Definition of Special Education Teachers

A special education teacher faces even greater challenges than a regular classroom teacher. The job requires a lot of patience and organization. The teacher must meticulously maintain paperwork on numerous students, while serving as a tolerant motivator teaching basic skills to the disabled. Most special education teachers work in elementary, middle and high schools. A few serve in hospitals, residential facilities and homebound environments. The average special education teacher's salary was $50,000 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Training and Licensing

All states require teachers to obtain a special education teacher license. Licensing procedures typically involve receiving at least a bachelor's degree, as well as completion of a special education teacher training program. Many states require candidates to pass nationally standardized tests. A few require a master's degree in special education. Special education is a growing field with teacher shortages. This has prompted many states to offer alternative licensing routes. These routes usually require the candidate to hold a bachelor's degree and complete one or two years of supervised teaching experience, as well as pass standardized assessments.

Teaching Curriculum

Special education teachers work in a variety of settings. Most conduct intensive small-group or one-on-one instruction for learning-disabled students. However, it is becoming increasingly popular for a special education teacher to work with the grade-level teacher to accommodate the student in the regular classroom. This is referred to as "mainstreaming." The special education teacher's lessons usually focus on reading and math skills but also include life skills, as well as college and career training.

Special Skills

Patience, organization and tolerance are the three most important skills a special education teacher can possess. He must provide education to students with a variety of disabilities ranging from mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia to those with multiple handicaps or autism. The teacher must be accepting of differences among students and motivate them to learn. All this must be accomplished while keeping meticulous records on each student regarding what he is learning.

Work Environment

In addition to working with students who face a variety of challenges, the special education teacher must work well with fellow teachers and administrators. She must also meet with administrators, parents and teachers to review the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP). She is required to work with each student's regular classroom teacher to establish goals and plan lessons based on the IEP. Teaching the curriculum, holding meetings and completing paperwork combine to create a very heavy and stressful workload.

Legal Issues

Special education teachers and their school systems are under a constant threat of law suits.This keeps talented men and women who would otherwise make caring and effective special education teachers away from the profession. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act makes provisions for all children to receive a free and appropriate education. The goals and procedures for this appropriate education are outlined in each student's IEP. If these goals and procedures are not followed or parents feel their child is not receiving the education he is entitled to, it is within their rights to file a lawsuit.