How to Become a Special Education Teacher
Written by:
Wilson College
• Jun 10, 2025
About 15% of public school students between the ages of 3 and 21 received special education services during the 2022-2023 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. These services are guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities have access to free education services nationwide.
While the number of children requiring special education continues to steadily climb, the number of special education teachers available to provide that education has declined sharply. The National Association of State Boards of Education has reported consistent special education teacher shortages since 2006, meaning these professionals are in high demand. Individuals researching how to become a special education teacher will find that earning a bachelor’s degree in special education is the first step.
Special Education Teacher Job Description
Special education teachers work to educate children with special needs from preschool through high school. Under the requirements of the IDEA, an individualized education program, or IEP, must be created for each disabled student in an American public school. An IEP provides details about the services the child will receive to help them reach their academic goals.
To provide the best quality education to their students, special education teachers must assess each student’s needs. This often involves meeting with parents or caregivers and special education coordinators, then adapting lessons to the needs of the individual student. Many special education teachers work in small classrooms, but they also provide substantial one-on-one teaching.
Special education teachers play an important role in the lives of students and their families. Aside from teaching an academic curriculum, they also provide social development lessons and prepare their students for major transitions.
Steps to Become a Special Education Teacher
Those interested in how to become a special education teacher should know that the job requires specialized education and training. A bachelor’s degree, state licensure or certification, and the completion of a practicum are crucial.
Step 1: Earn a Degree
The first step toward becoming a special education teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Arts in Special Education program offers exceptional preparation for the job by focusing on topics like autism, communicating with parents and caregivers effectively, cognitive child development, early interventions for disabled children, and the psychology of education.
Step 2: Develop Key Skills
Aspiring special education teachers need to gain the skills that will be required to successfully teach students with special needs. Some of the most important are as follows:
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Practical and Theoretical Knowledge: While special education degree programs provide considerable practical and theoretical knowledge, special education teachers also must stay on top of new advancements and developments.
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IEP Development: Special education teachers work with students and their families or caregivers to develop detailed learning plans that are required by law. These plans lay the groundwork for each child’s future, so each must be developed with care.
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Organizational Skills: Most special education teachers work with several children, and each child has a unique IEP and set of needs. As such, teachers must be able to remain organized. A cluttered workspace or environment can make teaching and learning difficult.
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Professional Demeanor: Special education can be challenging, but teachers must always remain poised and professional in the face of adversity. Self-assured special education teachers set amazing examples for their students, parents and caregivers, and other faculty members.
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Leadership: Students often see their teachers as role models, which makes leadership skills important. Managing different students’ needs and personalities while leading and guiding a classroom takes practice and patience.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
Many states require special education teachers to complete a practicum in a classroom setting before obtaining their license or certification. This experience is a vital part of learning how to become a special education teacher. Though each state’s rules are different, aspiring teachers should expect to spend between eight weeks and six months serving as a teaching aide before obtaining their license or certification.
Step 4: Obtain Certifications
Public school teachers in all 50 states must be certified and licensed. While many private schools do not require credentials, a license or certification is often preferred. In some states, candidates are required to obtain a standard teaching license or certification followed by a second certification for special education. For example, in California, special education teachers must receive a preliminary certificate followed by a clear credential in special education, then apply for their California teaching license.
Similarly, the 13 states that accept the American Board’s special education teacher certification also require an elementary education certification. Aspiring special education teachers should carefully review the requirements for their state by contacting the state’s Department of Education.
Step 5: Continue Professional Development
Continuing education ensures that teachers have up-to-date knowledge about teaching approaches and strategies. In some cases, pursuing continuing education opportunities may lead to an increase in a special education teacher’s salary .
The National Association of Special Education Teachers is one of the leading providers of continuing education and professional development courses for special education teachers. Their courses include Related Services for Children with Disabilities, Behavior Management Tools, Setting Up a Special Education Classroom, and Building Confidence in the Classroom.
Special Education Teaching Resources
Special education is dynamic, and teachers rely on numerous sources for everyday assistance and information. Popular resources include the following:
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The Education Commission of the States (ECS) : The ECS brings leaders in education together and provides a platform for sharing important knowledge and creating better policies. They also provide a thorough list of education resources by state.
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National Association of Special Education Teaching (NASET) : NASET provides continuing education courses and dozens of resources that focus on everything from the autism spectrum to fetal alcohol syndrome.
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The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) : The NCLD focuses on ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and socially. They provide a vast library filled with information about various disabilities that can help teachers better understand their students’ needs.
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TeacherVision : TeacherVision makes it easier to provide quality education by offering teachers digital and printable resources. They also offer ideas for activities, games, and projects.
Develop the Skills to Improve Education for Every Child
The IDEA ensures that every child has access to quality education, but highly qualified and compassionate teachers are responsible for planning and delivering that education to children with special needs. In 2022-23, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 7.5 million children in American public school districts with learning disabilities, injuries, and other special needs relied on special education teachers to help them reach their full potential.
With flexible courses, exceptional faculty who truly care about your success, and the option to gain additional professional certifications, Wilson College Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Special Education degree program prepares ambitious teachers to touch students’ and families’ lives. Learn more about how to become a special education teacher, and take the first step in your career in special education with Wilson College Online.
Recommended Readings
5 Types of Learning Disabilities Teachers Should Know
What Is Trauma-Informed Teaching?
Why Earn a Personalized Learning Degree?
Sources:
American Board, Become a Special Education Teacher
ECAP, “12 Skills of a Special Education Teacher”
Epic Special Education Staffing, 8 Resources for Special Education Teachers
National Association of Special Education Teachers, Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE)
National Center for Education Statistics, Students with Disabilities
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers
U.S. Department of Education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
