Students with special needs represent a significant portion of the K–12 population, from those with learning disorders such as dyslexia to students with significant physical limitations. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 7.3 million students (or 15% of all U.S. public school students) receive some form of special education service at school. Each of these students has a unique set of circumstances that require specialized instruction and accommodations in the classroom. It’s imperative that their teachers have the expertise, tools and training to best support them.
Teaching in a special education capacity can be incredibly rewarding and important work, especially if teachers get to experience students’ progress over time. With an advanced skill set that comes from a graduate degree program, teachers can make even more of an impact.
Why Get a Master’s in Special Education?
Many aspiring special education teachers receive training at the undergraduate level if their program has a special education track. However, a bachelor’s program will rarely focus on teaching students with specific needs, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To advance their skills and develop more specific teaching competencies, educators may choose to pursue a Master’s in Special Education.
First, a clarification: The most common advanced degrees teachers hold are a Master of Education (MEd) or a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Within these degrees, teachers may choose to specialize in a particular aspect of education, such as curriculum design, school administration or teaching STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Special education teachers typically earn their MEd with a focus on their field; they may say they hold a Master’s in Special Education for convenience’s sake.
Not only does this advanced degree deepen educators’ knowledge, but it can also provide a foundation for leadership positions, especially those that focus on improving school accommodations or universal learning design (UDL). For those who are passionate about making education more accessible to all students, there are many reasons to earn a Master’s in Special Education:
- Professional growth and development: A master’s degree is increasingly required of teachers, especially at the elementary level. Many teachers earn their degrees while working full-time, which is possible due to the large volume of hybrid and online degree programs from highly rated universities. Professional development and continuing education for teachers are always encouraged, especially if the course content can be applied to the classroom right away.
- Increased job opportunities and stability: Highly qualified special education teachers are always in high demand. Holding a Master’s in Special Education can open up new career opportunities in the field and make teachers more competitive candidates for crucial positions. In fact, most U.S. states require special education teachers to have a master’s degree, and public schools may recruit from out-of-state if they cannot find qualified candidates.
- Career advancement: With the right combination of expertise and experience, special education teachers can apply their skills to specialist roles or school leadership positions, including those in administration, curriculum design or education policy creation.
- Higher earning potential: In many school districts, teachers with a master’s degree may qualify for higher salaries or additional compensation compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree.
- School-wide impact: Increased awareness around disabilities and mental health in schools opens a path to better understanding, both for students as well as education professionals. By studying the principles of UDL and inclusive instruction, teachers can confidently advocate for the academic, social and emotional wellbeing of students with special needs and help them forge stronger connections with their peers.
What Careers Can I Pursue With a Master’s in Special Education?
“Special education” is a broad umbrella term that does not necessarily reflect the vast diversity of accommodations students may need. A student with ADHD will require different accommodations than a student with cerebral palsy; while they may learn alongside each other and the general student population, they each require very specific attention and support from a teacher.
Many special education master’s programs offer tracks in which teachers can focus on a particular subset of special education. For example, special education teachers can specialize in:
- High-incidence disabilities: These are the most common disabilities present in K–12 students, affecting roughly 14% of the population. They include ADHD, learning disorders such as dyslexia, emotional and behavioral disorders such as aggression or anxiety (ED/B), high-functioning autism, speech and language disorders and cognitive delays.
- Low incidence disabilities: Considered “severe disabilities,” this qualification applies to only about 1% of the student population. Students with nonverbal autism, traumatic brain injuries or multiple disabilities that affect daily functioning are placed in this category.
- Hearing or visual impairments: Students with profound hearing or vision loss require very specific services and learning materials; namely, Braille texts or teachers who are fluent in sign language. Schools that exclusively serve these populations require that their educators be highly qualified and capable of accommodating these learners.
- Applied behavioral analysis (ABA): Teachers study the science of learning and behavior and how certain inventions can help students overcome intellectual and behavioral challenges in the classroom. This skill set is particularly valuable when teaching students with ASD.
