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What does a learning disabilities teacher do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

A Learning Disability Teacher plays a vital role in ensuring that every child with special needs can be able to learn even though they are physically and mentally struggling because of their disability. This career does a lot of intervention and production of outcomes for the individual to understand the importance of studying. They use different guides and materials like diagrams, pictures, and other graphics to improve their cognitive, psychological, and analytical thinking of an individual who has disability issues.

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Learning disabilities teacher responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real learning disabilities teacher resumes:

  • Lead parent/teacher conferences, write report cards, attend CSE meetings.
  • Work with general education teachers to modify lessons in the areas of math, science, history, and language arts.
  • Develop ABA interventions for students and staff.
  • Improve children's mathematics, reading, and writing skills.
  • Implement IEP goals and curriculum through ABA strategies and methodologies.
  • Serve as the ESE liaison for a team of four teachers.
  • Work as the ESE support teacher in a 5th grade inclusion room.
  • Create technology base lessons involving web quests, PowerPoint, inspiration software.
  • Transition planning for students with significant needs such as autism and mental health needs.
  • Prepare IEPs, administer WIAT tests, and present test results at CSE meetings.
  • Restrain children when necessary for safety, and de-escalate situations using proper CPI training.
  • Plan, design, direct, and supervise afterschool activities for Pre-K thru 3rd grade students.
  • Collaborate with other autism teachers in the school and district wide on daily and weekly basis to develop growth of program.
  • Develop IEPs, individualize treatment plans and collaborate with regular classroom teachers.
  • Implement math and reading direct instruction curriculum.

Learning disabilities teacher skills and personality traits

We calculated that 13% of Learning Disabilities Teachers are proficient in Professional Development, Student Learning, and Learning Disabilities. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Resourcefulness.

We break down the percentage of Learning Disabilities Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Professional Development, 13%

    Assisted in the development of professional development opportunities for content area teachers on the implementation of successful inclusive programs.

  • Student Learning, 10%

    Developed novel studies and offered differentiated activities incorporating student learning styles.

  • Learning Disabilities, 9%

    Tutored individual elementary age students with identified learning disabilities utilizing a specialized curriculum.

  • Public Schools, 8%

    Mentored youth 9-15 years of age within the Detroit Public Schools.

  • IEPs, 7%

    Design and implement IEPs for developmentally disabled students; administer Woodcock-Johnson and KTEA assessments for initial and re-evaluation referrals.

  • Student Achievement, 6%

    Conduct meetings with content teachers to discuss student needs, progress, and strategies for the purpose of student achievement.

Most learning disabilities teachers use their skills in "professional development," "student learning," and "learning disabilities" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential learning disabilities teacher responsibilities here:

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a learning disabilities teacher to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "special education teachers need to explain concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand." Learning disabilities teachers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "educated children, ages 5-9, with moderate to severe communication, language, and learning disabilities in a self-contained classroom. "

Patience. Another essential skill to perform learning disabilities teacher duties is patience. Learning disabilities teachers responsibilities require that "special education teachers must be able to stay calm instructing students with disabilities, who may lack basic skills, present behavioral or other challenges, or require repeated efforts to understand material." Learning disabilities teachers also use patience in their role according to a real resume snippet: "demonstrate patience and understanding while providing individualized instruction in a safe, inclusive classroom learning environment for students with significant disabilities. "

Resourcefulness. This is an important skill for learning disabilities teachers to perform their duties. For an example of how learning disabilities teacher responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "special education teachers must develop different ways to present information that meet their students’ needs." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a learning disabilities teacher: "showed resourcefulness and teaching effectiveness in meeting the needs of students with limited english language proficiency as well as learning disabilities. ".

See the full list of learning disabilities teacher skills

Choose from 10+ customizable learning disabilities teacher resume templates

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Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume
Learning Disabilities Teacher Resume

Compare different learning disabilities teachers

Learning disabilities teacher vs. Special educator

A special education teacher's role is to facilitate learning for students with disabilities. The responsibilities of a special education teacher typically revolve around identifying the needs of students, devising lesson plans and strategies to meet their needs, developing test structure to assess their learning, and assisting them in areas of difficulties. It is also essential to coordinate with families and guardians, reporting to them should there be any problems. Furthermore, as a special education teacher, it is necessary to monitor the students' progress and behavior, maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for them.

