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Job outlook for pre-k special education teachers in the United States
Are pre-k special education teacher jobs in demand?
Pre-k special education teacher job and salary trends over time
Pre-k special education teacher jobs over time
Pre-k special education teacher job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 386 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 371 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 408 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 429 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 522 | 0.00% |
Average pre-k special education teacher salary over time
Pre-k special education teacher salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,870 | $23.98 | +2.3% |
| 2025 | $48,733 | $23.43 | +7.4% |
| 2024 | $45,354 | $21.80 | +4.1% |
| 2023 | $43,568 | $20.95 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $42,609 | $20.49 | --2.8% |
Pre-k special education teacher jobs by state
Most common states for pre-k special education teachers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 207 | 30% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 368 | 19% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 236 | 18% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 156 | 16% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 810 | 15% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 159 | 15% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,747 | 14% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 856 | 14% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 855 | 14% |
| 10 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 772 | 14% |
| 11 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 612 | 14% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 285 | 14% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 82 | 14% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,660 | 13% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,172 | 13% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 83 | 13% |
| 17 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,374 | 12% |
| 18 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 835 | 12% |
| 19 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 752 | 11% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 466 | 11% |
Pre-K Special Education Teacher job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of pre-k special education teacher experts
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Utah
New York University
Adelphi University
Saint Mary's College of California
Texas A & M University, Kingsville
Centenary University
Appalachian State University
Gibraltar Public School
Nicholls State University
Lehigh University
University of Mary Washington
What general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education Teacher?
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Exercise discernment in your job selection: As a special education teacher, the range of positions available to you will be diverse and plentiful. Remember, a job interview is a two-way street. While school administrators will inquire about your qualifications, it’s equally important for you to evaluate the support and resources the school offers. Inquire about the school's induction programs for new teachers, mentorship opportunities, and the student-teacher ratio. Request a tour of the classrooms. It’s crucial that you feel a sense of belonging and alignment with both the environment and the team. The right fit for your initial teaching role can greatly enhance your capacity for resilience in this rewarding career. Never Stop Learning: Treat every day as an opportunity to learn something new. The most successful special educators are those who continue to grow their knowledge base and skill set long after formal education ends. Build Genuine Connections: Networking is more about building real relationships than accumulating contacts. Seek out educators as mentors whose work or path you admire and do are they are generally positive about teaching. Join a special education professional organization such as Council for Exceptional Children and get involved in the association at the local level. Maintain Work-Life Balance: It's crucial to find a balance that allows you to be productive at school while also taking care of your personal well-being. Burnout is real in the special education profession, and preventing it starts with recognizing the importance of your own health and happiness. Cultivate Your Personal Brand: Think about how you want to be perceived professionally as a special educator and make efforts to build your personal brand around those qualities. Whether it's through social media, blogging, or professional engagements, make sure your personal brand reflects your professional goals and values. Starting your career is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and fulfillment. By staying curious, resilient, and connected, you'll set the stage for a rewarding and successful career.
What Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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.
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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Francesca Go Ph. D.: Really, additional training and education will help you maximize your self-efficacy in the classroom as well as your salary potential. Doing things like getting a master's in Special Education can be especially helpful.
What general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 Pre-K Special Education 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 general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education Teacher?
LaSheba Hilliard Ed.D.: Pursue advanced certifications and degrees: Obtaining additional certifications or advanced degrees in special education or related fields can enhance your qualifications and increase your earning potential.
Seek out high-demand areas: Consider specializing in high-demand areas within special education, such as autism spectrum disorders, behavioral disorders, or early intervention, which may offer higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement.
Gain experience and expertise: Invest in gaining practical experience and developing expertise in specific areas of special education through field experiences in classrooms, volunteer work, or specialized training programs, which can make you more competitive in the job market.
Negotiate salary and benefits: Research salary benchmarks for special education positions in your region and negotiate salary and benefits packages with potential employers based on your qualifications, experience, and the demand for special education professionals in the area.
