Elementary School Special Education Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$54K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

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

What is an Elementary School Special Education Teacher?

An Elementary School Special Education Teacher is dedicated to instructing children in elementary grades who have a range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with special needs.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Elementary 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 an Elementary School Special Education Teacher earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$44K per year	$54K per year	$60K per year	$68K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.04K above the national average.

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What does an Elementary School Special Education Teacher do?

Work environment

These educators typically work in public or private elementary schools. Their environment is adapted to be accessible and supportive for children with disabilities, which may include specialized classrooms, resource rooms, or inclusive general education settings. Collaboration with other teachers, parents, and specialists is a key part of their role.

Quick task list

Develops Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student.
Adapts teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Assesses students' abilities and monitors their progress.
Collaborates with parents, teachers, and other professionals to develop and implement educational plans.
Manages classroom behaviors and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Learning Disabilities: Specializing in teaching students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning challenges.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Focusing on students with autism, adapting teaching methods to their unique learning styles.
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Working with students who have emotional disturbances or behavioral challenges.
Physical Disabilities: Teaching students with physical disabilities, including adapting the physical classroom environment.
Gifted and Talented Education: Providing enriched education for students who are gifted and talented.

Description

Elementary School Special Education Teachers play a crucial role in the academic and personal development of children with special needs. They create and maintain a supportive and structured environment that caters to individual learning requirements. These educators must be adept at using a variety of teaching methods and tools to engage students with different learning styles and abilities.

Their work is both challenging and rewarding, requiring patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of each student's unique needs. The role involves ongoing assessment to ensure that educational strategies are effective and to adjust teaching methods as needed. Special Education Teachers also work closely with families and other educational professionals to provide a holistic approach to each child's education.

In addition to teaching, these educators are responsible for administrative tasks like preparing IEPs and maintaining accurate student records. They must also stay updated on the latest educational techniques and legal requirements regarding special education. The job can be emotionally demanding but offers the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the lives of children who face unique challenges.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with special needs.
Witnessing students' progress and achievements.
Developing strong, impactful relationships with students and their families.

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

Patient, empathetic, and passionate about helping children with special needs.
Creative and adaptable in your teaching methods.
Skilled in communication and able to work collaboratively with others.
Organized and able to manage the administrative aspects of teaching.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional development.

Pros:

Deep personal satisfaction from supporting and influencing the lives of children with special needs.
Opportunities for creativity and innovation in teaching methods.
Strong sense of community and collaboration with colleagues and families.

Cons:

Emotional and physical demands of working with children with special needs.
Potentially challenging behaviors and diverse needs of students.
Administrative workload related to IEPs and compliance with educational policies.

How to become an Elementary School Special Education Teacher

Typical education

Becoming an Elementary School Special Education Teacher generally requires at least a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Most states also require a teaching certification in special education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology to understand developmental and learning processes.
Education or Child Development, if available.
Health and First Aid to learn basic care skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
Participating in tutoring or mentoring programs.
Involvement in clubs or activities that promote inclusivity and understanding of diversity.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in special education, education, or a related field.
Complete student-teaching experiences, particularly in special education settings.
Obtain state certification in special education.
Consider specialized training or certifications for specific disabilities or teaching methods.

More resources

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Offers resources and professional development for special education teachers.
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) - Provides support and resources for special education professionals.
The IRIS Center - Offers free online resources for education professionals working with students with disabilities.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) - Provides federal leadership for special education.

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