Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Special education teachers at the secondary level teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. They work in public and private schools, often specializing with students who are blind, deaf, or have intellectual disabilities. Their role combines traditional instruction with individualized support tailored to each student's needs.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against special education teachers, secondary school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning lessons adapted to students' individualized education plans, delivering instruction in core subjects or functional life skills, and monitoring student progress through observations and assessments. Teachers attend meetings with parents, administrators, and specialists to coordinate services. Class sizes are typically smaller than general education. Work includes grading assignments, documenting accommodations, and collaborating with speech therapists, counselors, and other support staff.
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 do well in this work if you enjoy investigating how students learn differently and solving problems to help them succeed. You're drawn to understanding people's needs and motivations, and you find purpose in direct social impact—building relationships with students and making tangible differences in their education and independence.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $80,620 | $101,120 | $112,750 | 2,510 |
| California | $79,740 | $101,060 | $123,840 | 12,100 |
| District of Columbia | $82,460 | $99,670 | $127,940 | 440 |
| Maryland | $72,120 | $93,530 | $104,030 | 1,560 |
| Rhode Island | $68,930 | $92,990 | $96,930 | 830 |
| New York | $75,470 | $89,310 | $130,550 | 15,250 |
| Massachusetts | $72,670 | $83,890 | $101,520 | 5,470 |
| New Jersey | $76,190 | $83,770 | $101,700 | 7,520 |
| Connecticut | $64,670 | $81,710 | $101,760 | 1,920 |
| Alaska | $68,850 | $80,580 | $95,680 | 590 |
| Illinois | $62,780 | $79,890 | $104,990 | 9,490 |
| Vermont | $62,190 | $79,360 | $83,650 | 660 |
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
- Technician Certification in Neurofeedback — Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
- Technician Certification in Biofeedback — Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
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, secondary school and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 25-2058.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.