special education teacher degree

Special Education Teacher: Education, Career Paths and Job Outlook

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Research shows approximately 7.3 million students with disabilities attend public K-12 schools. They make up about 15% of the total enrollment, increasing from 13% (6.4 million) over the past decade.

Special education teachers play a crucial role in today’s education system. They create inclusive learning environments and empower students to succeed.

A special education teacher works with students with disabilities who require specialized accommodations. These students may experience physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning difficulties, such as:

• Disorders involving intellectual disabilities, such as Down syndrome
• Learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia
• Emotional and behavioral disorders, including social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and more

This guide discusses special education teachers’ education, training and career paths.

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What Is a Special Education Teacher?

A special education teacher specializes in instruction and support for students with disabilities. Special education teachers create inclusive learning environments, address social and behavioral skills, and assess student progress. Their primary goal is to empower students with disabilities to succeed academically and socially.

Special education teachers also collaborate with students, parents, and educators to create individualized education plans (IEPs). Each plan modifies curriculum materials to suit each student’s specific requirements. This effort requires advocating for disabled students and coordinating with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support.

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

There are a few ways to start a career as a special education teacher, depending on the type of career you want. Typically, to become a teacher assistant or work on the support staff, you need a two-year degree. To become a teacher, you need a four-year degree and teacher certification.

People with associate degrees in special education often work as teacher assistants or support staff in schools. A bachelor’s degree in special education prepares you for many different careers. Besides teaching, you can also be a director at a preschool or childcare center. Administrative or curriculum development roles often require a master’s degree.

Specific education requirements vary by state and public and private schools. Some states require teachers to earn a degree in special education. Others allow you to major in education or another subject, like math or science, and minor in special education.

Public school teachers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree and state certification or licensing. Private schools usually require a bachelor’s degree, but not do not always require a licensing or certification.

Associate Degree in Special Education

Associate programs in special education usually require 60 credits and two years of full-time study. These programs typically focus on understanding disability populations and developing strategies to support their learning and development.

The coursework may cover topics such as inclusive education, behavior management, assessment techniques, and how to collaborate with families. You may also study legal and ethical considerations in special education.

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

A bachelor’s degree in special education usually requires 120-180 credits and takes four years of full-time study. These degree programs provide comprehensive education. Students learn about different disabilities, like learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders.

They learn about inclusive education, IEPs, behavior management, assistive technology, and differentiated instruction. Practical experiences and field placements are often included to provide hands-on training.

Master’s Degree in Special Education

Earning a master’s degree in special education can help you qualify for a promotion or salary increase. You can go after higher positions like instructional coordinator or school principal. It also gives you the power to pursue more specific roles, such as academic counselor.

Master’s programs in special education may include topics such as teaching strategies for students with disabilities, integrating exceptional learners into regular classrooms, and evaluating special education behavior.

Students in master’s programs may also take a series of classes in research design and analysis, preparing them to incorporate research into their practice or continue their education at the doctoral level.

Certifications and/or Licensure

The requirements for becoming a certified teacher vary by state . Most teachers begin their careers with an apprentice or provisional teaching license, which is valid for 1-3 years.

Some states may allow educators to renew their beginner license once. After that, they must qualify for a professional teaching license.

A professional license may require graduate courses in special education. It may also require professional development programs.

The American Academy of Special Education Professionals offers board certification in special education. This voluntary professional credential recognizes your commitment to education for exceptional children. This certification requires a relevant master’s degree and five advanced professional development courses.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards offers an autism certificate for educators. The certificate specializes in autism spectrum disorder. Applicants need to finish 14 credits for autism education. They also have to pass a competency exam and pay a fee. Renewal requires ongoing education.

Special Education Teacher Career Paths

Special education degree programs usually offer several study options for students. These options can lead to the career path that aligns with your personal. For example, you can choose to work with certain age groups. Or, you could work in support areas that enhance student education.

Early Intervention

An early intervention concentration focuses on helping children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth to age five. These professionals help children with communication, motor skills, thinking, and emotions. They can assess, make personalized education plans, teach parents, and collaborate with other education professionals.

Elementary Education

An elementary education specialization focuses on teaching and supporting children with disabilities in elementary school settings. They provide personalized instruction, accommodations, and support for students with disabilities.

These disabilities may include learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or intellectual disabilities. Elementary special education teachers learn about inclusive classrooms, behavior management, and adaptive instruction.

