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A growing number of students receive special education services in K-12 schools. As of the 2022-23 school year, 15% of all public-school students qualify for special education services, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine report the highest percentage of public-school students receiving special education services at 21%.

The education system relies on special education professionals to provide services for these students. Those with a bachelor’s degree in special education or a master’s degree in special education can help meet the growing need for these professionals. In addition to the many special education teachers working in classrooms across the country, educational diagnosticians play a critical role in meeting the needs of students with disabilities.

What Is an Educational Diagnostician?

Educational diagnosticians draw on their classroom experience and graduate school training to support students with special needs. But what is an educational diagnostician? 

Educational diagnosticians are special education administrators who evaluate students to determine their eligibility for special education services. They review students’ academic assessments and conduct observations of the students, then recommend specific interventions to support the students in their learning.

Educational diagnosticians work closely with students, classroom teachers, school administrators, and students’ families. Before moving into this administrative position, individuals need special education teaching experience and a master’s degree. 

What Does an Educational Diagnostician Do?

Educational diagnosticians support students with disabilities in school settings. Unlike special education teachers, who primarily teach these students, educational diagnosticians evaluate and make recommendations for them. They visit classrooms to observe the students, conduct formal assessments, and meet with their parents to discuss the students’ academic and behavioral needs.

The job responsibilities of an educational diagnostician include:

• Observing and assessing students for learning disabilities or developmental delays

• Collaborating with educators to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students who require special education services 

• Evaluating the students’ progress and adjusting their IEPs as needed

• Advising teachers on the best practices for teaching students with learning disabilities

• Ensuring compliance with special education laws and regulations

These positions require an extensive understanding of learning disabilities and special education services.

Steps to Become an Educational Diagnostician

Educators need a teaching certificate, classroom experience, and a graduate degree to move from a special education teaching position into an educational diagnostician role. The following steps walk through how to become an educational diagnostician.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Before becoming an educational diagnostician, educators need to meet the requirements to work as a special education teacher. Prospective special education teachers often pursue a bachelor’s degree in special education .

Individuals earning this degree study child cognitive development, educational psychology, and intervention strategies for children with disabilities. They also learn about different learning disabilities , emotional disorders, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders. Education programs incorporate hands-on student teaching practicums to allow future teachers to gain classroom experience.

Those considering a bachelor’s in special education should choose a program that leads to certification or licensure in the state where they plan to teach.

Get a Teaching Certificate or License

After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates apply for a teaching certificate or license through their state Board of Education. In most states, teachers must meet certain education, experience, and exam requirements.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an approved teacher preparation program, special education teaching certificates usually require student teaching experience and passing scores on a special education exam. Many states also offer alternative pathways to certification.

Gain Special Education Teaching Experience

Educational diagnosticians draw on their classroom experience to assess students’ needs and design IEPs. Gaining at least two to three years of classroom experience as a special education teacher helps teachers build the knowledge that educational diagnosticians need.

The skills of a special education teacher overlap with those of an educational diagnostician. Both need to have strong assessment and collaboration skills, and both work closely with parents to meet the needs of young learners.

Earn a Master’s Degree

Special education teachers can strengthen their assessment and IEP planning skills by earning a master’s degree in special education . A graduate-level special education program can also prepare educators to move into an educational diagnostician job.

Master’s in special education students expand their theoretical and practical understanding of learning disabilities and behavioral disorders. Coursework on early intervention, behavioral supports, and transition planning help educators develop the knowledge required to become an educational diagnostician. Graduate students also explore formal and informal assessment methods.

With a master’s in special education and special education teaching experience, educators can pursue roles as an educational diagnostician. 

Educational Diagnostician Salary and Job Outlook

Special education teachers can increase their earning potential by becoming an educational diagnostician. Teachers in special education have a median annual salary of around $48,300, according to June 2025 data from the compensation website Payscale. In contrast, educational diagnosticians have a median annual salary of around $69,900, according to Payscale.

A majority of states report a shortage of special education teachers, according to a 2025-26 teacher shortage area report from the U.S. Department of Education. As the number of children requiring special education services continues to grow, educational diagnosticians will benefit from a strong job market.

Earn a Special Education Degree at Wilson College Online

Prepare for a career in special education by earning your degree at Wilson College Online. Degree-seekers can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education to prepare for initial certification or a Master of Special Education to advance in their career.

Wilson’s programs blend flexible online courses with student teaching assignments in Pennsylvania schools. The special education programs hold accreditation from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Reach out to Wilson College Online today to learn more about earning a special education degree.

Recommended Readings

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

How to Increase Your Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania

What Are the Requirements to Earn a Master of Education?

Sources:

Education Next, “Where Are All the Special Educators?”

National Center for Education Statistics, Students With Disabilities

Payscale, Average Educational Diagnostician Salary

Payscale, Average Special Education Teacher Salary

Plaquemines Parish School Board, What Is an Educational Diagnostician?

ProCare Therapy, “The State Of Educational Diagnostician Careers”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary

U.S. Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas