Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary 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: 25-2058.00
Common Job Titles
High School Special Education Teacher
Special Education Resource Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign individualized education programs (IEPs) with differentiated learning strategies for secondary students with diverse learning, emotional, and physical disabilities, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and families.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate student progress and compliance with IEP goals using multiple assessment methods and assistive technology data in secondary school settings.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate social-emotional learning principles with academic instruction when supporting students with emotional disabilities and behavioral challenges in inclusive and specialized classrooms.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply knowledge of educational psychology and disability-specific pedagogies to adapt curriculum for students with visual, hearing, or intellectual disabilities across content areas.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate assistive technology devices and adaptive equipment including alternative keyboards, screen readers, communication boards, and adaptive switches to support student learning and independence.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for student rights and inclusive educational practices when communicating with parents, administrators, and external agencies to ensure compliance with special education law.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze behavioral data and student work samples to identify learning patterns, modify instructional strategies, and inform data-driven decision-making.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop specialized lesson plans and accommodations using knowledge of mathematics, English language arts, and secondary curriculum standards to meet diverse student needs.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile conflicting stakeholder perspectives during IEP meetings and parent conferences while maintaining student-centered goals and regulatory compliance.
Proficient
MindsetSupport student transition planning and life skills development by fostering self-advocacy, independence, and post-secondary readiness in collaboration with vocational counselors.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
162,780
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,930. 25th percentile: U.S. $58,180. 50th percentile: U.S. $69,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $87,140. 90th percentile: U.S. $106,050. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$47,930
10% of workers earn the following or more
$106,050
Workers on average earn
$74,610
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
English Language4.6/5
Education and Training4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
