Special Education Teachers

At a Glance

Usually teach students from five to eighteen years old
Work with parents, social workers, school psychologists, and others
Training usually takes five to six years after high school
Need a license
Often belong to unions

Career summary

Special education teachers work with children and youth who have disabilities.

Most special education teachers instruct students at:

Elementary schools
Middle schools
High schools

Some special education teachers work with infants and toddlers.

Special education teachers design and change their instruction to meet a student's special needs. Students are classified under one category of disability, based on federal law. Examples include learning disabilities, autism, and brain injury. Teachers are typically trained to work with specific groups.

Special education teachers use a variety of methods to improve development in their students. Methods may include individual instruction, group work, or assignments that teach students to solve problems.

Teachers must develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students. The IEP sets personalized goals to fit each student's learning style and ability. It includes a transition plan with steps to prepare students for middle or high school. The transition plan for older students prepares them for a job or college. Teachers review the IEP with parents, general teachers, and school administrators.

Teachers work closely with parents to keep them informed of their child's progress. They also suggest ideas to promote learning at home. A large part of a special education teacher's job involves interacting with others. They often talk to parents, social workers, school psychologists, and other school staff.

Special education teachers design courses of study geared to each student's ability. Teachers may use special equipment to help students learn, such as interactive computer programs. Special education teachers grade papers and other homework. They teach academic subjects, and help students develop emotionally. They help students learn and be aware of behavior that is socially acceptable. Special education teachers teach basic living skills to help students prepare for daily life after they graduate.

Special needs students are often placed in regular classes with general teachers. Special education teachers often work with general teachers in these classrooms. They help them adapt teaching materials and methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to special education teachers.

Teach students using various techniques, depending on their disabilities.
Help develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each special education student.
Set goals for students depending on their individual learning style and ability.
Review IEPs with students' parents and general education teacher. Review IEP with school administrators.
Meet with parents to inform them of their child's progress. Make suggestions for home learning.
Design curricula (courses of study). Assign work geared toward each student's ability. Grade papers and homework assignments.
Teach academic subjects, using techniques to reinforce learning.
Help students develop emotionally. Teach socially acceptable behavior by enforcing school rules.
Teach daily living skills to help prepare students for life after graduation.
May work closely with general education teachers.
Communicate often with parents, social workers, school psychologists, and other teachers.
Use specialized equipment, such as computers that talk, for instruction.
May help place students into general education classrooms.

Common work activities

Special education teachers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Establish and maintain relationships
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Teach others
Get information needed to do the job
Assist and care for others
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Document and record information
Use computers
Develop goals and strategies
Coach others
Evaluate information against standards
Make decisions and solve problems
Update and use job-related knowledge
Explain the meaning of information to others
Schedule work and activities
Analyze data or information
Think creatively
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Process information
Develop and build teams
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Communicate with people outside the organization
Identify objects, actions, and events
Perform for or work with the public
Perform administrative tasks
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, special education teachers:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of job-required social contact. They work closely with students, parents, and other school staff.
Are often placed in conflict situations and are responsible for work outcomes.
Often deal with angry or discourteous parents.
Are responsible for the health and safety of their students.
Speak in front of large groups of people on a weekly basis.
Communicate with coworkers, parents, and students daily by e-mail and telephone. Occasionally write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Mostly work indoors, but may also work with students outdoors.
Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable, such as a noisy classroom.
Work very near students. They often work within inches of other people.

Work performance

Must be exact in their work. Errors could slow students' development.
Repeat the same activities.
Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact students and parents. They rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision.
Are able to set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor.
Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

Usually work a regular school schedule.
Usually work more than 40 hours a week.
Usually work the traditional ten-month school year. However, some schools offer year-round classes for special education students.

Physical demands

Special education teachers frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for special education teachers to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand the speech of another person.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for special education teachers to be able to:

See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Special education teachers need to:

Communicate

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Understand written information.
Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Teach others how to do something.
Look for ways to help people.
Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Persuade others to approach things differently.
Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Special Education

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a special education teacher, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent;
have at least a bachelor's degree;
complete an approved teacher training program;
complete additional training in special education;
complete a student teacher internship; and
pass a state licensing exam.

Education after high school

Special education teachers in public schools need at least a bachelor's degree from an approved teacher education program. Most states also require that you complete courses in special education. Courses include educational psychology, child development, and legal issues. You may need five years to complete your program in special education.

Many states require that teachers have (or be in the process of working on) a master's degree. This usually involves one additional year of coursework after completing a bachelor's degree.

Private schools may not require a bachelor's degree in education.

On-the-job training

Before graduating from a teacher education program, you work as a student teacher. Student teachers work in school classrooms with experienced teachers. In the beginning, you observe the teacher and classroom. Later, you teach on your own.

