Special Education Teachers, Middle School
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.
Common Job Titles
- Intervention Specialist
- Middle School Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Resource Teacher
- Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Blackboard software
- Common Curriculum
- EasyCBM
- Email software
- Flipgrid
- Google Classroom
- Hand held spell checkers
- Padlet
Tools & Equipment
- Alternative computer keyboards
- Assistive amplification systems
- Audio tape recorders or players
- Braille slates
- Braille styluses
- Bunsen burners
- Communication boards
- Computer laser printers