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What is Special Education?

Special education programs are designed for those students who are mentally, physically,
socially and/or emotionally delayed. This aspect of “delay,” broadly categorized as a
developmental delay, signify an aspect of the child's overall development (physical, cognitive,
scholastic skills) which place them behind their peers. Due to these special requirements,
students’ needs cannot be met within the traditional classroom environment. Special education
programs and services adapt content, teaching methodology and delivery instruction to meet
the appropriate needs of each child. These services are of no cost to the family and are available
to children until they reach 21 years of age (states have services set in place for adults who are
in need of specialized services after age 21).

https://teach.com/become/what-can-i-teach/special-education/
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Special Education Teacher Career Guide

A special education teacher works with children of different ages, promoting and managing their
growth in conjunction with their special needs. The type of children a special education teacher
works with will generally have cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. A special education
teacher will modify the general education curriculum to make sure each student’s special
individual needs are met. Special education jobs require a teacher to be patient, accepting, and
understanding. This guide provides further information on what special education teachers do,
how to become a special education teacher, and special education teacher salary and outlook.

Special Education Teacher Job Description

Being a teacher of children with special needs can be challenging, but also extremely satisfying.
While it can be physically and emotionally draining to help students with mental and physical
disabilities, it is also rewarding to help them progress and succeed. Similar to teachers of other
subjects, special education teachers plan lessons, instruct children, and assign activities to
children, grading assignments and tests, tracking students’ progress, and meeting with parents
to discuss overall progress. They may teach at the elementary, middle, or secondary school level
at a public or private school, and their students may range from having mild to severe learning
and/or behavioral disabilities. Some have their own classroom, where they teach a group of
special needs students, and others work in a general classroom on an individual or small group
basis, where disabled children learn alongside other students.

Special Education Teacher Requirements and Common Tasks

The job of a special education teacher includes assisting general education teachers in
identifying children who have disabilities or special needs. They adjust lessons to fit the needs
of each individual child as part of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Since they will be
responsible for instructing students with a broad range of disabilities, developing IEPs is
important for these teachers. One child may require the use of flash cards for sharpening math
skills or focused attention on reading, while another may require a teacher to help with basic
life skills, such as how to answer questions or follow instructions.

Special education teachers need to be patient, calm, organized, inspiring, and accepting. The job
requires interactions with special needs children who are very different and come from all types
of backgrounds. Special education students have various needs that require special attention
and understanding to fulfill. Good communication skills are critical in a special education career,
since special needs children may have communication disabilities. These teachers also must
communicate with an entire of team, including parents, other teachers, and counselors, who all
work together to

Helpful Skills and Experience

First and foremost, teachers of special needs children should be patient and kind-hearted. They
need to have a passion for helping these children succeed. Organizational skills, excellent
communication and presentation skills, and sound decision-making skills are important for any
prospective teacher. Teachers with prior experience in teaching, especially of children with
disabilities, will stand out from others.

https://www.teachercertificationdegrees.com/careers/special-education-teacher/
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WHY BECOME A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER?

Just like any career, being a special education teacher has its challenges, but at the same time,
it is an extremely rewarding career. Teachers who choose this profession have the chance to
make a life-long impact on a family’s life. Teaching is a wonderful chance to change the world
one moment at a time, and special education is no different. Here are 7 advantages to choosing
this career:

1. Daily impact

Teachers get to see the impact they have on their students every day. When an autistic child
who is resistant to personal touch comes up and gently hugs the teacher, the impact is
real. Celebrating small victories in a student’s life impacts their overall success.

These victories can also be an encouragement for the student’s families and support system. In
a year’s time, a special education teacher can be a necessary part of many milestones.

2. Higher demand: There is an increasing demand for special education teachers.

This demand keeps increasing because the number of special needs students requiring services
keeps growing. This means special education teachers who are looking for jobs can more readily
find positions nationwide. Becoming certified to teach special education proves to be a highly
versatile career choice, with multiple career path options. Some states have individual state
certification requirements. But even with individual state certification, the demand for jobs is
ever present.

3. More marketable: Having an additional specialization makes a person more marketable for
employment. It is helpful to have a specialized background. An employer sees someone that can
perform multiple job duties as a better choice and investment.

4. Being an advocate: Teaching special education means getting to step out and advocate for a
student. An advocate goes beyond the classroom duties to create the best educational plan for
a student. Teachers can team up with other educators, parents, health professionals, and school
psychologists to find resources that meet the educational needs of all students.

5. Educating others: A special education teacher can educate peers. Often students with special
needs lack social opportunities because they can have a harder time socializing and interacting
with others. By educating others about disabilities, it removes uncertainty and fear. When a
bridge can be gapped, students can gain a lot from healthy socialization. Interacting with others
of differing abilities gives students the chance to learn from one another and create bonds.
Education breaks down social barriers, thus changing communities.

6. Rewarding: Being a special education teacher is a rewarding job. When a child makes a
breakthrough, the teacher understands the effort required for that breakthrough. Some other
rewards are the special bonds that form with the students and their families, being a part of
students accomplishing something they never thought they could do, and finally, the love the
students give back.

7. Lifelong impact: By impacting a child daily, it can lead to lifelong impact for that child. When
a child who has cerebral palsy successfully learns a new way to communicate, this can directly
affect their independence later in life. From simple improvements to huge leaps, the impact a
special education teacher can have on a student can truly be life-changing.
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It is a fact that teaching special education is challenging. But it is also a fact that it has many
benefits as well. Poet Robert John Meehan, known as ‘The Voice of the American Teacher,’
summed up the value of helping all children to be successful when he stated, “Every child has a
different learning style and pace. Each child is unique, not only capable of learning but also
capable of succeeding.”

https://www.specialeducareers.com/resources/blog/7-reasons-to-become-special-education-
teacher

Claudia García Pezo 3IB B