Secondary Education

A secondary education concentration teaches students with disabilities in grades 6-12. This concentration prepares students to teach specific subjects like English, math, science, social studies, or foreign languages. It may also emphasize the importance of inclusive classrooms.

Special Education Technology

Teachers in this concentration use technology to assist students with disabilities. Different tools and programs can make learning easier. These include software programs, mobile applications, and communication devices.

A special education technology concentration teaches you how to choose and adapt tools to meet the needs of students. For example, some students may perform better when presented with information on screens instead of in books.

Gifted Education

Special education also encompasses instruction provided to gifted learners. Students who select this focus can learn about fast-paced curricula, condensed lessons, and identifying and evaluating gifted students. They can also learn about opportunities for gifted students, like advanced classes and enrichment programs.

Career Outlook for Special Education Teachers

The career outlook for teachers in special education is generally positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), special education teachers earned a median annual wage of $62,950 in May 2022 . Although employment rates are not expected to rise, there are about 33,500 job openings each year for special education teachers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Education Teachers

What challenges do special education teachers face.

Special education teachers face several unique challenges in their field. Some teachers struggle adapting to students who need individualized attention or specialized instruction. Managing behavior can be tough when students exhibit challenging behaviors. These behaviors may result from difficulties in communication or self-regulation.

What skills do special education teachers need?

Patience, creativity, and empathy are key for working with children with disabilities. Special education teachers must know behavior intervention, positive reinforcement, and de-escalation. These strategies address challenging behaviors. Special education teachers must also understand the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other relevant laws and regulations that govern special education.

What else can I do with a special education degree?

A special education degree gives you career options outside of the classroom. You can pursue curriculum development, education administration, or early intervention. Also, special education graduates find work with state and federal agencies. They may also work for residential care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed December 13, 2023.

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Special Education Teacher Career Guide

• Author: Audrey Stoffle
• Expert Reviewer: Jacquelyn King
• Editorial Process

A special education (sometimes called SPED or shortened to special ed) teacher works with children of different ages who have a range of learning, cognitive, emotional, or physical challenges. This guide provides information on what special education teachers do, how to become one, and special education teacher salary and job outlook.

Table of Contents

• How to Become
• Schools and Certification by State
• Job Description
• Salary & Job Outlook

Additional Resources

Frequently asked questions, related pages, how to become a special education teacher.

Special education requirements in all states call for licensure to teach at a public school. Depending on the school, some employers require a master’s degree for special needs teachers, though others only require a bachelor’s degree . Teachers who are already certified and want to add a special education endorsement to their license, or people who already have an undergraduate degree in something else, may pursue a master’s degree in special education. While private schools usually require a bachelor’s degree to teach, they do not always require certification. To qualify for licensure to teach in public schools, the degree must typically include a teacher preparation program approved by the state in which it is located. The most common pathway toward a career in teaching special education is:

• Earn a state-approved bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in special education.
• Complete a student teaching internship in a special education classroom.
• Take your state’s required tests for special education teachers.
• Apply for your teaching license.
• Begin applying to open special education positions.

Traditional and online bachelor’s degree programs in special education require coursework in methods, foundations of education, assessment, assistive technology, special education law, and planning and curriculum focused on special needs. Most states require student teaching placement in a classroom for teacher licensure in this area. Certification in special education also requires tests in general content and special education, though exam requirements vary depending on the certifying state.

Some states offer alternative licensure programs for prospective teachers, though in many cases special education is not an approved career track through alternative certification due to the intensive preparation required to work with children with differing needs. To find out how to get your master’s in special education online, see our online master’s in special education guide .

Education Schools and Certification by State

Each state has its own process for becoming a teacher. Below, you will find schools in your state that offer teacher preparation programs, as well as information on traditional and alternative certification pathways specific to your state.

Special Education Teacher Job Description

The role of a special education teacher includes assisting general education teachers in identifying and assessing children who may have disabilities or special needs. They then adjust lessons to fit the needs of each child as part of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Since they are responsible for instructing students with a broad range of disabilities, developing IEPs is important for these teachers. One child may require flashcards 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.

They may teach at the elementary, middle, or secondary school level at public or private schools, and their students range in ability. Some have their own classrooms where they teach one or more groups of students while others work in general classrooms, with special needs children learning alongside other students (“mainstreaming”). In some cases, the special education teacher may co-teach the class, or they may teach in support or breakout roles.

Common Tasks

Similar to teachers of other subjects, special education teachers plan lessons, instruct children, and assign activities to children. They also grade assignments and tests, track students’ progress, and meet with parents to discuss students’ abilities and challenges they may be facing.

