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Special Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Onward Education

Special Education Teacher

Aurora, CO

$50K - $67K/yr

Onward Education is hiring a dedicated Special Education Teacher at our client's school in Aurora, Colorado. Join a team committed to fostering inclusive learning environments for students across ...

Onward Education

Special Education Teacher

Wickenburg, AZ

$45K - $59K/yr

The Special Education Teacher supports students with diverse learning needs by providing individualized instruction, implementing educational plans, and fostering an inclusive learning environment.

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How much do special education jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for special education in the United States is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job in special education?

To begin a career in special education, you first must decide on a focus of study. The two main categories of special education are teaching and support services. To become a special education teacher, you must earn a bachelor's degree, along with a teaching certificate in special education. Once you have your degree, you must complete continuing education courses throughout your career to stay up to date. For support services, you may be required to earn a master's degree and must also seek out continuing education regularly.

What is a special education teacher?

Special education teachers are educators who work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to students with mild and moderate disabilities. These teachers also develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student’s specific needs, collaborate with parents and other school staff, and help students develop social and life skills. Their goal is to help students achieve their fullest potential in both academic and personal growth.

What is the difference between Special Education vs School Counselor?

AspectSpecial EducationSchool Counselor
Required CredentialsTeaching certification, special education endorsementSchool counseling certification, master's degree in school counseling
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, resource rooms, special education centersSchool offices, counseling offices, student support areas
Employer & Industry UsagePublic/private schools, special education programsPublic/private schools, student support services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in special educationSupporting student well-being and academic success

Special Education professionals focus on teaching students with disabilities, requiring specific teaching credentials and working primarily in classrooms or resource rooms. School Counselors provide emotional and academic support, holding counseling certifications and working in counseling offices. Both roles are vital in educational settings but serve different student needs and require distinct qualifications.

Are special education teachers in demand?

Special education teachers are in high demand due to ongoing shortages in many regions, driven by increased awareness of special needs and legislative requirements. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, and certification in special education can improve job prospects.

What are some common challenges special education teachers face in supporting students with diverse needs, and how can they address them?

Special education teachers often encounter challenges such as managing classrooms with students who have varying disabilities, adapting lesson plans to meet individual education plans (IEPs), and collaborating with other professionals and families. Addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, flexibility, and ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices. Utilizing differentiated instruction, assistive technology, and building strong partnerships with support staff and families can significantly improve outcomes for students.

What other careers can a special education teacher do?

Special education teachers can transition into roles such as school counselors, educational consultants, or curriculum specialists, leveraging their expertise in student needs and instructional strategies. They can also work in related fields like educational administration, advocacy, or become behavior analysts with additional certification. Skills in communication, assessment, and individualized planning are valuable across these careers.

What is a career in special education?

A career in special education involves teaching and supporting students with disabilities or special needs to help them achieve their academic and social potential. Professionals in this field often work in schools, require specialized training or certification, and use adaptive teaching strategies and tools to meet diverse student needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special education teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Education Teacher, you need a background in education or special education, relevant state certification, and knowledge of individualized education programs (IEPs). Familiarity with assistive technologies, data tracking software, and behavior management systems is often required. Patience, strong communication, and adaptability are vital soft skills for building trust with students and collaborating with families and support staff. These skills ensure effective support for diverse learners, helping them achieve academic and personal growth in inclusive environments.
More about Special Education jobs
What cities are hiring for Special Education jobs? Cities with the most Special Education job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Special Education jobs? The most popular types of Special Education jobs are:
What states have the most Special Education jobs? States with the most job openings for Special Education jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Special Education jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Education jobs are:
Special Education jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,674 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Special Education Paraprofessional

Partners In Special Education

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Starting Pay Range
$17.50 - $20.25 - Hourly
Depending on experience
Job Description:
Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:*
  • Confers with the IEP team on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
  • Implements academic instruction designed by a teacher for individuals or small groups for the purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.
  • Implements behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs and providing a consistent environment.
  • Instruct special education students (e.g. math groups, science experiments, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of student deficiencies and ensuring students success.
  • Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, student files, checking papers, attendance, audio visual equipment, set up art/science projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
  • Monitors special education students for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
  • Performs record keeping (daily data on instruction and/or behavior) and clerical functions (e.g. correcting papers, copying, instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in providing necessary records/materials.
  • Communicates with and works with surrounding school districts to retrieve and provide Special Education documents.
  • Investigates and visits alternative Special Education programs to use as a referring resource.
  • Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
  • Additional duties as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
  • Ability to connect with students and motivate them in a positive way.
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers and business contacts in a courteous and professional manner.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Working knowledge of office equipment, especially the computer.
  • Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to exercise reasonable judgment and maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or the equivalent, and
  • Two years of college [48 units], or A.A. Degree [or higher]
  • CBEST Preferred

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

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