
Nov 29, 2017 ● Kate Lopaze
How to become a special education teacher
Anyone who takes on the role of teacher is already pretty special—educating students of all ages is not for everyone, and it can be one of the most challenging and rewarding careers out there. And if you’re thinking of becoming a special education teacher, working with students with an even greater range of learning styles, academic needs, and levels of ability, the ups and downs of teaching can be even more intense. If you think this might be the teaching career for you, we have the info you need to get started on that path.
What do special education teachers do?
Special education teachers are educators who work specifically with students who have physical, academic, or emotional differences. Many special ed teachers focus on a particular age group (like elementary school or high school), but the range of student ages can vary, depending on how the school’s special education programs are set up. Special education teachers may work with students who have a variety of special needs conditions, including:- Learning disabilities
- Behavior disorders
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Physical disabilities (blindness, deafness, etc.)
- Lesson and curriculum planning
- Managing classroom lessons and activities
- Tracking student progress
- Meeting with parents
- Assisting students with everyday living tasks
- Teaching a variety of subjects (like reading, math, or science)
- Teaching communication skills