With any of these specializations in their professional toolbox, special education teachers are valuable assets in several critical roles (and may even adopt more than one at a time):
- Classroom teacher: The classroom teacher is responsible for leading lessons, managing classroom dynamics, assessing progress and fostering a conducive learning environment for students with special needs. They create lesson plans, tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs and collaborate with colleagues, parents and administrators to ensure effective support. While salaries vary widely depending on factors such as location and experience, the median special education teacher salary in the United States typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
- Program manager: Program managers oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of educational programs; in this case, the special education program. They establish program goals, allocate resources, monitor effectiveness and ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They may also supervise staff, coordinate professional development and facilitate communication with administration and parents. Salaries can range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the scope and complexity of the program and responsibilities.
- Special education course/curriculum developer: These specialists design instructional materials and curriculum frameworks tailored to students with special needs. They collaborate with experts to identify learning objectives and integrate evidence-based practices. Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $90,000 per year.
- Special education clinician: While they may not always work in a school setting, specialists such as behavior analysts or occupational therapists provide direct services to young people with disabilities. Salaries vary widely based on factors such as education and experience but often range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually.
- Educational consultant: Consultants offer their expertise and support to improve educational practices and outcomes. They may provide professional development, conduct assessments and assist with special education program evaluation. Salaries range from $60,000 to $120,000 or more per year.
- Behavior interventionist: These specialists work with students who exhibit challenging behaviors, such as heightened aggression or frequent disruptions. They often work directly with students to develop strategies to manage their behavior and are responsible for creating and maintaining intervention plans that are shared with administrators and the students’ teachers. Salaries range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
- Speech-language pathologist (SLP): SLPs assess students’ communication disorders and develop a therapeutic plan to address specific challenges, such as a speech impediment or delayed speech. Salaries range from $60,000 to $100,000 or more annually.
- School counselor: Counselors support all students’ academic, social and emotional development, and often benefit from a background in special education. School counselors can provide a safe space for students who are struggling and help them resolve conflicts and manage emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. Salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.
- Education administrator: Administrators — including principals, superintendents and program directors — oversee school operations, manage budgets and promote a positive learning environment for all students. Administrators with a background in special education can have a significant impact on student accessibility in their district. Salaries range from $70,000 to $150,000 or more per year.
- Special education coordinator: These professionals ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate services. This includes developing policies, coordinating services for students and staff, and ensuring teachers adhere to state and federal regulations regarding special education. Annual salaries range from $60,000 to $100,000 or more.
- Instructional coach: Coaches work with classroom teachers to enhance their instructional practices and improve student outcomes, often regarding students with unique needs. They provide feedback, model effective strategies and may facilitate professional development. Salaries range from $50,000 to $90,000 per year.
Challenges in the Special Education Field (and How an Advanced Degree Can Help)
Every career, no matter how rewarding, has its challenges. The field of special education is no different — but with the right preparation and training, special education teachers will have the tools necessary to meet these common challenges head-on.
- Meeting individual needs: Students in special education programs often require highly individualized instruction and support, which can be challenging for teachers to manage within a traditional classroom setting. Fortunately, with the right professional development, teachers can learn strategies for effectively addressing the diverse needs of their students while promoting their academic and social-emotional growth. For example, a Master’s in Special Education program provides teachers with advanced training in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) or specialized instruction plans (SIPs).
- Workload and support: Teacher shortages in special education can exacerbate workload issues and impact the level of support available in the classroom. Teachers may find themselves stretched too thin, trying to meet the needs of a diverse group of students without adequate resources or assistance. However, by gaining a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices, behavior management strategies and collaboration techniques (such as co-teaching), teachers can optimize their time and resources to better support their students.
- Managing physical, psychological and behavioral issues: Special education teachers often encounter students with a wide range of challenges — from intellectual to physical to emotional — which can complicate the teaching and learning process. Special education training equips teachers with evidence-based approaches for supporting students with diverse needs, including behavior intervention techniques, social-emotional learning strategies and assistive technology applications.
