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Job outlook for high school learning support teachers in the United States
Are high school learning support teacher jobs in demand?
High school learning support teacher job and salary trends over time
High school learning support teacher jobs over time
High school learning support teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 233 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 231 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 238 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,586 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,468 | 0.00% |
Average high school learning support teacher salary over time
High school learning support teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,176 | $24.12 | +2.3% |
| 2025 | $49,027 | $23.57 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $47,963 | $23.06 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | $47,630 | $22.90 | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $47,251 | $22.72 | +2.1% |
High school learning support teacher jobs by state
Most common states for high school learning support teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 172 | 25% |
| 2 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 509 | 24% |
| 3 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,425 | 23% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,535 | 21% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 283 | 21% |
| 6 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 2,013 | 20% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 161 | 19% |
| 8 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,140 | 17% |
| 9 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 873 | 17% |
| 10 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 514 | 17% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 178 | 17% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 641 | 16% |
| 13 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 472 | 16% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,095 | 15% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,320 | 15% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 890 | 15% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 826 | 15% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 815 | 15% |
| 19 | Delaware | 961,939 | 137 | 14% |
| 20 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 919 | 13% |
Most common cities for high school learning support teachers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $53,136 |
High School Learning Support Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of high school learning support teacher experts
California State University - Fullerton
Alverno College
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Utah
Colby-Sawyer College
The University of North Carolina Greensboro
What High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Technological Proficiency: With the ongoing integration of technology in educational settings, teachers will need to be adept at using assistive technology to support students with special needs. This includes both hardware and software that facilitate communication, learning, and accessibility. Definitely include the use of generative AI in your teacher preparation practices for positive time saver! Data Literacy: Being able to collect, interpret, and apply data to tailor educational approaches to individual student needs will be crucial. Data-driven decision-making can help in creating effective IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and monitoring student progress. Cultural Competency: As classrooms continue to diversify, understanding and respecting cultural differences and incorporating culturally responsive teaching methods will be essential. Collaboration and Teamwork: Special education often involves working closely with general education teachers, parents, and other professionals such as speech therapists or psychologists. Skills in collaboration and co-teaching will be vital. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognize and respond to students' emotional needs, as well as manage your own emotions, will be increasingly important in creating a supportive learning environment. Flexibility and Adaptability: With the fast pace of change in educational policies, practices, and student populations, special education teachers will need to be able to adapt their teaching styles and strategies quickly and effectively. Advocacy Skills: Being able to advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities will remain an important skill, including navigating the legal aspects of special education and working with families to ensure that students receive the services and support which they are entitled. Behavior Management: Developing strategies to effectively support positive behavior and address challenging behavior will continue to be a critical skill in the special education field. These skills will support a holistic and adaptive approach to special education, ensuring that educators are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field.
Dr. Pamela Brillante
ProfessorWhat High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Pamela Brillante: Understanding that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and that we all fall on some part of the continuum or spectrum of learning.
Being able to self-reflect on our own ableist views and change our mindset to believe that children are more alike than different.
Understanding a medical diagnosis doesn’t drive educational practices.
The need for initiative, persistence, creativity and problem solving in both ourselves and our students.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Pamela Brillante: View the profession as a puzzle you need to take time to solve. Never give up on a child. Given time and “outside of the box thinking” you will find what works. Understanding how someone learns is not black or white / right or wrong. We all do learn differently and it is our job as special educators to find that path for that specific child.
Tiffany Row Ph.D.
Program Coordinator, MMSN and ESNCalifornia State University - Fullerton
Special Education And Teaching
What High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: There has been an increasing focus on social emotional learning in schools, and these skills are just as important for teachers to grow within themselves so they can best support and guide students in learning to regulate their emotions and navigate social relationships. And of course it's always crucial for teachers to have strong skills in literacy instruction.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: Earning a Master's degree after your credential puts you significantly higher on the pay scale and increases your earning power exponentially as you continue in the field.
Thor Stolen PhD
Associate Professor & program director of Special EducationAlverno College
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Thor Stolen PhD: Know that being a special education is difficult and can be stressful, but it can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to make a connection and reach one student, it is worth it. Take pride in small achievements and smiles you get from your students. Growth and change can be slow but with persistence, you can make a difference. Make sure to take time to enjoy your students, classroom, co-workers and school. Use your creativity/passions to create meaningful learning experiences that give access to education to non-traditional students. Take teaching as an opportunity to make meaningful connections to people and make huge contributions to students' educational experiences.
