The fascinating world of special education is yours to explore. Working with some of the most exceptional and motivational students in the educational system will be your experience as a special education teacher. We’re here to give you a sneak glimpse at what this demanding yet rewarding career entails and on what are the special education teacher job duties.
Lesson planning and paper grading are only a small portion of what it takes to be a special education teacher. To guarantee that your students are receiving the best education possible, you’ll be developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student, collaborating closely with parents and other experts, and offering assistance and accommodations.
However, it goes beyond academics. Additionally, you’ll be assisting your students in acquiring social skills, coping mechanisms, and life skills that will benefit them outside of the classroom. Every student, from those with learning problems to those on the autistic spectrum, presents a different mix of difficulties and potential for development.
Therefore, if you’re seeking for a profession that will enable you to truly impact the lives of others, a career in special education can be the ideal option for you. It’s a work that will challenge you, demand the most of you, and give you a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day. Let’s dive in and learn more about the special education teacher’s work responsibilities!
What is a Special Education Teacher?
A highly skilled and specialized educator, a special education teacher works with students who have a variety of disabilities, including learning, behavioral, and physical impairments. Individualized education programs (IEPs) are developed and carried out by these teachers to meet the unique needs of each student and guarantee that they have access to the tools and adjustments they require to thrive in the classroom.
Along with other specialists including school psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, special education instructors collaborate closely to create an all-encompassing strategy for assisting students with disabilities.
Additionally, special education teachers frequently have to support their students emotionally and socially, assist them in acquiring critical life skills, and speak up for their needs both within and outside the classroom. In conclusion, special education teachers are essential in ensuring that all students, regardless of their particular requirements or difficulties, have access to a quality education.
What are the Special Education Teacher Job Duties and Responsibilities?
Depending on the topic matter, grade level, and educational context, a teacher may have different professional obligations and responsibilities. However, some common work obligations and tasks are as follows:
- Curriculum Development: The development and implementation of a curriculum that satisfies students’ needs and interests as well as state and federal criteria is the responsibility of teachers.
- Instructions: Teachers present instructions using a range of methods, such as lectures, group discussions, and interactive exercises. In order to aid students in learning and success, they must also offer them feedback and encouragement.
- Assessment: Tests, projects, and presentations are just a few of the ways teachers evaluate students’ learning and progress. They utilize this data to modify their training and give students who need it more specialized support.
- Classroom Management: Teachers must set routines and procedures that enhance student learning, manage behavior and discipline, and build and maintain a good and safe classroom environment.
- Professional Development: Teachers must continue their professional development to stay abreast of advancements in technology, instruction, and scholarly research.
Special education teachers have certain additional tasks to serve children with disabilities in addition to their regular work duties and responsibilities. The following are three crucial responsibilities of a special education teacher:
- IEPs (individualized education plans) are created by special education teachers specifically for each disabled student. These plans detail the student’s abilities, needs, and learning objectives as well as the adjustments and accommodations required to support their academic progress.
- Offering Modifications and Accommodations: In order to enhance students’ learning and access to the curriculum, special education teachers are required to offer modifications and accommodations. This could involve the use of assistive technology, specific materials, or changes to teaching strategies.
- Collaboration with Other Experts: In order to meet the requirements of their students , special education teachers must collaborate with other professionals, such as school psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. In order to make sure that students are receiving the right support both inside and outside of the classroom, they must also work closely with parents and guardians.
The work of a teacher is multifaceted and complex, focusing on curriculum development, education, assessment, classroom management, and continual professional development. To serve children with impairments, special education instructors have additional duties that include creating IEPs, offering accommodations and modifications, and working with other professionals to enhance student learning.
Difference Between a SPED Teacher vs Special educational Needs Teachers
There are several significant distinctions between “special education teacher” and “special educational needs (SEN) teacher,” despite the phrases being frequently used interchangeably.
Does a Special Education Teacher has the same Role as the Special Education Needs Teacher?
Teachers in special education are tasked with educating and supporting students who have a variety of disabilities, such as mental, physical, and behavioral impairments. They are in charge of creating and carrying out individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, and are often found in public or private schools working in conventional classroom settings.
The students who have more complex or severe requirements, such as those who have sensory impairments, communication issues, or significant learning problems, are taught by special education needs (SEN) instructors. They frequently work in small groups or one-on-one settings at specialized schools and are in charge of creating and carrying out highly tailored and specific teaching plans for every student.
In order to provide a complete approach to assistance and education, SEN teachers frequently work with students who require particular tools and materials. They may also be in charge of working with other specialists, like speech therapists and occupational therapists.
In conclusion, even though both SEN and special education instructors work with students who have disabilities and need extra help, SEN teachers often need a higher level of specialization and individualization. Additionally, special education instructors may operate in more conventional classroom settings, but SEN teachers are frequently found in specialized schools or settings.
What Should be in a Special Education Teacher Job Description
The main responsibilities, requirements, and expectations of the position should be outlined in a well-written job description for a special education teacher. These can also be included in an elementary special education teacher job description and job description for special education teacher assistant. Some components that might be used are as follows:
- Role and Responsibilities: A clear description of the special education teacher’s role, including duties like creating IEPs, offering accommodations, and working with other specialists, should be provided in the job description.
- Qualifications: The position’s educational and professional requirements, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education, state certification, and previous teaching experience, should be specified in the job description.
- Skills and Competencies: The ideal candidate should have the following qualities, among others: excellent interpersonal and communication skills; knowledge of effective teaching strategies for students with disabilities; and the capacity to collaborate with other professionals. These qualities should be specified in the job description.
- Classroom Management: The teacher’s duties in terms of classroom management, such as upholding a supportive and welcoming learning environment, controlling behavior, and making sure students are safe and comfortable, should be described in the job description.
- Support Services: The job description should detail the support services that the special education teacher will have access to, such as professional development opportunities, technology access, access to resources, and a network of other experts and administrators who can offer assistance.
- Evaluation and Assessment: The job description should also specify the metrics to be used to gauge the special education teacher’s effectiveness, such as student growth, adherence to IEPs, and professional collaboration.
Overall, a well-written job description should provide a clear and thorough image of what the responsibilities of a special education teacher involve, as well as what credentials are necessary and what resources and assistance will be offered. This will make it easier to find appropriate candidates and guarantee that the duties and expectations of the post are understood by all parties.
What Should be in the Special Education Teacher Responsibilities Resume?
A Resume for a special education teacher should emphasize their abilities, credentials, and experiences that are pertinent to the position they are looking for. Creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), offering accommodations and adjustments, differentiating instruction, controlling behavior, and collaborating with other professionals and families are a few of these. The special education teacher’s experience, including the number of years of experience, the kinds of students and disabilities they have worked with, and any specialized training or certifications they have obtained, should also be briefly summarized on the resume.
How much is the Special Education Teacher Salary?
The degree and experience of the special education teacher, their geographic location, and the kind of school or educational institution where they work are just a few of the variables that can affect their pay. As of May 2020, the median yearly pay for special education instructors in the US was $63,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, depending on the aforementioned conditions, this can range from about $42,000 to over $100,000. Due to a lack of special education teachers, several states and school districts may also offer greater pay or additional incentives.
For more information you can serach for “roles and responsibilities of a special education teacher pdf”. Hope you enjoyed today’s discussion of Special Education Teacher Job Duties.