Helpful Skills and Experience

Special education teachers need to be patient, calm, organized, inspiring, and accepting. The job requires interactions with children who differ in abilities and come from all types of backgrounds. Students who receive special education services have various needs that require special attention and understanding. 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

There are 498,040 special education teachers in the US, and the special education teaching profession is expected to see no job growth through 2032. 1 . Most public elementary, middle, and high schools, along with some preschools, hire special education teachers. The general national trend is that special needs children enrollment is increasing and qualified special education teachers with the right qualifications are in short supply. 1 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a special education teacher was $62,950. Following is an employment, salary, and outlook breakdown of special education teachers:

• The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) : NASET provides support for special education teachers, job listings, important news, and resources.
• The Council for Exceptional Children : An advocacy association for special education, this website provides information about professional development, policies and standards in the field, and other helpful resources for special education teachers.
• Special Education Blogs : Our list of special education blogs addressing issues in and methods of teaching learners with special needs.

Question : Do special education teachers get paid more than general teachers?

Answer : Nationally the average pay for special education teachers tends to be around the same as elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers focused on teaching the standard curriculum. 1,2,3,4 However, salary differences can vary greatly in different regions.

Question: Why do gifted students need special education?

Answer: Special education can be defined as education that is different from the norm, which can also extend to above-average learners such as gifted and talented students. These students are sometimes classified with disabled students under the larger umbrella of exceptional learners. Exceptional learners may require or benefit from exceptional education, or education that is approached differently than that which takes place in the regular classroom. While most degree programs prepare traditional special education teachers differently than teachers of gifted students, there can be some overlap in coursework among these programs due to this correlation. See our Gifted and Talented Teacher Career Guide if you are interested in this type of career.

Question : Do special education teachers get summers off?

Answer : Like general education teachers, special education teachers typically work a 10-month school year, with two months off during the summer. Teachers’ schedules will vary according to their school’s schedules, but some also use those months to prepare lessons for the coming school year or to teach summer courses if they would like supplemental income.

Question : Can special education teachers teach regular classes?

Answer : That depends on the state and the school. Many states do not allow special education teachers to teach general education students, but others do. Also, private schools tend to have different standards. It is best to check with your state board of education.

• Reading Specialist Career Guide
• Special Education Degree Guide

References: 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm 2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 25-2051 Special Education Teachers, Preschool: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252051.htm 3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 25-2052 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School: https://www.bls.gov/Oes/current/oes252052.htm 4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 25-2053 Special Education Teachers, Middle School: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252057.htm 5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 25-2054 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252058.htm 6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2022, 25-2059 Special Education Teachers, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes252059.htm

Best Special Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S. 2024

Did you know that there’s a shortage of special education teachers in the U.S.? According to  American University , more than half of U.S. school districts struggle to find appropriately trained special education teachers, and this disproportionately affects high-poverty districts. 

If you’re thinking about a career working with the country’s most vulnerable student population, a job in special education teaching is both  rewarding  and very much in-demand today. These jobs can also pay reasonably well. Special education middle school teachers in California, for example, make a  median annual wage of $76,420 . The top 10% of earners in that demographic make about $106,130 per year. 

The first step toward a valuable job in teaching is finding the right  degree program .

Best Special Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S. for 2024

The special education program at Boston College provides a foundation for undergraduate students that want to become involved in helping children and adults with special needs in a classroom setting. Students interested in exploring this major learn how to communicate with and structure lesson plans for those with specific learning or physical disabilities. Undergraduates usually complete an on or off-campus internship at an elementary or middle school locally, which helps BC students develop professional relationships and references for when they graduate.

For students interested in pursuing a special education degree in Florida, the University of Florida offers a competitive track with ample professional observation opportunities at local middle and high schools in the Gainesville metro area. Undergraduates are advised to apply to internships during the special education program and in summer breaks to gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable when they apply for professional roles post-graduation.

Lipscomb University offers 3 Special Education and Teaching, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 56 Special Education and Teaching, General students graduated with students earning 50 Master's degrees, 4 Certificates, and 2 Bachelor's degrees.

The University of Georgia offers an undergraduate program in special education, which is the first step for students interested in teaching children with developmental limitations. It is common for students to take classes in psychology and early childhood development as an introduction to the broader field, along with hands-on classes to familiarize themselves with student interaction and communication. UGA offers a four-year path with opportunities to apply to internships at schools locally in Clarke County to gain real-world experience.