If we compare the average learning disabilities teacher annual salary with that of a special educator, we find that special educators typically earn a $13,756 higher salary than learning disabilities teachers make annually.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both learning disabilities teacher and special educator positions are skilled in professional development, student learning, and learning disabilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between learning disabilities teachers and special educator. For instance, learning disabilities teacher responsibilities require skills such as "curriculum development," "instructional strategies," "stars," and "cst." Whereas a special educator is skilled in "classroom management," "behavior management," "data collection," and "para." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Special educators earn the highest salaries when working in the government industry, with an average yearly salary of $62,975. On the other hand, learning disabilities teachers are paid more in the education industry with an average salary of $39,190.The education levels that special educators earn slightly differ from learning disabilities teachers. In particular, special educators are 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a learning disabilities teacher. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Learning disabilities teacher vs. Teacher

Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

On average, teachers earn a $8,180 higher salary than learning disabilities teachers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both learning disabilities teachers and teachers have skills such as "professional development," "student learning," and "public schools. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real learning disabilities teacher resumes. While learning disabilities teacher responsibilities can utilize skills like "learning disabilities," "ieps," "instructional strategies," and "autism," teachers use skills like "esl," "handle scheduling," "kids," and "classroom management."

Teachers may earn a higher salary than learning disabilities teachers, but teachers earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $49,700. On the other hand, learning disabilities teachers receive higher pay in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $39,190.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Teachers tend to reach lower levels of education than learning disabilities teachers. In fact, they're 11.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for learning disabilities teachers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

Technology in the next 3-5 years -- That is a tough question because technology is continually changing. However, I would say whatever learning system their school provides (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, etc.), they should get to know. Also, the technology that involves making/editing videos of teaching would be necessary. The technique that includes exercise, fitness, sports such as heart rate monitors, Fitbits, etc. Finally, a technology that allows interactions between teachers and students and students and students.

Learning disabilities teacher vs. 5th grade teacher

A 5th Grade Teacher is responsible for educating children and teaching them subjects like math, English, science, or art. They work in a public or private school at the elementary level.

On average scale, 5th grade teachers bring in higher salaries than learning disabilities teachers. In fact, they earn a $6,491 higher salary per year.By looking over several learning disabilities teachers and 5th grade teachers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "professional development," "student learning," and "public schools." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from learning disabilities teacher resumes include skills like "learning disabilities," "ieps," "curriculum development," and "mathematics," whereas a 5th grade teacher is more likely to list skills in "classroom management," "instructional materials," "state standards," and "student performance. "

5th grade teachers earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $48,617. Learning disabilities teachers earn the highest pay from the education industry, with an average salary of $39,190.When it comes to education, 5th grade teachers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to learning disabilities teachers. In fact, they're 4.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Learning disabilities teacher vs. 4th grade teacher

A 4th Grade Teacher educates 4th grade children and creates an environment with high standards in education and personal growth. They teach children various subjects such as reading, vocabulary, math, science, and art.

4th grade teachers typically earn higher pay than learning disabilities teachers. On average, 4th grade teachers earn a $7,810 higher salary per year.While both learning disabilities teachers and 4th grade teachers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like professional development, student learning, and student achievement, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between learning disabilities teachers and 4th grade teachers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a learning disabilities teacher might have more use for skills like "learning disabilities," "public schools," "ieps," and "curriculum development." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of 4th grade teachers require skills like "classroom management," "mathematics curriculum," "instructional materials," and "state standards. "

The education industry tends to pay the highest salaries for 4th grade teachers, with average annual pay of $48,423. Comparatively, the highest learning disabilities teacher annual salary comes from the education industry.The average resume of 4th grade teachers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to learning disabilities teachers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 4.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.

Types of learning disabilities teacher

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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