In your first year as a teacher you may receive additional on-the-job training. This generally takes the form of extra supervision by the principal or another teacher.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Child Development
Computer Applications
Psychology
Public Speaking
Teacher Assisting

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for special education teachers who are patient, creative, and able to motivate students. They must be understanding of special needs and accepting of differences in others. The abilities to communicate well and cooperate with others are also very important. Special education teachers spend a great deal of time interacting with students, parents, and teachers.

Employers also look for applicants with a variety of student teaching experience.

Tips

Experience working with disabled people, such as Special Olympics participants, is useful. Thoroughly research this occupation and gain experience by volunteering before finishing academic studies. Be prepared to work with many behavior types and grade levels. Undergraduate internships are very helpful. Move up the pay scale as quickly as possible by getting your master's degree.

Costs to workers

Some teachers may be required to join a union and pay quarterly dues. Teachers usually pay for their own continuing education classes.

Licensing/certification

All public and private school teachers must be certified by the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The certification for a new teacher who is completing or has completed an in-state teacher training program is the residency first issue teacher certificate.

Requirements for a residency first issue certificate for entry-level teachers include:

being age 18 or older;
evidence of good moral character and personal fitness;
a bachelor's degree from regionally accredited college or university;
completion of an approved college/university teacher education program, which includes teaching methodology, content, and an internship;
completion of dual endorsement requirements(special education and second endorsement in an additional subject area);
passing a basic skills test;
passing a content test on the subject matter for each endorsement; and
submission of an application and paying a fee.

The first issue certificate is good for five years. Teaching must take place at a state approved public or private school. To renew the residency certificate, 100 hours of approved continuing education, including 10 hours of STEM related training, must be completed every five years.

School districts may require a background check and fingerprinting for employment, even if the applicant has a certificate granted by the State. Fingerprinting is available at any of the nine regional Educational Service District (ESD) offices. Each ESD may add an additional processing fee.

For more information on certification, contact:

Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Professional Education and Certification (external link)

Old Capitol Building
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
360.725.6400

#Deleted previous hidden licensing content since it is stored elsewhere; also added new 2nd endorsement requirement for new special ed teachers, rest of info ok, 3/12/19 cj. 2/13/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school (SOC 25-2052)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,790	$54,970	$65,680	$76,050	$83,250
Bellingham	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,860	$60,366	$71,742	$79,970	$85,905
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,009	$59,106	$71,404	$81,755	$94,591
Clarkston-Lewiston	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$26,811	$30,646	$39,739	$62,129	$75,661
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$43,663	$49,893	$60,831	$73,766	$82,089
Longview	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,928	$56,018	$68,768	$81,179	$95,063
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$47,052	$55,056	$65,598	$75,363	$81,292
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,379	$52,192	$62,582	$73,977	$80,978
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$51,730	$57,725	$67,741	$78,389	$88,328
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$44,054	$53,650	$67,049	$76,724	$82,843
Vancouver	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,636	$62,244	$77,940	$98,079	$116,296
Walla Walla	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$43,015	$49,309	$63,122	$74,171	$80,580
Wenatchee	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$44,032	$50,841	$62,235	$73,784	$80,207
Yakima	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$44,556	$51,428	$66,386	$75,779	$81,331
United States	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$38,980	$47,520	$59,390	$75,940	$95,730

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Special education teachers, middle school (SOC 25-2053)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,750	$53,890	$64,060	$75,120	$82,360
Bellingham	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,292	$54,976	$68,606	$78,092	$83,991
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$48,759	$58,211	$72,351	$85,267	$97,926
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,271	$52,233	$62,495	$76,975	$90,014
Longview	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$44,771	$50,609	$59,131	$70,099	$77,624
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$48,440	$56,161	$65,169	$75,063	$81,252
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,289	$52,426	$62,216	$73,103	$79,976
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$51,609	$57,473	$67,357	$77,602	$85,153
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$40,278	$51,774	$63,782	$75,616	$83,030
Vancouver	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$55,046	$63,472	$80,536	$99,000	$114,573
Walla Walla	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$41,244	$48,986	$61,197	$71,658	$78,261
Wenatchee	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$42,351	$46,645	$54,094	$69,165	$78,674
Yakima	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$40,738	$46,055	$55,727	$71,739	$80,202
United States	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$40,690	$48,820	$60,250	$77,080	$97,290

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Special education teachers, preschool (SOC 25-2051)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$41,920	$53,400	$64,530	$75,460	$82,880
Bellingham	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$32,935	$49,642	$66,478	$75,725	$81,304
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,829	$53,636	$62,140	$76,562	$91,801
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$55,714	$63,104	$73,857	$83,411	$95,532
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$29,514	$36,941	$54,947	$65,622	$76,921
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,110	$53,668	$64,879	$74,824	$80,811
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,781	$56,510	$66,943	$78,257	$89,338
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$41,878	$47,338	$58,309	$71,995	$79,857
Vancouver	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$66,017	$71,919	$80,865	$98,997	$118,514
Yakima	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$35,284	$54,896	$66,826	$75,541	$80,749
United States	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$34,300	$44,020	$55,840	$72,570	$100,160

