Featured Programs

Job Profiles

Degrees

Featured Degrees

Search Job Profiles

Home » Job Profiles » Education and Science » High School - Special Education Teacher

High School - Special Education Teacher

Request more information about earning a degree to become a special education teacher.

Special education teachers assess and work with youth and children that have many different disabilities. A smaller percentage of these students have mental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and mental retardation. A special Ed teacher works with these children, primarily teaching them basic literacy and life skills. The majority of special needs students, which a special education teacher works with, have mild to moderate disabilities. The teacher often modifies the general education curriculum by writing individualized education plan objectives to meet each disabled students needs. A large percentage of special education teachers work with students from elementary to secondary school level but there are teachers that choose to work with toddlers and infants.

Other types of disabilities students have that make it necessary for them to be in special education programs include language and speech impairments, emotional disturbance, specific learning disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, combined blindness and deafness, orthopedic impairments and other health disabilities. An important part of a special education teacher's job is early identification and intervention of a child with disabilities and special needs so they received the necessary and essential education.

BS in Special Edu.

The special Ed teacher develops an individualized education program or IEP for each special education student. The special education teacher tailors these personalized goals to student's individual learning ability and style. There is also a transition plan to prepare students through the school years or their postsecondary study. Special education teachers work closely with other teachers and their student's parents, to discuss their child's progress.

Common work activities include:

  • Reviewing and researching the information in new student's files regarding their abilities and unique needs.
  • Completing academic, social and behavior assessments on students to determine their strengths and challenges.
  • Writing IEPs or individual education plans that will guide each student's learning based on realistic goals.
  • Coordinating services of classroom support staff, professionals such as occupational, physical and speech and language therapists, counselors and other professionals that provide support to the students.
  • Meeting with parents to review the IEP and record progress and problems.
  • Making referrals to sources within the community that may be able to assist the child and/or the family.
  • Grading and advancing students in an appropriate manner based on their disability or special learning needs.
  • Helping children learn to use various tools such as computers, speech boards, wheelchairs, hearing aids or other devices.
Check out all of the online K-12 education programs offered by a variety of schools offering programs online in K-12 education.

Programs related to High School - Special Education Teacher careers

MA in Education from Touro University International

For professional students who already hold a Bachelor's degree in education or a related subject area, the MA in Education program from Touro University provides the knowledge and skills required for leadership in the field of education. The program consists… Additional Information »

Master of Education in Special Education from Grand Canyon University Online

Teaching those who need special care both physically and mentally is a challenge for most people who want to teach special education classes. Creating curriculum, finding study materials, and creating activities for the classroom are all skills that students… Additional Information »

Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators from Grand Canyon University Online

This degree program will teach students who work with those in special education programs. Students will learn from this degree program how to work one-on-one with children and adults who are handicapped or who have learning disabilities. Preparing curriculum,… Additional Information »

BA in Teaching Science from Western Governors University

Students that currently hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to specialize in teaching science to middle or high school students can complete a Bachelor of Arts in teaching science to complete the requirements for teaching certification in the science… Additional Information »

BA in Teaching Mathematics from Western Governors University

For those students interested in teaching math in the middle through high school levels a Bachelor of Arts in teaching mathematics is an excellent course of study. The program will give students a strong foundation in the theory of mathematics as well… Additional Information »

BS in Elementary Education - English from Grand Canyon University Online

The online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a specialty in English, is a program designed to teach students the communication, instructional skills and knowledge necessary to become efficient teachers of children. This program focuses… Additional Information »

BS in Elementary Education - Math from Grand Canyon University Online

The object of the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, specializing in math, is to give aspiring educators the instructional and communication skills necessary to teach young children in a fun and interesting way, which makes the student want… Additional Information »

BS in Elementary Education - Science from Grand Canyon University Online

The main objective of the Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education in Science program, is to provide students with the instructional and communication skills that will appeal to young children and make the learning experience pleasant for them. This… Additional Information »


Top Online College Degree Programs to Get the Job You Want

AIU Online, American Intercontinental University Online
American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. AIU is a career-oriented education that prepares students to take on today's fastest-growing jobs. With students all over the world, AIU is able to cater to the individual needs and career goals of every type of student.
More Information on AIU Online University
Everest College Online
Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
Everest College
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. As a regionally accredited online university, Saint Leo University stands as an innovative leader in online adult education through their high quality programs. They offer programs anywhere from Business Administration to Psychology, and much more.
Saint Leo University
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Colorado Technical University offers a wide variety of high quality programs that will prepare students for the competitive job market. Their affordable prices allow students with a budget to advance in their career.
Virginia College
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers career-focused courses in order to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their career of interest. They offer up-to-date curriculum in order to keep students up to par with industry standards.
More Information on Virginia College
DeVry University
DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
DeVry University
Walden University
Walden University - Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. As a well-known online university, Walden University stands by its respectable reputation as one of the best colleges to attend online. They offer numerous programs with flexible courses in order to allow students to obtain an advanced degree without sacrificing their current responsibilities.

Search Online Degrees

1. Choose a degree level:

2. Choose a category:

3. Choose a subject: