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With patience, resourcefulness

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and strong communication skills,

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special education teachers

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create a positive learning environment

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for students with special needs.

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Special education teachers

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work with students who have learning,

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mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.

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They teach reading, writing, and math,

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and—for students with severe disabilities—

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they also teach communication

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and basic life skills.

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A special education teacher

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begins by developing

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an Individualized Education Program

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for each student,

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then implementing it

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and tracking student progress.

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Communicating with parents, counselors,

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other teachers, and administrators

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helps ensure they meet students’ needs.

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Tasks vary based on the student’s needs;

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teachers might develop flashcards

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for a student with hearing loss,

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facilitate a small group

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to teach collaboration for a project,

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or create a quiet corner

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for students with autism.

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Many use assistive technology

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to communicate with students.

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Most special education teachers

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work in public schools,

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with students ranging from preschool

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through high school.

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They generally work during school hours,

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following the traditional

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10-month school year schedule.

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The work can be highly rewarding,

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but also emotionally demanding

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and physically draining.

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Special education teachers need

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a bachelor’s degree in special education

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or in an education-related field;

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or a content area, such as math or science

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with a minor in special education.

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A license is required to teach

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in public schools.

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States may offer a general license

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in special education,

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or disability-specific credentials,

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such as autism or behavior disorders.