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A total of 7.5 million public school students receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Nationally, that means 15% of public school students receive special education services, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCEA). In states such as Pennsylvania and New York, special education students make up 21% of public-school students.

Schools rely on special education professionals to provide services to millions of students. In the classroom, special education teachers, aides, and assistants support learners. Outside the classroom, advocates, interventionists, and coordinators ensure that students receive special education services.

What does the typical special education career path look like? Many start their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree in special education . After gaining experience, educators can advance their careers with a master’s degree in special education .

How to Start a Career in Special Education

Prospective special education teachers can start their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree in special education. This four-year degree focuses on the knowledge and skills that teachers use in the classroom.

During a special education bachelor’s degree program, students study childhood development, early intervention, and classroom management. The program also introduces different disabilities and their impact on learning and cognition.

Special education majors also gain student teaching experience. Teacher preparation bachelor’s programs meet the requirements for a teaching license or certification, which teachers need to work in K-12 public schools. Educators can also teach without certification at private or charter schools.

Entry-Level Roles in Special Education

Educators can begin working in special education before completing their bachelor’s degree. Roles such as special education aide or teaching assistant build valuable classroom skills. Those with a bachelor’s degree in special education can also qualify for jobs as a special education teacher.

Here are some entry-level roles in the special education career path.

Special Education Aide

Special education aides and assistants help special education teachers and students. They may provide small group instruction, lead learning activities, or assist students with physical disabilities. Special education aides also supervise students and help teachers with classroom management.

Special education support roles don’t require a bachelor’s degree. However, they can provide valuable classroom experience for those considering a bachelor’s degree in special education.

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers educate learners with disabilities. They modify lesson plans to meet each student’s needs and develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in coordination with families and school administrators.

Teachers interested in a special education career path can specialize in working with preschool, elementary, middle, or high school special education students. Some special education teachers also focus on adult education.

Special Education Advocate

Special education advocates help families navigate the education system to ensure that children receive the support they need. These advocates may represent families during IEP meetings, advocate on students’ behalf if they require additional services, and refer families to community programs for children with disabilities.

Educational advocates typically hold a bachelor’s degree and many have experience working in special education.

Advancing Your Special Education Career

Special education professionals can advance by gaining experience and earning a Master of Special Education degree. Several career paths in special education require at least one to three years of classroom experience. Schools hire experienced special education teachers for roles such as reading interventionist or special education curriculum specialist.

Many of these advanced roles in special education require a master’s degree. For example, special education coordinators generally need a master’s degree in special education. During a master’s degree program, educators expand their understanding of disabilities and parent collaboration, while also strengthening their assessment and leadership skills.

Reading Intervention Specialist

Reading intervention specialists, or reading interventionists, work directly with students who are struggling with reading. They conduct assessments, develop skill-building exercises, and work with students on their reading skills. Reading intervention specialists work closely with classroom teachers to identify students who require additional support.

Interventionist roles often require a master’s degree. Experience as a special education teacher also helps educators move into these roles.

Special Education Curriculum Specialist

Special education curriculum specialists, or special education instructional coordinators, develop teaching materials for special education students and implement school curriculums. They evaluate student learning data and work with teachers to implement curricula. They also assess the effectiveness of curricula to make improvements.

Curriculum specialists typically need a master’s degree and classroom teaching experience. Special education curriculum specialists draw on their experience to train teachers on best practices.

Special Education Coordinator

Special education coordinators manage a school’s or district’s special education programs. They ensure that students with disabilities receive services. Special education coordinators also oversee special education staff and implement procedures that comply with federal regulations.

These administrative roles typically require a master’s degree and special education teaching experience. Special education master’s programs incorporate coursework on special education laws and regulations, which help prepare educators for advancement.

Launch or Advance Your Special Education Career at Wilson College Online

Whether you want to become a special education teacher or you’re looking for the next step in your special education career path, Wilson College Online can help.

The B.A. in Special Education program prepares graduates to become licensed special education teachers. Using a flexible online format, students learn about child development, early intervention for children with disabilities, and trauma-informed classroom strategies. Online learners gain hands-on classroom experience during student teaching assignments in Pennsylvania schools.

The Master of Special Education program develops research-backed pedagogical skills, allowing educators to advance their special education careers. Flexible coursework allows teachers to complete a master’s degree while working. Contact Wilson College Online today to learn more about earning a special education degree.

Recommended Readings

6 Key Special Education Teacher Skills

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Special Education?

Sources:

Learning Disabilities Association of America, Advocacy

National Center for Education Statistics, Students With Disabilities

National Science Teaching Association, Special Education Coordinator Job Description

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers

ZipRecruiter, What Is a Reading Interventionist and How to Become One

ZipRecruiter, What Is a Special Education Aide and How to Become One