University of Maryland-College Park offers 4 Special Education and Teaching, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 31 Special Education and Teaching, General students graduated with students earning 18 Master's degrees, 9 Bachelor's degrees, and 4 Doctoral degrees.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s special education program is a top destination for students interested in pursuing a career working with children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities. The university’s program offers classes on subjects like autism, severe disabilities, and applied behavior analysis. Students should expect a rigorous workload, extensive practicum observation time, and professional internships to further their experience. After graduation, learners are prepared to begin a special education teaching role in Hawaii.

For New York City residents with aspirations of pursuing a degree in special education, New York University (NYU) offers a four-year program designed to prepare students for jobs working directly with children with developmental difficulties and physical disabilities after graduation. Along with special education courses, students complete classes in psychology and literacy, as well as in-person internships at public schools in New York City to gain experience working in a classroom setting with students and practicing professionals.

The special education program at Towson University offers classes geared towards students preparing to enter into the field as a teacher, private tutor, or school resource officer. In the classroom, students have opportunities to study Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and can choose an early childhood education or elementary education track, depending on their preferences. Learners can also complete off-campus internships at public schools in the Baltimore metro to gain professional experience.

The University of Washington has a special education program that emphasizes courses in psychology and early childhood development and is structured to prepare students for classroom roles immediately upon completion of their bachelor’s degree. This program takes four years to complete and provides students with a range of local internship opportunities in the Seattle metro, along with seminars to provide professional observation and guidance before entering the workforce.

Texas Christian University’s special education program prepares students interested in working with children and adults with special needs including developmental and physical disabilities. This program requires courses that teach students how to assess student needs, communicate with learners, and structure lesson plans in a classroom environment. Classes are available both in-person and remote, though some courses may include in-person instruction at grade schools in the Fort Worth metro. Students at TCU typically attend practicum during their junior or senior year to further their professional experience before graduation.

Find local colleges with Special Education and Teaching majors in the U.S.

What is special education and teaching.

Special education teachers work directly with learners who possess a wide range of emotional, mental, learning, or physical disabilities. These professionals work in both public and private schools and utilize specialized assessment and instructional skills to meet the needs of their specific student population.

Special education refers to teaching students using methodologies that are tailored to their challenges, exceptional needs or learning disabilities. Special education professionals provide early intervention to infants and toddlers identified as having disabilities or developmental delays and also work with eligible school age. The most effective instructional strategies require training and expertise that most general education teachers are unequipped to provide.

Though every program is different, a master’s degree in special education generally addresses the most effective methods of teaching to the abilities of children with learning disabilities or cognitive or emotional delays. The programs are offered in-person, online, and as hybrids between the two. A master’s degree in special education generally takes two years to complete and arms teachers with the expertise, skills, and training they need to help special needs students learn and thrive. It also expands their opportunities for advancement, careers outside of the classroom, and higher compensation.

Special Education and Teaching Degree Overview

A special education teaching degree program prepares you with the hard and soft skills teachers need today. These skills include the critical thinking and assessment skills that special education teachers need to offer the best educational support for each learner. Excellent degree programs also help bring out and harness your best qualities, including creativity, patience, and a sense of humor, which helps foster a successful and comfortable learning environment for students with special needs.

Courses in Special Education Programs

Though each special education program will have its own curriculum based upon the priorities of its administration and its particular concentration, students considering a degree in special education can anticipate taking classes similar to those listed below:

• Introduction to the Exceptional Child
• Specific Learning Disabilities: Identification, Instruction and Assessment (LD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Identification, Management, and Assessment (EBD)
• Understanding and Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
• Assessment/Program Planning and Evaluation for Children with Special Needs    
• Special Education Law          
• Reading Disorders: Assessment, Planning, and Instruction
• Research in Special Education
• Educating Young Children with Special Needs        
• Working with Gifted and Talented Students 
• Designing & Utilizing Assistive Learning Technologies

Skills Learned in a Special Education Program

Special education programs prepare graduates to help students with special needs achieve and succeed. This is learned through both coursework and research and results in graduates attaining invaluable skills, including:

• Recognizing and addressing challenging behaviors in applied settings and situations
• Lesson delivery across the autism spectrum
• Behavior modification in special needs students
• Help children develop social, emotional and behavioral wellness skills
• Deliver multi-sensory reading education to students with language-based learning disabilities
• Working collaboratively and creatively with others to deliver quality education to special education students

Master's Degree in Special Education and Teaching

Making the decision to become a special education teacher is a commitment to helping students realize their fullest potential. For the many students who receive special education services, fulfilling that commitment requires expertise in the instructional strategies tailored to their unique needs, and that is what a master’s degree in special education provides. 

