Teachers are the backbone of our communities. They help aspiring learners get the education they need to enter the world with confidence, taking on a wide range of different roles in our society and helping ensure a brighter future. While all educators should be commended for their work, special education teachers, in particular, take on unique challenges each day that set them apart. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we provide an in-depth, online Master of Arts in Special Education program to help you get the training you need to take on this incredibly rewarding role.
What Is a Special Education Teacher?
Not all students learn the same way, which is why special education teachers and their unique skill sets are so valuable for schools and other educational institutions. These educators work with students who have disabilities, helping them grasp important concepts and overcome their learning barriers to achieve success in the classroom. Special education teachers may assist students who have a range of different disabilities, from learning and mental disabilities to physical and emotional disabilities, including:
- Dyslexia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Muscular dystrophy
- Traumatic brain injury
Teaching special education requires responsibilities that allow them to get the most out of their students and create a successful learning environment. They’ll be tasked with evaluating students’ skills and abilities, adapting their teaching style and lessons to meet each student’s individual needs, developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, creating fun and educational activities that meet students’ abilities, assessing their progress, updating IEPs to reflect their growth, and more. You’ll also be relied upon to communicate with parents, other educators, and counselors to keep everyone informed of their progress and train teacher assistants on how to work closely with these students.
What Skills Do You Need to Excel as a Special Education Teacher?
Becoming a teacher is an admirable career path that demands time and effort, but special education teachers arguably require even more. Some of the things you’ll need to master to take on this role are:
Patience
Working with students, in general, can take its toll on educators, but special education classrooms are full of students who need additional assistance. This means that special education teachers must showcase patience and understanding, helping students learn and grow at their own pace.
Flexibility
Because not all special education students are the same, you’ll need to be prepared to adapt to their needs and preferences. From those who struggle with visual learning to those who need physical assistance in the classroom, you’ll need to find ways to reach each student and help create a comfortable learning environment.
Communication
Not only are special education teachers relied upon to find ways to communicate with students with all kinds of disabilities, but they’ll need to make sure progress, updated goals, and concerns are properly reported. This means having conversations with parents to get a better understanding of their child’s needs and speaking with administration and other faculty members to find a plan that helps students excel in the classroom without any distractions.
Why This Job May Be for You
Getting your special education teaching degree opens up a world of exciting possibilities for those looking to get into education. Some perks you can expect are:
Job Security
While there isn’t a large amount of employment growth projected for the profession in the coming years, there are still expected to be around 36,000 available jobs per year, on average, until 2033. This means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find the position that’s right for you.
Generous Pay
Special education teachers can expect a competitive salary. Those throughout the state of MN averaged anywhere between $66,250 and $71,120 as of May 2023, depending on the teacher’s level of education and years of experience.
Satisfaction
Knowing that you’re helping students learn is always gratifying, but special education teachers go above and beyond. This well-respected career helps you touch so many lives and help students get an education that they may otherwise have struggled with.
Choose Our Program Today
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we provide an M.A. program dedicated to helping students become highly skilled special education teachers. We offer diligent instruction and a Lasallian-Catholic learning environment to help you learn and grow. A special education master’s degree helps you stand head and shoulders above the competition, allowing you to find employment and make your mark on the community. We even offer an online course to help you become a Director of Special Education through a graduate certificate.
If you qualify, we offer financial aid to make your education more affordable. Additionally, our team is ready and available to support grants, such as the Special Education Pipeline and Grow Your Own Grants, as well as partnership discounts upon notification. Our Career Services team can also help you get job-ready. To learn more, you can reach out to our admissions office to take the first step toward enrollment, or if you have any questions, request more information today.
