Wilson College Online Blog

Special education professionals teach millions of students in schools across the country. Working in the classroom is just one career path in special education.

In 2023, 7.5 million students qualified for special education services in American public schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Educators who work in special education hold many job titles, including classroom teacher, specialist, coordinator, and resource teacher.

Special education resource teachers work directly with students who have special needs. They often work in resource rooms, which provide more individual attention and encourage focus. Resource teachers draw on their special education training to support learners, and many hold a master’s degree in special education .

Special Education Resource Teacher Job Description

Schools teach students with various learning abilities and needs. Special education resource teachers make up an important part of the school’s special education team. Resource teachers work directly with students who have disabilities. They provide individual and small-group instruction using learning strategies tailored to each student.

The responsibilities of a special education resource teacher include the following:

• One-on-One Instruction: Teach students individually, with an emphasis on meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities

• Small-Group Instruction: Meet with groups of students to lead instruction and assess needs.

• Individualized Education Program Management: Work with educators, parents, and special education advocates to create IEPs for students.

• Assessment and Documentation: Evaluate student progress and track records to comply with laws and regulations

Special education resource teachers work closely with classroom teachers, special education support staff, and school administrators. They also collaborate with IEP teams to determine each student’s learning goals.

Special Education Classroom Teacher vs. Resource Teacher

With more than 7 million students in need of special education support, schools require educators with specialized focus areas. Some work in the classroom, while others staff resource rooms or assume administrative responsibilities.

What’s the difference between a special education specialist who works in a classroom and one who works in a resource room?

Special education resource teachers provide small-group or one-on-one support in a resource room. They may pull students from general education classrooms to offer additional support. In contrast, special education classroom teachers lead classes of students with special needs.

For some students, the classroom environment can be overstimulating. These students benefit from working with a special education resource teacher in a resource room. Resource and classroom teachers collaborate to modify teaching materials, develop IEPs, and support students.

Requirements to Become a Special Education Resource Teacher

How do educators become special education resource teachers? The process starts by earning a bachelor’s degree. Special education resource teachers need either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in education. These careers also typically require a teaching license or certification.

The requirements to become a special education resource teacher include the following:

• A bachelor’s degree. Resource teachers need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as special education. A bachelor’s degree in special education covers child development, learning methods, inclusive education, and behavioral management. Graduates with this degree also gain hands-on experience in special education classrooms.

• A teaching license or certification. Educators in public schools need a teaching license or certification from their state board of education. Most states require a bachelor’s degree that meets pedagogical and content area guidelines. Candidates must also pass teacher certification examinations.

• Special education experience. Before working in a resource room, special education teachers need experience working with students who have disabilities. Those who complete a bachelor’s degree in special education gain experience through student teaching placements. Some resource teachers may also teach in a general education or special education classroom.

• A master’s degree. A master’s degree in special education provides advanced coursework on IEP management, special education regulations, and best practices in special education. Graduate programs can prepare educators to work in resource rooms.

Special education resource teachers also need strong communication skills, emotional intelligence , and resourcefulness.

Special Education Resource Teacher Salary

Special education teachers earned a median pay of $64,270 as of May 2024, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and work setting. For example, secondary school special education teachers earned a median pay of $69,590, while preschool special education teachers earned $62,190.

K-12 special education teachers who work in public schools report higher salaries than those who work in private schools. Public school special education teachers earned a median pay of $64,960, while private school special education teachers earned $58,980.

As the need for special education services continues to grow, so will the number of special education teaching jobs. The BLS projects around 36,000 job openings for special education teachers annually from 2023 to 2033. 

Earn a Special Education Degree at Wilson College Online

Current and prospective special education teachers can enhance their knowledge and skills at Wilson College Online, which offers flexible education programs/ 

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Special Education program emphasizes cognitive development and educational psychology to prepare graduates for special education careers. Students also explore educational assessment and parental collaboration. The degree helps graduates meet the licensure requirements for special education teaching jobs.

With a Master of Special Education (MSE) degree, educators can specialize their skills and move into roles such as special education resource teachers. The program covers advanced topics in special education, including early intervention, special education collaboration, and positive behavioral supports.

Reach out to Wilson College Online today to learn more about the online special education programs.

Recommended Readings

6 Key Special Education Teacher Skills

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

What Is Early Intervention in Special Education?

Sources:

Indeed, How to Become a Resource Teacher: A Step-by-Step Guide

National Center for Education Statistics, Students With Disabilities

New Hampshire Department of Education, Resource Room vs. Self-Contained Educational Environments

ThoughtCo, “Introduction to Special Education Resource Rooms”

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

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