Special education teachers with master’s degrees are in increasingly high demand and can earn significantly higher salaries than their colleagues with bachelor’s degrees. They are also positioned to easily transition into positions outside of the school setting. Potential non-education roles include diagnosticians and testers, counselors, case managers, and policymakers.

Master of Science or Arts in Teaching (MST or MAT) vs Master of Education (M.Ed.)

When investigating the various special education master’s programs available, you will find that each curriculum has its own particular focus. In addition to differences in concentration/specialization, students must also pick  between a master of science or arts in teaching (MAT or MST) degree or a master of education (MEd) degree . Though the distinction may sound like a matter of semantics, each has its own focus and facilitates a different career outcome. 

While both programs take approximately two years to complete, they diverge significantly when it comes to the content of the material presented. Students who choose to pursue a master of science or arts in teaching often plan on becoming better, more effective teachers. They want to learn new methods to educate their students and better understand their students’ needs and how best they can learn. These degrees make graduates better teachers.

By contrast, graduate degree candidates who opt for a  master’s in education  learn more about leadership and how the educational system works to serve students. Their work focuses as much on issues of ethics and collaboration as on understanding the learning differences of students requiring special education. This knowledge certainly serves to make them better teachers should they chose to remain in the classroom, but also prepares them for careers outside of the classroom.

What Can I Do with A Master’s in Special Education Degree?

After graduating with a master’s degree in special education, you will not only be eligible for higher compensation as a teacher but will also find yourself qualified to move outside of the classroom into other  meaningful, rewarding career paths . Special education teachers with master’s degrees provide invaluable guidance to countless agencies and organizations that are dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities, including:

• School boards
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private corporations

Having a master’s degree in special education can open the door to becoming a diagnostician or case manager, a consultant or program coordinator. Graduates also work in early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education.

How Long Does A Special Education Graduate Program Take?

Students who pursue a master’s degree in special education should expect to spend 1-2 years on coursework completing roughly 30-to-36 credit hours made up of both classwork and, in some cases, a capstone project, practicum, or thesis. Specific program lengths vary upon whether students choose a full time or part time program, whether they opt for an online degree or in-person setting, and their educational background prior to the master’s program.

If an applicant to a program has not previously taught and/or does not have an undergraduate degree in education or a  teaching certification , they may also be required to complete prerequisite classes. Alternatively, those who have already attained a certain level of experience and have teaching certifications may be able to accelerate their degree completion, particularly if they select an online program.

Applying to Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs

Whether you’ve already been teaching students or you’ve decided to go straight from undergraduate school to a graduate program, applying for admission to a master’s in special education program requires meticulous attention to the selection of the program that most closely matches your goals and needs, the collection of required application material, and the submission of all needed documents to meet each school’s deadlines.

Admission Requirements for Special Education Master’s Programs

Each of the accredited programs that offer master’s degrees in special education has its own specific admission requirements, but there are commonalities among all of them that candidates for admission can expect. These include:

• Completed application form with associated fees
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Official transcripts of undergraduate work
• A record of teaching
• Satisfactory writing skills demonstrated through a personal essay
• Valid teaching certificate
• Current resume

How Much Does a Master’s in Special Education Degree Cost?

The cost to attend a graduate program in special education varies greatly, with tuition costs ranging from under $10,000 to almost $70,000. Tuition is based on factors including:

• The program’s reputation
• The quality of the faculty
• Whether the curriculum is taught online or in-person
• Whether the student is pursuing the degree on a full-time basis or part-time basis
• Whether the degree is offered by a private college or public university
• Whether the student is from in-state or from out-of-state

When choosing a program to attend, students should weigh their priorities against the elements that add or subtract to costs. Keep in mind that by choosing an online program, students avoid the additional fees attributable to room and board.

Certification and Licensure in Special Education and Teaching

Master of special education licensure and certification.

There are several different types of credentials required to teach. Every state requires that educators have at least bachelor’s degree and hold a teaching license from their state, and some states now require that teachers pursue and attain a master’s degree within five years of starting their teaching career.

