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Special ed teacher vs math teacher

The differences between special ed teachers and math teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a math teacher has an average salary of $51,088, which is higher than the $49,456 average annual salary of a special ed teacher.

The top three skills for a special ed teacher include classroom management, instructional materials and behavior management. The most important skills for a math teacher are math, classroom management, and student learning.

Special ed teacher vs math teacher overview

Special ED TeacherMath Teacher
Yearly salary$49,456$51,088
Hourly rate$23.78$24.56
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs71,99059,347
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age4343
Years of experience-2

What does a special ed teacher do?

Special ED teachers are teaching professionals who create and apply appropriate curricula and assign activities for students with special needs and disabilities. These teachers must work with the parents, general education teachers, and the school administrators to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student. They are required to monitor the behavioral patterns of children with special needs while keeping track of their progress. Special ED teachers must also mentor other professionals who are involved with children with disabilities.

What does a math teacher do?

A math teacher is responsible for instilling analytical and statistical knowledge to the learners. The duties of a math teacher include the development of a student's problem-solving skills, practical application of formulas and logical reasoning, utilization of visual materials and other learning equipment for better comprehension, and evaluation of the students' learning progress by conducting series of tests and activities. A math teacher should also support and encourage students and build their self-confidence by providing regular coachings, managing their learning challenges, and keeping engaging lesson plans.

Special ed teacher vs math teacher salary

Special ed teachers and math teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special ED TeacherMath Teacher
Average salary$49,456$51,088
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $71,000Between $37,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCBaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateAlaskaMaryland
Best paying companyWhitby SchoolCalifornia State University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between special ed teacher and math teacher education

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

Special ED TeacherMath Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorSpecial EducationMathematics
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityHarvard University

Special ed teacher vs math teacher demographics

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

Special ED TeacherMath Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 47.0% Female, 53.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.5% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 3.6% White, 72.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%12%

Differences between special ed teacher and math teacher duties and responsibilities

Special ed teacher example responsibilities.

  • Manage a classroom conducive to learning by creating an environment that encourages students to read, write, and master math.
  • Assist children with autism and special needs navigate the school curriculum.
  • Develop individualize lessons to accommodate learning differences and write IEPs.
  • Challenge students to master basic math concepts through implementation of manipulative.
  • Conduct assessments for children with developmental disabilities, and develop IEPs.
  • Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other professionals to develop and implement IFSP goals.
  • Show more

Math teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead professional development for colleagues on integrating graphing calculators into the curriculum.
  • Utilize cooperative learning techniques and provide individualized instruction in the field of pre-algebra and middle grade mathematics.
  • Provide students with high quality teaching of math subject utilizing state standards, course overviews accelerate mathematics curriculum program.
  • Plan and teach lessons for 6th grade mathematics and 7th grade Pre-Algebra.
  • Motivate students with various academic abilities to learn pre-calculus, geometry, and general earth science.
  • Design inquiry base unit on human anatomy and physiology.
  • Show more

Special ed teacher vs math teacher skills

Common special ed teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 20%
  • Instructional Materials, 11%
  • Behavior Management, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Math, 7%
  • Professional Development, 5%
Common math teacher skills
  • Math, 32%
  • Classroom Management, 12%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Instructional Materials, 4%
  • Public Schools, 4%
  • Algebra II, 3%

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