How To Become a Special Education Teacher in 2025

Special education teachers work with students who have various special needs, from autism to dyslexia to Down syndrome and more. These students often have needs that exceed what general education teachers can provide in a basic learning environment.

Special education teachers typically need, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree in special education and a teaching license. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a special education teacher.

What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?

Special education teachers work with special needs students, that is, students with conditions like learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, and developmental delays. They work in educational settings, often public schools, private schools, or childcare facilities.

The specific job duties of a special education teacher will vary depending on the setting they work in and the age group they work with, but duties often include:

• assessing students to determine their individual needs
• coordinating with parents and other teachers to meet student needs
• creating and adapting lesson plans to teach students in the most effective way
• developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students as needed
• teaching basic life skills and behavioral skills
• tracking student progress and updating IEPs and lesson plans as needed

How To Become a Special Education Teacher in 6 Steps

To become a special education teacher, you must earn a degree in special education and obtain a teaching license through your state. We've broken down the individual steps below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education or a Related Field

Most states will require you to earn a degree in special education before you can get a license to teach special education. Generally, students do this by earning a bachelor's degree in special education, which may be offered as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Education.

These degree programs cover teaching fundamentals, like classroom management and lesson plans. They'll also teach you how to assess special needs students and adapt to teach them according to their needs.

Several other degrees can provide a solid foundation in special education, though you'll still need to complete a teacher preparation program or degree program to work as a special education teacher. These include:

• early childhood education
• human development
• psychology
• social work

If you already have a teaching degree, such as a degree in elementary education, you may be able to add a special education credential or endorsement through a shorter certificate program.

Step 2: Complete Student Teaching or Fieldwork

To obtain a teaching degree, you must complete hands-on experience in a special education classroom, typically referred to as student teaching. During this time, you'll work with special needs students at an elementary school, middle school, or high school under the guidance of an experienced special ed teacher.

You'll assess students' abilities and create lesson plans tailored to their needs. Student teaching experience usually lasts several weeks and is done near the end of your program after you've completed most of your coursework.

Step 3: Take State-Required Tests

Most states require school teachers to take exams to obtain their teacher certification. This usually includes a general teaching exam for your intended grade level, as well as a specialty exam (e.g., special education exam).

Many states use the Praxis teaching exams, but several states have their own teaching tests. Check with your state's Department of Education to find out which tests you'll need to take.

Step 4: Obtain a Teaching Certification or Licensure

To teach in a public school district, you must have a state-issued teaching license in the field you want to teach. For a special education teacher, this requires a special education degree and the completion of a teacher preparation program, or teacher credential program.

These programs ensure you've met the education requirements and student teaching hours necessary for licensure. Many bachelor's degrees double as teacher preparation programs, allowing you to pursue your certification after graduation.

While certification requirements vary between states, most require applicants to pass a background check. Additionally, you may need to be trained in basic first aid and CPR.

Step 5: Consider Earning a Master's Degree for Advancement

Many teachers choose to work towards a master's degree in special education. Some districts require teachers to eventually earn a master's, while others don't, though they may offer better pay and benefits with an advanced degree.

Some teachers may pursue a master's degree to further their career path. Those with master's degrees may be able to become education specialists, education coordinators, or even school administrators.

Master's level special education programs usually take one to two years. Some are available online.

Step 6: Gain Experience and Continue Professional Development

After you've earned your certification, you'll be eligible to work as a special education teacher. You can find work in a public or private school or with independent special education services.

Typically, to maintain your license, you'll need to complete a certain number of professional development credits each year. Courses, conferences, and training programs usually count toward your professional development.

What Is the Job Outlook for Special Education Teaching?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of special education teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2023 to 2033. Although employment is not expected to increase, there will still be an estimated 35,900 job openings each year.

These new openings are expected to come as older teachers retire and as children with disabilities are identified earlier on, giving them the chance to enroll in special education programs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Special Education Teacher?

There are both pros and cons to becoming a special education teacher. Many special education teachers find their jobs very rewarding because they have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of special needs children and their families.

However, there can be difficulties with the job as well. Dealing with children with impairments can be trying, especially if they have difficulty communicating. Additionally, there are the typical struggles of teaching, which include long hours and low pay.

Find a Special Education Degree Program Near You

If you feel a calling to become a special education teacher, check out the degree programs listed on Learn.org. Contact a school directly to learn more about their special education degree programs.