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Math and science teacher vs special education teacher

The differences between math and science teachers and special education teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education teacher has an average salary of $54,290, which is higher than the $46,589 average annual salary of a math and science teacher.

The top three skills for a math and science teacher include math, classroom management and chemistry. The most important skills for a special education teacher are classroom management, autism, and behavior management.

Math and science teacher vs special education teacher overview

Math And Science TeacherSpecial Education Teacher
Yearly salary$46,589$54,290
Hourly rate$22.40$26.10
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs71,27367,699
Job satisfaction-4.33
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4343
Years of experience2-

What does a math and science teacher do?

Math and Science Teachers are responsible for imparting knowledge and developing a student's skills in mathematics and science. Their duties include creating lessons, producing learning materials, sourcing supplies, and grading examinations and quizzes. They develop student progress reports, provide constructive feedback, and work with parents to inform a student's educational development. Math and Science Teachers must ensure awareness of special educational needs and health and safety regulations related to subject teachings.

What does a special education teacher do?

A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with disabilities. Special education teachers are trained professionals to provide distinct learning instructions for children with special cases for them to achieve their potentials and improve their self-confidence. A special education teacher must have excellent communication and organizational skills to assist the students with their learning areas. Special education teachers should be able to come up with engaging activities to support the students' behavioral and intellectual development.

Math and science teacher vs special education teacher salary

Math and science teachers and special education teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Math And Science TeacherSpecial Education Teacher
Average salary$46,589$54,290
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $58,000Between $39,000 And $73,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateMarylandMaryland
Best paying companySavannah-Chatham County Public School SystemBaltimore City Public Schools
Best paying industryEducationGovernment

Differences between math and science teacher and special education teacher education

There are a few differences between a math and science teacher and a special education teacher in terms of educational background:

Math And Science TeacherSpecial Education Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 69%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorElementary EducationSpecial Education
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNorthwestern University

Math and science teacher vs special education teacher demographics

Here are the differences between math and science teachers' and special education teachers' demographics:

Math And Science TeacherSpecial Education Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 41.3% Female, 58.7%Male, 24.6% Female, 75.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage12%8%

Differences between math and science teacher and special education teacher duties and responsibilities

Math and science teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead professional development for colleagues on integrating graphing calculators into the curriculum.
  • Provide classroom instruction in 5th grade science including biology, chemistry, physics and human anatomy.
  • Provide individualized instruction to high-school students, focusing primarily on algebra, geometry, calculus, biology and chemistry.
  • Agree to accept a long-term assignment in one middle school math classroom for the remainder of the year.
  • Adapt lessons to meet individual needs by reviewing students' backgrounds and learning needs through the use of IEP's.
  • Provide assistance to teachers relate to curriculum instructions and IEP implementation
  • Show more

Special education teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead a DIBELS intervention group.
  • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
  • Design a unique and differentiate curriculum that addressed state standards for both mathematics and special education.
  • Educate special needs kids with mental and physical disabilities using proven conventional and improvise teaching/learning methods.
  • Plan appropriate lessons align to NYS CCSS.
  • Instruct and create ELA lessons through Fountas and Pinnell and Fundations.
  • Show more

Math and science teacher vs special education teacher skills

Common math and science teacher skills
  • Math, 30%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Chemistry, 6%
  • Geometry, 6%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Science Curriculum, 4%
Common special education teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Autism, 10%
  • Behavior Management, 6%
  • IEPs, 6%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Learning, 6%

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