What will help Pre-K Special Education Teachers increase their earning potential?
LaSheba Hilliard Ed.D.: Technological proficiency: As technology plays a significant role in education, proficiency in educational software, assistive technologies, and adaptive learning platforms will be increasingly valuable.
Cultural competence and diversity awareness: With an increasingly diverse student population, educators need to be culturally competent and able to address the unique needs and backgrounds of their students.
Data analysis and evidence-based practices: Utilizing data to inform instructional decisions and implementing evidence-based practices will be essential for optimizing student outcomes and meeting accountability standards.
Collaboration and teamwork: Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including other educators, therapists, and specialists, will become more critical for creating comprehensive support systems for students with special needs.
What general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education Teacher?
Dr. Diana Turk Ph.D.: This is for any field, but find mentors - plural - who can support and guide you, and find peers who can cheer and cajole you. Remembering your WHY - why are you teaching? what are you hoping to teach your students to do and be? is essential for the days that are particularly hard. And when you have one of those really hard days, remember that there's always tomorrow. Most of all, ignore anyone who tells you not to smile before Thanksgiving. Who wants a teacher who doesn't smile? You can be warm at the same time as you're firm; flexible while being structured; playful while being serious. Show the students how excited you are to be with them, and this will go a long way towards building relationships based on respect and rapport.
What Pre-K Special Education Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Diana Turk Ph.D.: The ability to reach and teach students with disabilities, students who have been trauma impacted, and students with specified language learning needs is going to be of even more importance than it is now (and it's essential now). New teachers should consider dual certifications (content area or elementary education plus teaching students with disabilities or English language learners) to maximize their skills and capacities for reaching and teaching all learners.
What general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education Teacher?
Dr. Christina O'Connor Ph.D.: In teaching, salaries are generally fixed based on years of experience and credentials. So, the best way to maximize earning potential is to get additional credentials through pursuing advanced degrees or National Board certification, depending on your state's salary schedule.
What Pre-K Special Education Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Stephen Shore Ed.D.: With increasing recognition of the wide diversity of how people think, increasing numbers of students are being identified as having special needs. An additional bonus is that the instructor becomes a better teacher overall since adjustments made on their students' behalf are actually just extensions of good teaching practice.
What general advice would you give to a Pre-K Special Education Teacher?
Peter Alter Ph.D.: Public school salary systems are determined by years of teaching (sometimes called Steps) and level of education. Get a Master's degree. Add an authorization via coursework. Anything that will move you over a column on the salary schedule. Then figure out your side hustle- coaching, tutoring, doing something completely away from education. This may be challenging in your first year but as you get acclimated, you are going to have more time that you will be able to monetize.
What Pre-K Special Education Teacher skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Peter Alter Ph.D.: Public school salary systems are determined by years of teaching (sometimes called Steps) and level of education. Get a Master's degree. Add an authorization via coursework. Anything that will move you over a column on the salary schedule. Then figure out your side hustle- coaching, tutoring, doing something completely away from education. This may be challenging in your first year but as you get acclimated, you are going to have more time that you will be able to monetize.
Dr. Patricia Huskin Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Special Education Undergraduate & Graduate Program CoordinatorTexas A & M University, Kingsville
Department of Teacher & Bilingual Education
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pre-K Special Education Teachers?
Dr. Patricia Huskin Ph.D.: The technical or "Hard Skills" are the core of effective and successful special educators. These skills are:
-Critical Knowledge of theory and practice in special education instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, and differentiation strategies.
-Assessment knowledge and data collection skills; ability to use assessment data to inform instructional decision making for continuous student improvement and success.
-Critical knowledge of behavior principles and classroom management skills for a safe and positive learning climate.
-Critical knowledge of special education law and advocacy. A special education teacher must adhere to special education law, assure the rights of their students are upheld, and advocate for their students on a daily basis.
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English, Director of CompositionCentenary University
Department is Business, Media, and Writing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pre-K Special Education Teachers?
