Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special education teachers at the middle school level teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They work in public and private schools, teaching students who are blind or have visual impairments, deaf or have hearing impairments, or have intellectual disabilities. Work occurs in classrooms, resource rooms, and specialized school settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, middle school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's needs, delivering lessons in core academics adapted to different ability levels, and monitoring student progress through observation and assessment. Teachers collaborate with general education staff, parents, and specialists like speech pathologists. Days include managing classroom behavior, providing one-on-one instruction, documenting student achievements, and adjusting teaching strategies based on student response.
Who this work suits
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 work well in this role if you enjoy solving problems systematically and understanding why students struggle academically or socially—the investigative side. You also thrive on direct human connection and want to make a meaningful difference in students' lives, which draws on social interests. Patience, adaptability, and strong communication with students, families, and colleagues are essential.
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
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Eagle Butte, South Dakota · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Kaibito, Arizona · $36.23–$72.13
- Teacher (Special Education) (Special Education Teacher) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Aliceville, Alabama · $57765–$83131
- Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$72.13
- Transitional Teacher (Special Education) · Bureau of Indian Education · Aneth, Utah · $36.23–$64.52
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.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $80,550 | $101,530 | $120,550 | 4,860 |
| Washington | $80,570 | $99,520 | $111,320 | 1,550 |
| Rhode Island | $76,710 | $93,970 | $95,500 | 380 |
| New York | $67,930 | $93,820 | $115,810 | 7,870 |
| Connecticut | $72,450 | $92,900 | $100,610 | 1,260 |
| Massachusetts | $74,470 | $84,550 | $99,780 | 3,110 |
| Alaska | $78,730 | $81,000 | $96,830 | 200 |
| District of Columbia | $76,190 | $79,170 | $101,130 | 520 |
| New Jersey | $67,690 | $79,110 | $96,930 | 5,660 |
| Utah | $59,900 | $78,920 | $93,180 | 690 |
| Oregon | $58,730 | $78,360 | $92,170 | 590 |
| Delaware | $60,150 | $77,420 | $87,760 | — |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- DoDEA Certification — Department of Defense Education Activity
- National Interpreter Certification (NIC) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) — Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
- National Board Certification - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood - Exceptional Needs Specialist — National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, middle school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-2057.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.