Post job

Special education coordinator vs special ed teacher

The differences between special education coordinators and special ed teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education coordinator has an average salary of $70,637, which is higher than the $49,456 average annual salary of a special ed teacher.

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

Special education coordinator vs special ed teacher overview

Special Education CoordinatorSpecial ED Teacher
Yearly salary$70,637$49,456
Hourly rate$33.96$23.78
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs65,50771,990
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4343
Years of experience--

What does a special education coordinator do?

A Special Education Coordinator supervises programs that provide educational assistance to children with disabilities. They advise school principals about special educational programs to make sure that the needs of students are accommodated.

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.

Special education coordinator vs special ed teacher salary

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

Special Education CoordinatorSpecial ED Teacher
Average salary$70,637$49,456
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $104,000Between $34,000 And $71,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaAlaska
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsWhitby School
Best paying industryGovernmentEducation

Differences between special education coordinator and special ed teacher education

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

Special Education CoordinatorSpecial ED Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 54%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorSpecial EducationSpecial Education
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Special education coordinator vs special ed teacher demographics

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

Special Education CoordinatorSpecial ED Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 22.6% Female, 77.4%Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between special education coordinator and special ed teacher duties and responsibilities

Special education coordinator example responsibilities.

  • Manage social media profiles through Facebook for important details and dates pertaining to HeartChase.
  • Integrate technology across all content areas, making mathematics come to life!
  • Assess students in reading, writing, and mathematics base on informal measures.
  • Coordinate the scheduling and facilitation of CSE meetings with district staff and relate service providers.
  • Leverage social media on Facebook to promote sponsor events to reach out to young adults.
  • Conduct CSE and CPSE meetings on a regular basis; coordinating services for students with internal and external agencies.
  • Show more

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 coordinator vs special ed teacher skills

Common special education coordinator skills
  • Professional Development, 13%
  • IEPs, 12%
  • Rehabilitation, 9%
  • K-12, 5%
  • Student Performance, 4%
  • Mediation, 4%
Common special ed teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 20%
  • Instructional Materials, 11%
  • Behavior Management, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Math, 7%
  • Professional Development, 5%

Browse education, training, and library jobs