess students’ needs and progress, write and implement IEPs, and adapt lessons and materials. Teachers work school-year schedules with significant paperwork and meeting time.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a special education teacher working full time.
- Review IEP goals and progress data.
- Co-teach a reading lesson in a general classroom.
- Lead a small math group in the resource room.
- Support a student with a behavior plan during a transition.
- Hold an IEP meeting with a family and team.
- Teach social skills to a small group.
- Update progress monitoring data and paperwork.
Where special education teachers work
Special education teachers work in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and general education classrooms, with meetings and paperwork.
Hours and schedule
Teachers work school-year schedules with significant paperwork and meeting time.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- IEP management software
- Assistive technology
- Intervention programs
- Data tracking tools
- Visual schedules
- Sensory tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Deeply meaningful work
- High demand and incentives
- Small group teaching
- Strong team collaboration
What’s hard
- Heavy paperwork and legal requirements
- Behavior challenges
- Emotional demands
- Many meetings
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help students with disabilities
- I’m patient and persistent
- I like individualized teaching
- I work well on teams
- I can handle paperwork
- I find small progress rewarding
Not sure? Take the free Special Education Teacher fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow behavior and crisis plans
- Use safe physical support techniques only when trained
- Know medical plans
- Supervise students closely