- Ensuring consistent learning progress: Due to the individualized nature of special education, it can be difficult to ensure consistent learning progress for all students. Teachers may struggle to track and monitor student growth effectively, especially when working with students with complex needs or multiple disabilities. By learning how to administer appropriate assessments and modify their instruction based on student performance, teachers can better monitor progress and tailor their approaches to meet their students’ evolving needs.
- Expecting the unexpected: Special education teaching is inherently dynamic, with new and different challenges appearing every day. This variability requires teachers to be flexible, adaptable and continuously engaged in problem-solving. By honing skills in critical thinking and reflective practice, teachers can develop strategies for navigating unpredictable situations and maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment for their students.
The Impact of Teachers with Special Education Master’s Degrees
Just like traditional classroom teachers, special education teachers play a crucial role in positively impacting their students, schools and communities at large.
By specializing in high-need areas such as autism, ADHD and behavioral disorders, special education teachers provide unique support to students who might otherwise be academically underserved. They help students overcome individual challenges and achieve success, closing the achievement gaps that often exist between students with disabilities and their peers. By intervening early and providing targeted interventions, these teachers also prevent academic failure and set students on a path toward long-term success.
When special education teachers pursue ongoing professional development, they can stay up to date on the most effective, evidence-based practices and theories in education. Not only are they continuously refining their skills to better serve their students, but they are also an asset to their school and district when it comes to expertise on differentiated learning strategies.
Perhaps most importantly, by building and fostering inclusive learning environments, special education teachers tangibly promote equity in education and create opportunities for all students to learn and succeed together.
How to Transition into Special Education
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are currently over 498,000 openings for special education teachers in the U.S., offering an average salary of $62,000. If you are a teacher considering transitioning to special education, now is the time to make moves!
Transitioning from general K–12 education to special education requires additional training, including a master’s degree in most cases — but if you already have a background in education, you’re well on your way.
- Having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is a prerequisite for pursuing any master’s degree. Ideally, your degree is in education; although it is possible to become a teacher without a BA in Education, it is less likely that you can transition to special education without a foundation in the field.
- To teach in a public school, you must be certified by the state where you teach. You may also need to obtain certain special education credentials or endorsements, depending on the state’s requirements.
- If you have a relevant bachelor’s degree and a teaching license, you are ready to enroll in a Master of Education program. Master’s programs typically take anywhere from one to three years to complete, depending on the program and whether you take classes on a full-time or part-time basis. On a special education track, you will engage in coursework covering special education law, assessment and evaluation, differentiated instruction, behavior management, assistive technology and more.
- Field placements or practicums are usually required in a special education master’s degree program, much like the student teaching requirement in a bachelor’s program. You will gain hands-on experience working with students with disabilities under the supervision of experienced special education professionals.
Upon completion of your master’s program, you may wish to pursue additional certifications or credentials, such as Professional Board Certification in Special Education from the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP), which often requires candidates to hold a master’s degree in the field.
After gaining a suitable amount of experience working in special education, you may have the opportunity to transition into supervisory or administrative roles, if desired. These roles may involve overseeing special education programs, advocating for policy reform, providing support and guidance to special education teachers and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
USD’s Inclusive Learning Specialization
In reality, working with students with special needs is a skill set every K–12 educator should have. Workshops, seminars and certificate programs are excellent opportunities for classroom teachers and administrators to better understand this unique student population — but for those who wish to pursue special education full-time, a master’s degree is nearly always a requirement. A Master’s in Special Education not only provides teachers with appropriate training but also improves the overall academic experience for students.
The University of San Diego offers an MEd specialization in Inclusive Learning and Universal Design, a program developed specifically for teachers who want to improve the classroom experience for students with special needs. This unique program — offered 100% online! — guides teachers in developing inclusive and flexible learning strategies that address both the academic and physical aspects of the classroom, ensuring that all students have the accommodations to succeed alongside their peers.
Explore the MEd-IL program today and start taking steps to enhance your special education career.
