The demand for special education teachers is rising sharply as nationwide shortages persist. A recent report by EdResearch for Action found that over 50 percent of public schools reported having vacant special education positions within the past year.
Special education teachers work with “exceptional children”, students whose physical, cognitive, or learning abilities differ significantly from the norm. This includes both gifted students and those with disabilities or impairments. These educators play a critical role in providing equitable access to education for all learners.
This article explores what special education teachers do, where they work, and how to become one. It also discusses how you can prepare for success in this career with American University’s (AU’s) online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education: Learning Disabilities.
Build Your Career in Special Education at AU
Make a Difference in Inclusive Classrooms
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?
Special education teachers support students with learning, behavioral, and physical disabilities across various classroom settings, including inclusive, resource, and self-contained environments. Their core responsibilities involve developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), tailored plans outlining specific academic and behavioral goals, accommodations, and services necessary for each student’s progress.
The Difference Between Special Education and General Education
The key difference between special and general education lies in the instructional approach. General education typically follows a standardized curriculum aimed at the “average” student. Special education, by contrast, customizes teaching methods and materials to meet each student’s unique needs—whether they exceed or fall below typical academic expectations—ensuring all learners receive a high-quality education.
Where the Jobs Are: Opportunities in Special Education
Licensed special education teachers have a wide range of career opportunities across educational settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most special education teachers work in public or private schools, either in inclusive classrooms alongside general education teachers, teaching in self-contained special education classrooms, or providing targeted support to students in resource rooms. The growth of virtual education has also expanded remote teaching opportunities, helping reach students in rural or underserved areas.
Rising demand for special education teachers in U.S. public schools translates to strong job security. In the 2022–23 school year, 7.5 million students ages 3 to 21 (15 percent of all U.S. students) received services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), according to the Organization for Autism Research. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), 39 states and Washington, DC, report shortages of special education teachers among various disciplines and ages.
Outside traditional school settings, special educators may work in early intervention programs serving children under age three with developmental delays. Other potential roles include education coordinator, reading specialist, or school counselor.
The Job Description in Focus: What to Expect Day-to-Day
Within school systems, special education teachers may work in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms. Each setting offers a unique structure and set of responsibilities:
- Inclusive classrooms: In inclusive settings, special education teachers collaborate with general educators to adapt lessons and support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Some classrooms use a co-teaching model, where both teachers share responsibilities throughout the day. Others follow a push-in model, with special educators joining classes at specific times. These teachers often sit near students with IEPs to monitor progress and provide personalized support or supplemental materials.
- Resource rooms: Also known as pull-out programs, resource rooms are separate spaces where special education teachers lead small-group instruction for part of the school day—typically up to 50 percent. These educators coordinate closely with general education teachers and parents to align support with classroom goals. They’re also responsible for implementing and tracking progress on students’ IEPs.
- Self-contained classrooms: Teachers in self-contained classrooms serve as the primary instructor for students with more intensive needs. They provide full-day instruction using specialized methods tailored to each student’s learning goals. Daily tasks include lesson planning, IEP development, testing oversight, and individualized instruction.
In all settings, IEP development and progress monitoring are central to the role. This requires close collaboration with students, families, general educators, and specialists to ensure strategies are effective and responsive to each student’s needs.
Because trust and communication are essential in special education, teachers prioritize building strong, empathetic relationships with students and their families. They maintain open lines of communication, regularly updating parents on progress and sharing strategies for continued growth at home and in school.
Skills That Set Special Education Teachers Apart
Successful special education teachers bring a balanced mix of hard and soft skills to support diverse learners effectively.
Key Professional Skills
- Behavioral management: Using strategies to encourage positive behaviors and address challenges constructively
- Curriculum adaptation: Modifying lesson plans and materials to accommodate different learning styles and abilities
- Assessment and progress monitoring: Evaluating student performance to inform instruction and track development over time
- Knowledge of special education laws and policies: Understanding regulations like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure compliance and advocate for students’ rights
Key Interpersonal Skills
- Empathy: Creating a supportive environment by understanding students’ emotions and experiences
- Patience: Remaining calm and persistent when students face challenges or require more time to grasp concepts
- Adaptability: Adjusting teaching methods and strategies to meet students’ varying needs
- Problem-solving: Identifying obstacles in learning and developing effective solutions tailored to individual students
- Communication: Clearly conveying information to students, parents, and colleagues, and actively listening to feedback
How To Become a Special Education Teacher
Requirements for special education teachers vary by institution. Public schools generally require state licensure, while private schools may not. Degree requirements also differ. Some schools mandate a bachelor’s or master’s in special education, while others accept general education degrees with additional training.
Typical steps to enter the field include:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: Some bachelor’s programs offer a specialization in special education. However, if your bachelor’s is in general education, you can still specialize later on by completing an advanced training program, like a Master’s of Teaching (MAT) in Special Education: Learning Disabilities.
- Pass the required certification exams: Requirements vary by state, but special education teachers typically must pass a basic skills test (Praxis Core) and a subject-specific Praxis test in special education.
- Apply for state licensure: Apply for certification through your state’s Department of Education.
- Pursue advanced training to build your expertise: While earning a master’s degree is not necessary to become a special education teacher, many schools prefer teachers with graduate training due to the deep subject matter expertise and leadership training these programs provide. Some master’s programs, such as American University’s (AU’s) online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education: Learning Disabilities, offer flexible scheduling to enable students to continue working while earning their master’s degree.
Advance Your Career With AU’s Online MAT in Special Education
The MAT in Special Education: Learning Disabilities is designed for working professionals, offering part-time, flexible coursework. The program blends live online classes with asynchronous content, allowing students to stay connected while balancing their schedules.
Taught by expert faculty with backgrounds in both policy and practice, the career-focused curriculum includes the hands-on training required for licensure and prepares students for advanced roles in the field.
Upon graduation, MAT in Special Education: Learning Disabilities students are equipped with the skills needed to meet the specific needs of preschool, elementary, junior high, high school, and adult students at risk of or living with learning disabilities. Aside from becoming special education teachers, many AU MAT special education learning disabilities graduates pursue doctoral programs or assume leadership roles in schools, organizations, and government.
Teaching With Purpose and Impact
Access to equitable education has the power to transform lives. Special education teachers play a vital role in creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. If you’re ready to make a difference and advance your career, apply to AU’s MAT in Special Education: Learning Disabilities today. If you have questions about the program or its admissions process, you can connect with an enrollment advisor for personalized assistance.
