Middle School Special Education Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$57K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-0.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Middle School Special Education Teacher?

A Middle School Special Education Teacher is dedicated to educating students with a range of disabilities, adapting general education lessons to meet their diverse learning needs. They work with students typically aged 11-14, providing specialized instruction and support.

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The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Middle School Special Education Teacher.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Middle School Special Education Teacher earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Middle School Special Education Teacher.

$57K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.8K below the national average.

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What does a Middle School Special Education Teacher do?

Work environment

These teachers usually work in public or private middle schools. Their classrooms might be specifically designed to accommodate students with disabilities, equipped with adaptive technologies and learning aids. The role often involves close collaboration with other teachers, parents, and special education professionals.

Quick task list

Develops Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student.
Adapts curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Assesses student abilities and monitors their progress.
Collaborates with parents, teachers, and other professionals to support student development.
Manages classroom behaviors and creates a safe, inclusive environment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Learning Disabilities: Focusing on students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning difficulties.
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Working with students who have significant emotional or behavioral challenges.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Specializing in teaching students on the autism spectrum.
Intellectual Disabilities: Educating students with intellectual challenges to develop their academic and life skills.
Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments: Adapting teaching for students with physical disabilities or sensory impairments like visual or hearing loss.

Description

Middle School Special Education Teachers play a vital role in the academic and personal development of students with disabilities. They need a strong understanding of various disabilities and effective teaching strategies to address these challenges. Patience, creativity, and flexibility are key, as they adapt lessons to accommodate different learning styles and needs.

These teachers work in an emotionally rewarding but often challenging environment. They must balance the academic curriculum with the individual requirements of each student, frequently adjusting their teaching methods. Strong communication skills are essential, as they regularly interact with parents, other educators, and specialists to provide the most effective support for their students.

The role of a Special Education Teacher goes beyond academic instruction; it involves nurturing students' self-confidence and independence. Teachers in this field are instrumental in helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential, making a lasting impact on their lives.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a significant difference in the lives of students with special needs.
Witnessing the progress and growth of students.
Collaborating with a dedicated team to support student development.

You might make a good Middle School Special Education Teacher if you are...

Patient and empathetic towards children with diverse needs.
Creative in developing and implementing adaptive teaching strategies.
Strong in communication and collaboration skills.
Passionate about advocating for and supporting students with disabilities.
Resilient and adaptable to various challenges in the educational setting.

Pros:

Deeply rewarding and impactful work.
Opportunities for creative and varied teaching approaches.
Strong sense of community among special education professionals.

Cons:

Emotionally and physically demanding.
Challenges in managing diverse and complex student needs.
Necessity for ongoing professional development and learning.

How to become a Middle School Special Education Teacher

Typical education

To become a Middle School Special Education Teacher, a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional certification in special education is also often necessary.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology and Child Development to understand diverse learning needs.
Education and Teaching courses to gain foundational knowledge.
Health and First Aid to prepare for potential classroom emergencies.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
Participation in clubs or groups focused on education or child advocacy.
Leadership roles in school or community to develop organizational and communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or volunteering in special education settings.
Obtain state-specific certification in special education.

More resources

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Offers resources and advocacy for special education teachers.
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) - Provides professional support and resources for special education teachers.
The Iris Center - Features training materials and resources on handling various special education scenarios.
Special Education Guide - A comprehensive resource for aspiring and current special education teachers, with career advice and teaching strategies.
Understood - Offers resources and support for teachers and parents of children with learning and attention issues.
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) - Provides resources and advocacy for individuals with learning disabilities.

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