Students striving to earn a Special Education degree have a true calling – to teach children who are living with a wide range of disabilities. This could include complex conditions as autism, as well as mental or behavioral health disorders. Other times, students may be facing multiple disabilities, meaning their teacher will be responsible for helping them learn how to handle many basic skills at once. Special education teachers can work throughout the different grade levels, from kindergarten up through high school. According to Payscale.com, the average elementary special education teacher earns around $41,494 annually. Middle school teachers typically earn a little more according to Payscale.com’s figures, clocking in at $48,450.
Teaching in a traditional school setting isn’t the only career option for students working towards their special education degree. Other options include private tutoring or homeschooling students. They can also shift their focus into the field of testing as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant. In this role, consultants act as case managers for students at a set number of schools. They test each student to see where they need help, then help create a individualized curriculum and study plans to help every student succeed. A similar career option includes being a Reading Specialist, which allows the specialist to work with children on a one-on-one basis or in a small group setting, giving more personalized instruction to each student than a teacher would be able to give with a full class.
Outside of the classroom, people with a special education degree may opt to be a director of special education and oversee a group of teachers or set and maintain the standards of a curriculum. Being a guidance counselor is also an option.
If you’re wanting to earn your Special Education degree online, we have 20 options for your to consider. Click here for more information.