What High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thor Stolen PhD: Developing relationships with students, co-teachers, community members to create more engaging and accessible learning experiences. Utilizing, developing, and maximizing your own superpowers to create unique, accessible, and memorable learning experiences. Utilizing and staying current with technology and figuring out how to integrate it into UDL lessons to broaden access to curriculum. Collaborating with fellow teachers to design meaningful units and accommodations for your students.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Thor Stolen PhD: Special education teachers are in high demand; leverage this power to negotiate higher wages/benefits or in selecting a school/placement that you want to be at. With teacher shortages in general, now is a great time to join a Teachers Union to support your collective cause.
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Dr. Natasha Griffin: It is a very rewarding field, you get to help and support so many children. It is also at times is a stressful field. The special education teachers are in charge of creating and implementing IEPs, as well as having meetings at least annually making sure that IEP’s are up-to-date. An IEP is a legally binding document, so this could be stressful for some special education teachers, especially novice teachers who first start in the field.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Natasha Griffin: A special education teacher wears many hats. Their main focus is on the students with individualized education plans (IEPs) to make sure that all of their needs are met such as providing accommodations and making sure that each student has a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). With the inclusive nature of special education, the special education teacher works directly with general education /content teachers, as well as collaborating with parents, administration, related service providers such as speech and language pathologists, and other stakeholders. Special education teachers provide co-teaching within the general education setting so that all students have an opportunity to learn together.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Melissa Tapp PhD: As a beginning teacher, individuals can maximize their salary potential by seeking opportunities for professional growth. There are often paid experiences available including participating in research studies, attending paid workshops, and working as a tutor or teaching in a summer school program. Beginning teachers can seek out the opportunities by asking colleagues in their building and across their district and also by reaching out to local university professors.
Krista James Ph.D.
Program Lead & Assistant Professor of Special EducationUniversity of Alaska Anchorage
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Krista James Ph.D.: Shop around to various school districts. Look at their salary scale but also at any signing bonuses they might offer.
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Dr. Kimberly Coy: The first part is to get your Master's degree, and then understand the pay scale in the district you work in as well as the districts around you. The second part is to make sure to join the teachers union and understand the bargaining process.
What High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Kimberly Coy: In the next 3-5 years, the skills that will be most important are the ability to be reflective of your practice. Teaching is an ever-evolving skill set for each person. Make sure you can look at your teaching and learn from it by being reflective and keeping your sense of wonder. Another skill will be the ability to understand that you are going to prepare students for jobs and challenges that have not been invented yet. Teach them the important skills of cultivating curiosity and adapting to change.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kimberly Coy: A career as a special education teacher is interesting and rewarding. Also known in California as an Education Specialist, the job involves being both creative and persistent. My advice at the beginning of a career is to find the teachers you want to be most like and watch them, learn from them. They might be other special education teachers, or they might be other types of teachers. Find the positive innovators and stick with them.
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Amy Kunkel Ph.D.: The need for good special education teachers is greater than ever before, thus graduates with a special education teaching license can often find teaching positions within their own communities. Take your time to look around at your options, ask questions about your caseload, and try to gauge the support provided by administration and the special education team you will be joining. Oftentimes our student teachers have multiple job offers prior to finishing up their student teaching semester. You want to choose an environment that feels welcoming and supportive.
One piece of advice that all new teachers should remember is the importance of self-care. Teaching is not an easy profession, and teachers teach because they love working with children and young adults. Special education teachers have a very unique passion, and it's helpful to always remember your reason for teaching. The kids will help you with this! I recommend new teachers keep a journal of their thoughts, keep their evenings and weekends work-free, and find time to nourish their hobbies and skills outside the classroom.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Amy Kunkel Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, first ask to see the hiring district’s salary schedule. Most districts operate on a “step and lane” system in which you receive higher pay for each year of service (step) and receive substantial raises for additional degrees earned (lane). For example, some districts will raise your salary for every 15 graduate credits you have earned, maximizing at a terminal degree. Teachers with a master’s degree + additional credits will earn substantially more than those without a master’s degree.
