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Special education collaborative program teacher job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected special education collaborative program teacher job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 20,600 new jobs for special education collaborative program teachers are projected over the next decade.
Special education collaborative program teacher salaries have increased 6% for special education collaborative program teachers in the last 5 years.
There are over 110,140 special education collaborative program teachers currently employed in the United States.
There are 120,642 active special education collaborative program teacher job openings in the US.
The average special education collaborative program teacher salary is $49,150.
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 110,140 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 112,554 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 114,120 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 109,033 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 108,874 | 0.03% |
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $49,150 | $23.63 | +0.3% |
| 2025 | $49,020 | $23.57 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $48,153 | $23.15 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $47,512 | $22.84 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $46,247 | $22.23 | +2.2% |
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 424 | 32% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 307 | 32% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 197 | 32% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 208 | 30% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 175 | 30% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 534 | 28% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 281 | 27% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 201 | 27% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,450 | 26% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,282 | 23% |
| 11 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 798 | 22% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 469 | 22% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 876 | 21% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 222 | 21% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,620 | 20% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 614 | 20% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,376 | 19% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,744 | 19% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,327 | 19% |
| 20 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 832 | 19% |
Towson University
University of South Florida
California State University - Fullerton
Alverno College
Florida Atlantic University
University of New England
Eastern Mennonite University
Whitworth University
California State University - Long Beach
University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Indianapolis
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hartwick College
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.
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.
Jennifer Lesh Ph.D.: Pursue Advanced Certifications: Beyond the required education, obtaining specialized certifications can make you more valuable to employers. Certifications in high-demand areas of special education can lead to higher pay, such as obtaining a reading dyslexia certification. Gain Experience in High-Need Areas: Some regions or schools may offer higher salaries or signing bonuses to attract teachers to high-need areas or in subjects with a shortage of qualified professionals. Develop a Niche Expertise: Specializing in a particular area of special education, such as autism spectrum disorders or assistive technology, can set you apart and potentially command a higher salary. Improve Your Educational Credentials: Consider pursuing a master's degree or doctorate. Higher educational attainment is often correlated with increased salary scales in educational institutions. Look for Leadership Opportunities: Positions with additional responsibilities, such as department head or program coordinator, often come with higher pay. Be proactive in seeking out these roles. Be Willing to Relocate: Sometimes the best opportunities for salary growth are in different cities or states. Being open to relocation can widen your options considerably. Continuously Enhance Your Skillset: Engage in professional development to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in special education. Schools may pay more for teachers who are at the cutting edge of their field. Document Your Successes: Keep a comprehensive record of your achievements and the progress of your students. Demonstrable success can be a powerful lever in salary discussions. Promote your accomplishments through social media and branding.
Dr. Pamela Brillante: Attaining additional certifications and credentials while in your first few years of teaching will grow your salary quickly.
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.
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.
David Wizer: In nonprofit, public education field there’s not a great deal of negotiating opportunities. For students in the instructional design field there are ways to feature projects completed, skills they have, and a strong resume that highlights professional skills and experiences.
Sarah Lauer: View yourself as the professional that you are. Seek out those resources that will help you to continually improve in your career path. This might mean joining a professional learning community (PLC) at your school, or starting an online/evening/weekend Master’s degree program. Be curious when something doesn’t go well in the classroom. Build a network of experts and resources that you can go to when you have questions.
California State University - Fullerton
Special Education And Teaching
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: It's a great idea to begin working as a special education instructional aide to gain experience with students and in navigating school dynamics. These are usually part-time jobs, with hours available in the mornings or afternoons. You may gain experience in multiple settings, especially if you are hired as a substitute instructional aide, which allows you to learn about working with different grade levels and varying levels of student support needs. This is helpful as you decide whether you want to become a teacher for students with mild to moderate support needs, extensive support needs, or early childhood, and whether you might prefer working with younger or older students.
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: There has been an increasing focus on social emotional learning in schools, and these skills are just as important for teachers to grow within themselves so they can best support and guide students in learning to regulate their emotions and navigate social relationships. And of course it's always crucial for teachers to have strong skills in literacy instruction.
Tiffany Row Ph.D.: Earning a Master's degree after your credential puts you significantly higher on the pay scale and increases your earning power exponentially as you continue in the field.
Alverno College
Special Education And Teaching
Thor Stolen PhD: Know that being a special education is difficult and can be stressful, but it can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to make a connection and reach one student, it is worth it. Take pride in small achievements and smiles you get from your students. Growth and change can be slow but with persistence, you can make a difference. Make sure to take time to enjoy your students, classroom, co-workers and school. Use your creativity/passions to create meaningful learning experiences that give access to education to non-traditional students. Take teaching as an opportunity to make meaningful connections to people and make huge contributions to students' educational experiences.
