Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
SOC: 25-2057.00
Common Job Titles
Intervention Specialist
Middle School Special Education Teacher
Special Education Resource Teacher
Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeFormulate creative behavioral interventions and conflict resolution strategies independently managing classroom dynamics with students exhibiting emotional and behavioral challenges.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign individualized education programs (IEPs) and differentiated learning strategies for middle school students with diverse disabilities, applying knowledge of psychology and special education principles.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate student-centered care principles with evidence-based instructional methods when establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships with students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate student academic progress and behavioral data to determine compliance with IEP goals and state educational standards, documenting outcomes systematically.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply learning strategies and adaptive instructional techniques in middle school classrooms, using assistive technologies such as screen readers, communication boards, and alternative keyboards.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for equitable access to curriculum and accommodations when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and external service providers.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze individual student needs and learning profiles using assessment data, behavioral observations, and psychological evaluations to inform instructional planning.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery in managing specialized assistive equipment and medical devices including enteral feeding equipment, portable oxygen systems, and oral suction tubes in the classroom setting.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile competing priorities among academic goals, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional development when organizing, planning, and prioritizing daily instruction under time constraints.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex educational regulations, IEP requirements, and accommodations for parents, general education teachers, and administrators to ensure legal compliance.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Special Education Teachers, Middle School (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
95,330
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $48,070. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,590. 50th percentile: U.S. $64,880. 75th percentile: U.S. $81,940. 90th percentile: U.S. $102,730. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$48,070
10% of workers earn the following or more
$102,730
Workers on average earn
$72,310
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Education and Training4.8/5
English Language4.8/5
Psychology4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Mathematics3.5/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