Any graduate of a master’s in special education program who has not previously been licensed will be well prepared to meet the student teaching standards their state requires. In addition to licensure, certifications are awarded following completion of both an educational curriculum and a certain level of hands-on teaching practice. These certifications may be for:

• Specific grade levels such as elementary or high school
• Secondary education
• Special education
• Specific subject areas

There is also a national certification board, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, that awards certifications to teachers that meet their standards. Certification is voluntary but ensure that an individual teacher has met the high and rigorous standards set by the organization. The agency offers a special  “Exceptional Needs Standard” ideal for those who have earned a master’s degree in special education.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Special Education and Teaching?

There are many job opportunities in the public and private sectors for students interested in pursuing a career in special education, and a degree in this field can provide the foundation for the exciting opportunity to help special education students to learn and grow. 

A degree in special education includes classes like early childhood development, mental and physical disabilities, and lesson planning. Special education teachers must possess strong communication skills and an ability to structure lesson plans that provide stimulating and educational opportunities for their students with ranging cognitive abilities. 

To become a special education instructor, you typically need a four-year bachelor’s degree with on-the-job training to get familiarized with working with students in a classroom setting. Special education programs usually offer in-person coursework due to the personal nature of the job, but there are online options for those interested in pursuing an associate’s degree. The  Bureau of Labor Statistics  projects that opportunities in this field will grow by 8 percent in the next decade, a much higher growth rate than other professions.

Earning an Online Special Education and Teaching Degree

Online master of special education vs. on-campus degrees.

Just a few years ago, the idea of earning a graduate degree online was unheard of. But today, accredited colleges and universities offer high-quality programs in both online and in-person formats, and some of the best programs in the country are exclusively available online.

Because online education has progressed to the point where academic quality meets that of in-person classes, potential students can now make their decision based on what is best for them as individuals. When choosing, you should consider the following factors:

• Online education offers more flexibility and the ability to continue your personal and career responsibilities.
• In-person education offers more hands-on opportunities and more face-to-face engagement with your cohort.
• Online education is frequently less expensive, especially because you can learn at home rather than having to pay to commute, park, eat on or near campus, and potentially have to live on or near campus.

Many master’s in special education programs require that their students who are not currently teaching fulfill a minimum number of hours of in-person teaching experience in a special needs setting. If you are not currently a teacher and you’re considering an online program, make sure you understand each program’s requirements for in-person study and experience.

Special Education and Teaching Career and Salary Overview

How much do special education master’s graduates make.

According to the  National Council on Teacher Quality , earning a master’s degree provides first-year teachers with $2,760 more in than teachers who have only earned a bachelor’s degree. This pay differential grows with experience, topping out at an average of $7,358 more per year by the time a teacher reaches the maximum number of years of experience within their district’s pay scale.

Some school districts offer incentives that recognize a master’s degree as equivalent to several years of experience, while others offer compensation for higher education credits earned, whether they result in a degree or not. The larger the school district, the greater the difference tends to be. For example, the most experienced teachers with master’s degrees earn $36,716 more than bachelors-degreed teachers with the same level of experience in the Montgomery County Public School District in Maryland. 

Master’s in Special Education Degree Salaries and Career Outlook

A master’s in special education program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to reach the children who require the most attention and help. That need goes far beyond the classroom, and so do the career opportunities. Here are a few of the positions that this degree makes possible, along with salary and job projections provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Special Education Career Resources

If you are considering pursuing a degree in special education or would like more information on the support and resources available to those who have chosen a career in educating those with special needs, the following organizations offer a wealth of assistance.

• The National Association of Special Education Teachers
• The Council for Exceptional Children
• The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps
• National Organization on Disability
• National Center for Learning Disabilities
• The Office of Special Education Programs
• Special Education News

Special Education and Teaching FAQ

Should I get a Master’s in Special Education if I have a Bachelor’s in Special Education?

Many high-quality undergraduate teaching programs allow special education majors to focus on students with special needs. Though having a bachelor’s degree in special education opens the door to teaching this specific demographic, a master’s degree offers higher-level education focused on research, skill development, and leadership.

What can you do with a master’s in special education?

With a master’s degree in special education, you will be qualified to teach special education students as well as to be a leader in the creation, implementation and management of their education.

Is a master’s in special education worth it?

Earning your master’s degree in special education will not only add to your earning potential, it will also provide you with advanced leadership skills and improve your opportunities for advancement.

How much can you make with a master’s in special education?

The average income for a teacher with a master’s in special education is over $61,500, and other positions for which you will be qualified pay even higher salaries.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in special education?

It takes approximately two years to complete a master’s in special education program.

List of all Special Education and Teaching colleges in the U.S.