Dr. Lisa Mastrangel Ph.D.: While there will likely be a more challenging job market for some time to come, even once coronavirus ends, degrees in Professional Writing remain highly marketable because of their "portability." Many work environments have discovered that employees work just as effectively when they are remote, and managing social media and marketing content can undoubtedly be done remotely. With strong writing skills and a facility with multiple technology platforms, students with Professional Writing backgrounds will continue to be strong contenders on the job market.
Dr. Susan Hedges Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorAppalachian State University
Department of Reading Education and Special Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Pre-K Special Education Teacher job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Susan Hedges Ph.D.: Being a special educator today is about much more than just knowing which strategy to use to support a child with diverse abilities or how to use Zoom. Today's special educators need to be trained in trauma-informed pedagogy as more and more of our students in this country face trauma in a variety of ways. Thinking of the pandemic, students may have recently lost a close family member, or perhaps their family is suffering economically and they are facing food insecurity, or there's abuse at home. There are a number of ways the pandemic is creating trauma in children's and educators' lives. Since the majority of students today across the US are BIPOC and our educators are about 80% white (and female), having skills in culturally relevant pedagogy is also critical. What our children witness if not in their own communities, then on TV and social media, can make it difficult to learn. Educators need to be prepared for that. Ignoring it as though it is not happening is not an option.
What skills stand out on Pre-K Special Education Teacher resumes?
Dr. Susan Hedges Ph.D.: If I were hiring special educators in my district, I would look for those who have strong technology and organizational skills along with a solid foundation in special education assessment, law, and evidence-based practices. I would also look for someone who has demonstrated strong collaborative skills. Special educators are always collaborating and need to be extremely good at it. They need to work with classroom teachers, specialists, administrators, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and most importantly families.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Pre-K Special Education Teachers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Susan Hedges Ph.D.: Everywhere in the US, there is a need for highly trained special educators. The pay varies of course but so does the cost of living. I would encourage someone just starting out to find a location where they feel comfortable and start looking for a job.
Andrew Burgess
Special Education TeacherGibraltar Public School
Department of Special Education
What experience really stands out on Pre-K Special Education Teacher resumes?
Andrew Burgess: I think the experience that showcases their use of technology and how to fill out IEP paperwork will stand out for them.
Tara Martin
Director- Bridge to IndependenceNicholls State University
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Pre-K Special Education Teachers to find work opportunities?
Tara Martin: Special education teachers are a rare breed. Because our world will always have students who require specialized education, special education teachers should gain employment across the United States. Students who need these services typically don't learn with an array of modifications and accommodations. For this to happen, a real-life teacher will be essential.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pre-K Special Education Teachers?
Dr. William Gaudelli: I would suggest that it will. Immediately, it will affect certification students directly as they will not be able to work in schools or in community health centers to learn and log hours towards certification. Longer term, COVID will permanently alter face-to-face schooling, making hybridity and virtuality more evident in the P-12 sector.
Janine Davis Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Mary Washington
College of Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Pre-K Special Education Teachers?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: For our teacher education graduates, the impact of the pandemic will most likely work in their favor when it comes to finding jobs-the pandemic has led to many retirements, which will mean that we will need even more teachers to fill those empty positions. At the same time, the advent of increased virtual learning means that it will no longer be an option that teachers know and use technology, including teaching online and using learning management and data analysis systems-those skills will almost certainly be a non-negotiable for future teaching positions. Finally, I think that this event has highlighted the importance of working as part of a team of teachers and other school leaders.
How do you envision technology impacting Pre-K Special Education Teachers in the next 5 years?
Janine Davis Ph.D.: Already we see some amazing resources that help with virtual learning, and teachers are teaching students in so many different ways in the virtual setting. Not just will teachers be using more technology to communicate, teach, and collect and analyze student data, but it is likely that students will also use technology in more advanced ways-for example, more students may be editing video, producing podcasts, and collecting and analyzing data with technology.