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Special ed teacher vs special education resource teacher

The differences between special ed teachers and special education resource teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special ed teacher has an average salary of $49,456, which is higher than the $49,296 average annual salary of a special education resource teacher.

The top three skills for a special ed teacher include classroom management, instructional materials and behavior management. The most important skills for a special education resource teacher are classroom management, IEP, and professional development.

Special ed teacher vs special education resource teacher overview

Special ED TeacherSpecial Education Resource Teacher
Yearly salary$49,456$49,296
Hourly rate$23.78$23.70
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs71,99082,491
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

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 special education resource teacher do?

Special education resource teachers are teaching professionals who are responsible for handling students diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral issues in public and private schools. These teachers must create and monitor their individualized education plans (IEPs) goals by teaming up with specialists and educators while assessing the needs of their students. They must provide modified instruction and learning activities to help general education teachers maximize the learning activities of their students. Special education resource teachers must also conduct professional development workshops with their colleagues.

Special ed teacher vs special education resource teacher salary

Special ed teachers and special education resource teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special ED TeacherSpecial Education Resource Teacher
Average salary$49,456$49,296
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $71,000Between $36,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCWashington, DC
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyWhitby SchoolIrving Isd
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between special ed teacher and special education resource teacher education

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

Special ED TeacherSpecial Education Resource Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorSpecial EducationSpecial Education
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Special ed teacher vs special education resource teacher demographics

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

Special ED TeacherSpecial Education Resource Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 29.7% Female, 70.3%Male, 19.6% Female, 80.4%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 3.6% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between special ed teacher and special education resource 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

Special education resource teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
  • Collaborate with regular education teachers to provide education in an inclusion setting for 5th grade mathematics and 4th grade language arts.
  • Deliver remedial instruction in mathematics and language arts
  • Develop, document and facilitate IEP meetings, collaborate with support services and relate service providers.
  • Lead teacher for Pre-K classroom, planning and implementing daily activities and curriculum to enhance child development.
  • Provide classroom support for a state-fund developmental Pre-K program.
  • Show more

Special ed teacher vs special education resource 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 special education resource teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 14%
  • IEP, 10%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Instructional Strategies, 6%
  • Math, 6%
  • Autism, 5%

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