Thor Stolen PhD: Developing relationships with students, co-teachers, community members to create more engaging and accessible learning experiences. Utilizing, developing, and maximizing your own superpowers to create unique, accessible, and memorable learning experiences. Utilizing and staying current with technology and figuring out how to integrate it into UDL lessons to broaden access to curriculum. Collaborating with fellow teachers to design meaningful units and accommodations for your students.
Thor Stolen PhD: Special education teachers are in high demand; leverage this power to negotiate higher wages/benefits or in selecting a school/placement that you want to be at. With teacher shortages in general, now is a great time to join a Teachers Union to support your collective cause.
Dr. Torica Exume Ph.D.: The education sector undergoes continuous change, requiring graduates to remain adaptable and responsive to evolving trends and innovations. Skills that may gain importance in the field include proficiency in employing educational technology tools for teaching, learning, and assessment; using student data to inform instructional strategies; and adapting to emerging technologies and platforms.
Peter Badalament: Being an inquiry-based thinker, Flexibility, Learning to actively listen, Give feedback
Paul Yoder: A key insight is that teaching is about making learning engaging and content relevant to students. It is rare for educators to teach students who are 'just like them' so building relationships with students is the first step. Keep in mind that each human is so much more than meets the eye so listening and curiosity are paramount.
Dr. Natasha Griffin: It is a very rewarding field, you get to help and support so many children. It is also at times is a stressful field. The special education teachers are in charge of creating and implementing IEPs, as well as having meetings at least annually making sure that IEP’s are up-to-date. An IEP is a legally binding document, so this could be stressful for some special education teachers, especially novice teachers who first start in the field.
Dr. Natasha Griffin: Special Education is a good profession to enter now because there is a great need for it regardless of where you live. There is a global need for teachers who work with students with disabilities. Due to more assessment options, trained Special Educators can implement research-based strategies effectively, which leads to higher gains in closing achievement gaps. School districts near and far have started to offer attractive incentives to recruit Special Educators. Special Education is a field that is needed from birth to adulthood to aide in developing productive citizens.
Dr. Natasha Griffin: A special education teacher wears many hats. Their main focus is on the students with individualized education plans (IEPs) to make sure that all of their needs are met such as providing accommodations and making sure that each student has a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). With the inclusive nature of special education, the special education teacher works directly with general education /content teachers, as well as collaborating with parents, administration, related service providers such as speech and language pathologists, and other stakeholders. Special education teachers provide co-teaching within the general education setting so that all students have an opportunity to learn together.
Megan Griffin PhD, BCBA-D: In most schools, salary is the result of three things: experience, education, and additional responsibilities. You can't do anything to accelerate your years of experience, but you can use them wisely. If you want to increase your income, the best way to do so is by seeking further education like an advanced degree or add-on endorsement. Additional responsibilities that can supplement your income include coaching, directing clubs, and some leadership roles. Another way to maximize salary potential is to do something that may already appeal to you: serve the underserved. There are specific schools, geographic areas, academic subjects, and student populations that are chronically in need of good teachers. Seek out endorsements in those areas, broaden your ideas about where and who you want to teach, and find opportunities to job-shadow or student teach in a range of settings. You can increase your salary potential and make a huge difference in the lives of kids who need your support.
Dr. Melissa Tapp PhD: First, I like to tell future special education teachers that teaching is a tough job, but, they are ready for it! Beginning teachers need to use the knowledge they've learned in their program and apply it in their future classrooms. The best advice I can give is to prepare, prepare, prepare! Be intentional about all aspects of the day, from classroom management to academic instruction and try to be proactive and set up systems for students to be successful.
Dr. Melissa Tapp PhD: Teachers must be prepared in the area of classroom management and approach these through an understanding of behavior. Several of my courses have an emphasis on support behavioral needs. If teachers enter the field without this background knowledge, they'll find themselves reacting instead of using a proactive approach. This leads to less time for instruction and as a result has an impact on student outcomes across all domains.
Dr. Melissa Tapp PhD: As a beginning teacher, individuals can maximize their salary potential by seeking opportunities for professional growth. There are often paid experiences available including participating in research studies, attending paid workshops, and working as a tutor or teaching in a summer school program. Beginning teachers can seek out the opportunities by asking colleagues in their building and across their district and also by reaching out to local university professors.