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Special education teachers, secondary school (SOC 25-2054)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$48,520	$56,010	$66,440	$76,890	$85,590
Bellingham	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$45,592	$53,390	$65,817	$79,834	$92,886
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$52,507	$60,966	$71,912	$81,087	$91,797
Kennewick-Richland	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,043	$53,664	$66,249	$80,013	$92,856
Longview	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$48,298	$55,310	$64,131	$77,249	$88,767
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$52,469	$58,150	$66,530	$75,717	$81,446
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,306	$57,600	$69,063	$79,184	$86,812
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$53,320	$59,067	$68,985	$79,093	$89,434
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,653	$57,041	$67,403	$79,270	$91,460
Vancouver	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$55,414	$67,324	$80,851	$113,534	$127,089
Walla Walla	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$49,890	$59,552	$69,088	$75,898	$79,984
Wenatchee	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$43,928	$50,791	$66,132	$75,292	$80,713
Yakima	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$46,263	$54,214	$66,744	$75,695	$81,105
United States	Hourly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Monthly	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)	(1)
	Yearly	$40,560	$48,630	$60,600	$77,820	$98,290

(1) Wage estimate is not available.

Wages for special education teachers varies by the age of the students they teach. In addition, in some schools, teachers receive extra pay for coaching sports and working with students in activities outside of the classroom. Some teachers earn extra income during the summer by working in the school system or in other jobs.

Over half of all public school teachers belong to unions -- mainly the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. These unions negotiate with employers regarding wages, hours, and conditions of employment.

Full-time teachers usually receive typical benefits. These include sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Because teachers usually work a ten-month year, their wages are reported annually.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school (SOC 25-2052)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	5,630	16.3%	16.1%	607
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	151	17.2%	13.4%	17
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	329	2.4%	8.6%	25
Benton and Franklin Counties	233	18.0%	15.0%	26
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	261	11.5%	11.9%	25
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	543	17.7%	15.2%	60
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	443	18.5%	14.1%	50
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	282	17.7%	14.6%	31
King County	1,811	18.7%	19.6%	205
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	255	18.4%	13.8%	29
Pierce County	415	17.1%	15.2%	46
Snohomish County	383	18.8%	12.4%	44
Spokane County	436	7.8%	13.9%	38
United States	184,300	2.8%	5.2%	14,500

Special education teachers, middle school (SOC 25-2053)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,552	16.2%	16.1%	167
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	59	16.9%	13.4%	6
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	91	2.2%	8.6%	7
Benton and Franklin Counties	82	17.1%	15.0%	8
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	61	11.5%	11.9%	6
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	139	17.3%	15.2%	15
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	84	17.9%	14.1%	9
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	73	17.8%	14.6%	8
King County	407	18.4%	19.6%	46
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	38	15.8%	13.8%	4
Pierce County	201	16.9%	15.2%	22
Snohomish County	114	19.3%	12.4%	13
Spokane County	161	8.1%	13.9%	14
United States	86,800	2.8%	5.2%	6,800

Special education teachers, secondary school (SOC 25-2054)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	2,698	16.3%	16.1%	291
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	85	16.5%	13.4%	9
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	158	2.5%	8.6%	11
Benton and Franklin Counties	88	18.2%	15.0%	10
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	119	11.8%	11.9%	11
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	233	17.6%	15.2%	26
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	202	18.3%	14.1%	23
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	141	17.7%	14.6%	16
King County	717	18.5%	19.6%	81
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	134	18.7%	13.8%	15
Pierce County	295	17.3%	15.2%	32
Snohomish County	245	18.8%	12.4%	28
Spokane County	199	8.0%	13.9%	18
United States	142,000	3.0%	5.2%	11,300

National employment

Major employers:

Public and private schools

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be steady. Increased screening of children will create more demand for special education teachers. As more classrooms are inclusive of students of all abilities, special education teachers will be needed to assist other teachers.

Job opportunities may be better in certain specialties, such as early childhood intervention and autism spectrum disorders.

Other resources

American Federation of Teachers
555 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.879.4400

Council for Exceptional Children
3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201-5332
888.232.7733

Education World

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
1525 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22209
703.465.2700

Special Education Home Page

Washington Education Association
PO Box 9100
Federal Way, WA 98063-9100
800.622.3393
253.941.6700

Washington Federation of Teachers
625 Andover Park West, Suite 111
Tukwila, WA 98188
206.242.4777

References

Career cluster

Education and Training

Career path

Social

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Special Education Teacher

Holland occupational clusters

Social/Artistic/Conventional
Social/Artistic/Enterprising
Social/Artistic/Investigative
Social/Investigative/Artistic

COPSystem

Service Professional