Top Special Education Schools

1. Liberty University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
2. Grand Canyon University Click for Recommended Degree Program
3. Western Governors Online Click for Recommended Degree Program

What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?

A special education teacher is an educational specialist and teacher who specializes in working with students who suffer from a wide range of disabilities, which are defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These disabilities may include such things as mental retardation, learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, emotional and behavioral disturbances, and hearing impairments. Occasionally, these caring professionals will also work with children with developmental delays, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, visual impairments, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, or deaf-blindness. Because of the desperate need these children have for assistance, this is one of the top careers in education. What does a special education teacher do to help these students? He or she provides many different services, which are detailed below. If you would like to become a special education teacher, go back to college and get your career training for this remarkable field today.

What does a special education teacher do?

To fully understand what does a special education teacher do, you must understand that he or she works to provide individualized instruction and assistance to children with a wide range of needs. Special education teachers work directly with students, with the families of students, and with the regular classroom teachers, helping the to modify and/or adapt the curriculum and learning environment as well as to appropriately alter assessments.

A special education is a member of a team of people who work daily to provide special education services. Other team members who collaborate with special education teachers include occupational therapists, physical therapists, resource room personnel, speech language pathologists, instructional assistants, and others. One of the most important parts of this job is that of helping the team to develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.

Over the course of a day, what does a special education teacher do may include working with students in different grades and with extremely different needs. He or she must implement a number of techniques and approaches to ensure that the necessary assessment and learning are taking place for each student. This may include reading aloud to one student, scribing for another, and helping yet another practice a specific skill. Each child’s progress and other details of his or her program must be meticulously documented.

Education and training

Generally, those who wish to work as special education teachers must complete at least a bachelor’s degree program in special education, including student teaching experience. Some states require that you become certified as a regular education teacher before pursuing a special education degree. Once you have completed your education, you must become certified in your state. Additionally, you may receive a Board Certification in Special Education, which is recognized in all states.

By getting the necessary education to perform what does a special education teacher do, you are joining a force of dedicated, caring professionals who promise to do their best to see that all children, regardless of need, receive the services necessary to meet their full academic potential. Enroll in classes today.