California State University - Long Beach
Education
Lisa Isbell Ed.D.: Maximizing your salary potential in the field of education involves a combination of strategic planning, continuous learning, and flexibility. Here are some considerations that impact salary: Education and Credentials: Start by earning advanced degrees or specialized certifications, as many school districts offer salary increments for additional qualifications. A master's degree or specific endorsements (like special education, STEM, or ESL) can increase your earning potential. Location: Research the geographic regions with higher salaries and lower costs of living. Urban districts and certain states tend to offer higher starting salaries, but cost of living and other benefits must be considered. High-Demand Specializations: Certain teaching fields are in higher demand, such as special education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), or bilingual education. Specializing in these areas can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries. Gain Experience and Leadership Roles: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as becoming a department head, lead teacher, or mentor. These positions often come with additional stipends or salary bumps. Extracurricular Activities: Schools often need coordinators for extracurricular activities like coaching sports, directing drama productions, or overseeing clubs. These roles typically offer additional stipends. Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated with educational trends and new teaching methodologies. Professional development can make you more valuable to your school district and open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Networking: Build a strong professional network by attending educational conferences and engaging with online educator communities. Networking can lead to job opportunities with better salary prospects.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Special Education And Teaching
Krista James Ph.D.: Shop around to various school districts. Look at their salary scale but also at any signing bonuses they might offer.
Krista James Ph.D.: I would recommend that they find a mentor work with to assist with questions and challenges that they may encounter in their early years in the classroom and also to gain experience in a variety of different settings to see where their preferences lie. Special Education is a large field with many different specializations available. Once you determine where your interests lie then you can seek further education to gain expertise in a particular area.
Krista James Ph.D.: We have always known that inclusion is best practice and many districts have begun moving in that direction so skills in Universal Design for Learning are necessary for teaching in inclusive settings.
Dr. Kimberly Coy: The first part is to get your Master's degree, and then understand the pay scale in the district you work in as well as the districts around you. The second part is to make sure to join the teachers union and understand the bargaining process.
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.
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.
Dr. Tracy Johnson: Be as marketable as possible. The more grades, subject areas, etc. that you are licensed to teach, the better off you are. At a time when teachers are in high demand, you can afford to apply to many different places and choose the one that is right for you, not only financially but also philosophically as well.
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.
Amy Kunkel Ph.D.: Special education teachers need to develop collaboration skills with multiple audiences. In addition to teaching, special education teachers work with parents, caregivers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and general education teachers to develop comprehensive, individualized education programs (IEPs). The implementation of the IEP is a coordinated effort orchestrated by the special education case manager. Thus, skills in collaboration (listening, problem solving, empathy, and willingness to accept constructive feedback) are of the utmost importance.
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.
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.
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.
Francesca Go Ph. D.: I think understanding good instruction and keeping up with the science of what works will be critical. Understanding how to help students' social-emotional development will also be critical and, again, understanding the research in this area on what works for teach and support students in the area of social and emotional growth.
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.
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.
Dr. Marija Čolić: A Special Education (SPED) Teacher’s job is incredibly important and rewarding. Every day, SPED teachers support students and their families in reaching their dreams. When SPED teachers meet the students, they first conduct assessments to understand their strengths and what support each child needs. Families are crucial in this process as they are the experts on their kids, and SPED teachers include them in developing the goals, ensuring that their insights shape the approach. SPED teachers are crucial to the IEP meetings, where they share information about the current skills they are working on and students' progress. SPED teachers’ responsibilities vary slightly depending on the grade level and setting, but they consistently teach core content tailored to each student's needs. Designing lesson plans that engage students’ senses and address academic, social, and emotional skills is a daily task. That being said, teachers are not just teaching academics; they are focusing on students' assets and using them to support the expansion of skills that are part of everyday life and prepare them for the activities or professions they prefer. Collaboration is a significant part of their role. SPED teachers work closely with other teachers, school staff, and community members, forming a team dedicated to the students’ success. A SPED teacher’s job doesn’t always end when they leave the school. SPED teachers continually think about how to teach a child who might not respond well to the strategies they’ve been using, adapting their approach as needed. This requires analysis, flexibility, and, most importantly, self-reflection. The role of a SPED teacher is dynamic and multifaceted, focusing on supporting students and their families to achieve their dreams.
Ross Bussell PhD: Teaching is one of the few careers out there that has resisted change over the past 100 years. Technology demands that teachers adapt or fall behind. I remember when the internet first came around, and how profound of an impact it had on the field. Then when social media came around, we saw the impacts on students' ability to focus, the damage it has done to their self-esteem, etc. Projecting forward into the near future, the ability to utilize AI effectively, and teaching students how to use it ethically and as a learning tool will be integral. Teachers need to also understand that critical thinking skills have been largely forgotten. A push back from a testing-focused school system will be necessary. Right now, we have young adults who came through the school system, tested often, but never learned how to critique information they find online for truthfulness and quality. From the earliest years in school, teachers need to begin developing these skills in their students, the 'how to think, not what to think' skill set is extremely important.