5 Reasons Why You Should Become a Special Education Teacher
Special education is more than just a job. It’s a path for you to help students with disabilities or special needs thrive in a classroom environment and achieve their developmental milestones. The field offers the opportunity to support students in overcoming barriers and advocate for equitable learning.
1. Make a Lasting Difference in Students’ Lives
Special education teachers directly benefit their students’ lives. They work with young learners who have a range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They help students develop skills in academics, communication, social interaction, and daily living. By identifying effective learning strategies and recognizing achievements that others may overlook, special education teachers support students in building competencies that foster their success in school and beyond.
2. Build Meaningful Relationships With Students and Families
Special education teachers often work closely with their students over a long period of time. This consistency helps them understand how each one learns and what motivates them. Special education teachers also collaborate with parents and guardians to develop individual goals for their students. These partnerships make families feel heard and improve the overall education outcomes for students.
3. Help Create More Inclusive Classrooms
Special education teachers create classrooms where students with disabilities can participate meaningfully in learning and school life. Beyond providing classroom instruction, some special education teachers also work with their schools to assist their students by recommending assistive technology and behavioral supports. Their advocacy benefits individual students while also encouraging schools to adopt more inclusive practices that help all students develop greater understanding and respect for people with different abilities.
4. Advance Your Teaching Career
EdSource reports that special education staffing shortages reached “crisis” levels. The demand for qualified teachers makes special education a practical and impactful choice for career changers as well as current teachers who are ready to elevate their careers. California special education salaries also rank among the highest in the nation.
The BLS reported the annual median wages for California special education teachers:
- $93,510 for kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers
- $99,830 for middle school special education teachers
- $102,780 for secondary school special education teachers
5. Promote Positive Change in the Education System
Special education teachers have firsthand knowledge of the policies and practices that help students succeed. They also understand the barriers that prevent their students from receiving the support they need.
This experience places them in a strong position to advocate for improved services, accessible instruction, and the equitable allocation of school resources. Teachers can do so by contributing to school committees, mentoring colleagues, participating in program development, or eventually moving into leadership and policy roles.
What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?
Special education teachers provide individualized instruction and support to students whose disabilities affect how they access, participate in, or progress through school. Their responsibilities vary according to the grade level, educational setting, student population, and authorization covered by their teaching credential.
Common responsibilities include:
- Assessing students’ academic and functional strengths and needs
- Helping develop and implement individualized education programs
- Planning lessons and adapting instructional materials
- Providing individual or small-group instruction
- Tracking student progress toward educational goals
- Supporting students’ behavioral, communication, and social development
- Working with general education teachers to create inclusive learning environments
- Collaborating with families, administrators, counselors, and service providers
- Using assistive technology and other specialized learning tools
- Maintaining records and completing required special education documentation
California Education Specialist credentials authorize teachers to provide instruction, assessment, and special education support within designated areas of specialization. Depending on their authorization, teachers may work in resource rooms, inclusive classrooms, dedicated special education classrooms, non-traditional school environments, or other instructional settings.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in California
California public school special education teachers generally need a bachelor’s degree, state-approved teacher preparation, supervised clinical experience, and the appropriate Education Specialist Instruction Credential. California uses a two-tier system in which candidates first earn a Preliminary credential and later complete the requirements for a Clear credential.
Learn more about Education Specialist preparation in California.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Prospective special education teachers must begin by completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree does not necessarily have to be in education or special education. Graduates from other academic fields can enter a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program after meeting its admissions and prerequisite requirements.
Step 2: Obtain an Education Specialist Credential
Candidates must enroll in a teacher preparation program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The Education Specialist Instruction Credential prepares teachers to work with students in a particular area of specialization. California Education Specialist authorizations include Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs, as well as other specialized areas.
Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers the Education Specialist Credential program with the option to add a Master of Arts in Special Education by taking one 3-unit capstone course.
Learn more about the Education Specialist Credential at NDNU.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Practice and State Requirements
Teacher preparation includes supervised clinical practice that allows candidates to apply what they learn in real educational settings. Depending on the program and the candidate’s employment status, this experience may take place through student teaching or an approved internship pathway.
Candidates must also meet the academic, subject matter, health, safety, and professional requirements that apply to their program and credential. These may include fingerprint clearance, CPR training, and verification of subject matter competence.
Step 4: Apply for the Preliminary Credential
After successfully completing an approved preparation program and satisfying state requirements, candidates can be recommended for a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential. This initial credential is generally valid for five years and authorizes the holder to work in the area of specialization listed on the credential.
The college or university’s credential office typically reviews the candidate’s records and submits or supports the recommendation. Candidates should confirm that all required documents, fees, and clearances have been completed before applying.
Step 5: Complete the Requirements for a Clear Credential
The Preliminary credential is the beginning of California’s two-tier credentialing process. Teachers must complete a CTC-approved induction program or another applicable pathway to move from the Preliminary credential to the Clear credential.
Induction gives beginning teachers structured mentoring and professional support as they build their classroom practice. Once educators have earned the Clear credential, they can renew it online every five years under current CTC procedures.
Prepare to Make a Difference Through Special Education at NDNU
Notre Dame de Namur University offers a flexible, values-driven pathway for adult learners who want to enter special education or advance within the field. The state-approved Education Specialist Credential program combines specialized instruction, field-based learning, and individualized advising, with online and hybrid course options.
Contact NDNU to learn more about the Education Specialist Credential and Master of Arts in Special Education.