Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
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.
Common Job Titles
- High School Special Education Teacher
- Special Education Resource Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Teacher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Email software
- Hand held spell checkers
- Screen magnification software
- Screen reader software
- Text to speech software
- Video editing software
- Voice activated software
- Web browser software
Tools & Equipment
- Alternative computer keyboards
- Assistive amplification systems
- Audio tape recorders or players
- Braille slates
- Braille styluses
- Bunsen burners
- Communication boards
- Computer laser printers