Jobs in special education are simply the best! Before I was a Special Education Teacher, I worked for a non-profit. We ran social skills groups, lead community based outings, and taught vocational skills. I have spent most of my adult life working in the special education field. I can promise you will not meet a cooler, more fun, more endearing set of people in any other field.
The Special Education Teacher
If you are a Teacher in Special Education the students stay with you year after year. This gives you an opportunity to watch them develop overtime. With more time, you can change the trajectory of their lives. Also, because you are with them for more than one year, you get to know the parents. Teaming up with parents to support students is where the magic happens!
In the special education classroom, you have more freedom over the curriculum. You are teaching, progress monitoring, and working towards IEP goals. This allows you to scaffold a curriculum that works for the individual in front of you. You can take into account the student’s personal interests and abilities. You can even work in opportunities for them to be the experts and lead the group! If your students are like mine, then as a bonus, you will learn about Sonic, Legos, Tik Tok and so much more!
Special Education Classrooms
Since the IEP is written based on the needs of each individual student, your workday may look different from day to day. The topics you teach can be academic but, might also other skills. My students have goals in the areas of life skills, vocational skills, community based instruction, independent living skills, and friendship skills among others. I love that Special Education Teachers have so much flexibility! Here are some common teaching jobs in special education:
- Self Contained Classroom: Students and teacher are in one classroom most of the day
- Co-teaching: The Special Education Teacher is working in the same classroom with the General Education Teacher
- Push In: A Special Education Teacher or Paraprofessional enters a general education classroom to provide modifications and support
- Resource/Learning Support/Study Skills: Students come to your room for small group instruction in a specific area for a short period of time
The Special Education Paraprofessional
One of the best things about the Special Education classroom is the team of paraprofessionals who work in it. They are absolute angels. Paraprofessionals support the Special Education Teacher and love the students. Paraprofessionals are masters in teaching small groups. They keep the classroom running! Often times, Paras spend their time preparing materials for lessons, taking data on student progress. They remind the Special Education Teacher to breathe, and laugh!
In the special education classroom, Paraprofessionals are the glue that holds a program together. Paraprofessionals get to work with the students without managing the paperwork of the IEP. We Special Education Teachers are eternally appreciative of all they do.
Other Jobs in Special Education
The special education field is full of opportunities! If working in the classroom is not a job for you, not to worry. Here are some other professions that work in special education:
- Special Education Advocates: Help people with disabilities and their families navigate systems to secure supports within them
- Counselors: Work with students at schools and clinics to learn skills to support mental and physical health
- School psychologist: Participate in the IEP team, test students to determine whether or not disabilities are present, make recommendations for services
- Speech Language Pathologist: Work with students who need support in the area of communication
- Occupational Therapist: Works towards wellness and increased independence with fine motor tasks
- Physical Therapist: Works to improve range of movement and develop gross motor skills
- Skills Trainer: Teaches social skills, life skills, community skills, independent living skills, and vocational skills
Resources for Professionals in Special Education
Special Education Basics: A 30 Minute Training
Workbook: Getting Students Involved in the IEP Process