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Francesca Go Ph. D.: For a new Special Education teacher, the key, if possible, is to be well trained in individualizing instruction, making data-based decisions, knowing the law and students' rights, and understanding the importance of collaborating well with students and parents. A good teacher will know what the science and research say about what works and what does not, especially around instruction in areas like reading and mathematics. More broadly, what a new teacher needs, at the minimum, is empathy and understanding for the student and parents and a willingness to meet the student where they are in learning.
What general advice would you give to a High School Learning Support Teacher?
Dr. Marija Čolić: People love being SPED teachers because of the profound impact they can have on students' lives. Watching students make progress, achieve their goals, and seeing the joy this brings to their families is incredibly rewarding. The profession offers a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.
What High School Learning Support Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Marija Čolić: Special Education is a vital and rewarding field. SPED teachers have the power to change lives, which is incredibly fulfilling. There is always a need for SPED teachers, making it a stable career choice. People are drawn to this profession because of the immense satisfaction that comes from seeing students improve and their happiness, as well as the joy it brings to their families. The profession offers constant opportunities for growth and learning, making it a dynamic and impactful career path.
What will help High School Learning Support Teachers increase their earning potential?
Breda O’Keeffe Ph.D.: Before even starting your career in special education, look for programs and scholarships that provide financial support for your education and teaching license/credential. Because special education teachers are in high demand, many states, districts, and institutes of higher education provide financial incentives and supports for preservice teachers. Another option is to look for programs that provide loan forgiveness for working in high need areas (e.g., special education), schools (e.g., Title I schools), or districts. Graduating with low or no debt can help maximize your take-home pay as a teacher. Also, be aware that each state has its own teacher licensing/credentialing systems and that licenses/credentials do not always transfer directly when going from one state to another. If you know what state you will be teaching in, make sure your license/credential will be easily recognized in that state (or you may face additional educational requirements and costs). In addition, be aware that teacher salaries vary widely across states, across cities within states, and across different settings (e.g., private, public, preschool, K-12, etc.). In seeking preparation to become a special education teacher, you have many options that will ultimately affect your salary potential. Alternative routes to licensure which do not include the typical supports of a traditional teacher education program may be tempting, because they tend to be shorter and less expensive. Unfortunately, special education teachers prepared through these routes leave the field sooner and at higher rates than teachers provided with higher quality training at an institute of higher education (e.g., colleges and universities). Look for accredited programs that provide hands-on instruction and multiple supervised field experiences in the settings you will be teaching in, with high quality supervision and feedback (e.g., from a faculty member with teaching experience in your area), support for preparing for licensing/credentialing requirements, and instruction in evidence-based practices in academics, classroom management, intensive behavior supports, assessment, and special education law and policy. You will be more competitive when you start and more likely to persist, which will make the costs of your education worthwhile! When you are seeking a job, district salary schedules are posted on their respective websites. If salary is of utmost interest to you, start looking for high paying districts. Typically, charter and private schools do not have posted salary schedules, but if you are applying to those institutions, you should feel comfortable asking them to match the neighboring district pay. Some districts also offer additional compensation through incentive programs, “buying out” preparation periods, or other school-related duties. Don’t jump into committees and “extra duties” right away. Look for incentive programs specifically for high needs areas, such as special education. For example, in Utah, special education teachers can access the Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP). This fund serves to reward and retain qualified educators in positions that have been identified as having staffing shortages. The state has also provided additional paid workdays outside of contract days to special education teachers to help prepare files and paperwork at the start or end of the school year. In addition, you can increase your pay by seeking further education such as a master’s degree or endorsements.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for High School Learning Support Teachers in the next 3-5 years?
R. Todd Coy Ph.D.: Even before the onset of COVID-19, the increasing importance of technology in areas like education and business communications was apparent. I believe Covid only served to speed up the oncoming changes. Using online formats to deliver professional services like mental health or education will continue to become even more mainstream. Therefore, staying current with the various applications and features found online will allow you to be more effective and marketable.
Julie Irene Bost
Assistant ProfessorThe University of North Carolina Greensboro
School of Education, Library and Information Science
What experience really stands out on High School Learning Support Teacher resumes?
Julie Irene Bost: A range of experiences in various settings, content areas, and age groups. The more experiences a teacher candidate has, the more skills they have to transfer into new settings. A resume really stands out when it includes teaching experiences with students of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds along with multiple content areas (e.g., reading, math, science, etc.).