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What is an elementary special education teacher and how to become one
If you love helping differently-abled children and want to participate in their quality educational upbringing, perhaps being an elementary special education teacher is the job for you. Some of the duties and responsibilities that you will be performing in this capacity include assessing the student's abilities and developing teaching plans accordingly, adapting learning material to suit children's needs.
Moreover, you will also monitor children's behavioral patterns, arrange appropriate interventions, manage classroom crisis, inform parents regarding their child's performance, and collaborate with support staff and other personnel, if need be. Essential skills required for this role are patience, effective and clear communication, empathy, motivation, and interpersonal skills. Educational requirements for this role include a bachelor's degree in special education, although having a master's degree would be advantageous.
Moreover, knowledge of current special education topics, experience working with children with disabilities, and proven experience in a similar role are preferred. The average hourly pay for this role is $23.68, which amounts to $49,262 annually. The career is projected to grow and create new opportunities in the near future.
What general advice would you give to an elementary special education teacher?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Avg. Salary $51,859
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.38%
Asian 3.64%
Black or African American 9.56%
Hispanic or Latino 11.72%
Unknown 3.97%
White 70.74%
Genderfemale 78.59%
male 21.41%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Elementary special education teacher career paths
Key steps to become an elementary special education teacher
Explore elementary special education teacher education requirements
Start to develop specific elementary special education teacher skills
Skills Percentages Autism 8.42% Classroom Environment 6.50% Instructional Materials 6.33% Professional Development 5.14% Math 4.75% Research elementary special education teacher duties and responsibilities
- Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
- Implement on site ABE, GED, ESL and parenting classes.
- Diversify instruction for gift students in mathematics *.
- Design various learning centers involving listening, sequencing, reading, writing and mathematics.
Prepare your elementary special education teacher resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your elementary special education teacher resume.
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Apply for elementary special education teacher jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an elementary special education teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average elementary special education teacher salary
The average elementary special education teacher salary in the United States is $51,859 per year or $25 per hour. Elementary special education teacher salaries range between $38,000 and $70,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do elementary special education teachers rate their job?
Elementary special education teacher reviews
The kids light up my days.
The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.
You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.
I can't say, maybe because there is none.
Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days
Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance
Updated January 8, 2025
