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Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Special education teachers at the elementary level teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They work in public and private schools, often in resource rooms or inclusive classrooms. Some specialize with students who are blind, deaf, or have intellectual disabilities.

$67,170median pay, U.S., per year
$59,770–$83,980middle half earn
583Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 89% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week includes planning individualized education programs (IEPs), delivering targeted instruction in reading or math, and managing classroom behavior. Teachers assess student progress through observations and data collection, communicate regularly with parents and general education teachers, and adapt materials for different learning needs. They may also coordinate with school counselors, speech therapists, or other specialists to support student development.

Who this work suits

Social
100Investigative
49Artistic
44Conventional
41Realistic
21Enterprising
13

Holland code SIA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to do well in this work if you enjoy problem-solving and understanding why students struggle—investigative traits help you identify learning gaps and develop solutions. Your social interest drives you to build trust with students, celebrate small wins, and advocate for their needs within the school system.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Active ListeningSpeakingInstructingReading ComprehensionLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessCritical ThinkingWriting

Knowledge areas

Education and TrainingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsMathematics (knowledge)Administration and Management

Who is hiring

98open roles like this on employer career sites
12employers hiring
74posted in the last 7 days
IL · MI · CAwhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Local training programsCertificationsLicenses in your stateApprenticeships

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Special Education TeacherSpecial Needs TeacherReading SpecialistSen TeacherSpecial Educator

Related occupations

Special Education Teachers, PreschoolSpecial Education Teachers, KindergartenSpecial Education Teachers, Middle SchoolSpecial Education Teachers, Secondary SchoolSpecial Education Teachers, All OtherAdapted Physical Education SpecialistsPreschool Teachers, Except Special EducationKindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, elementary school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 25-2056.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.