Special Education Teachers, Middle School
What is a Special Education Teacher, Middle School?
Special Education Teachers for Middle School are educators who specialize in instructing students with a range of learning, emotional, and physical disabilities. These teachers play a crucial role in creating an inclusive learning environment that caters to the individual needs of their students. They assess students' learning abilities, adapt curricula to fit their students' unique requirements, and use various teaching methods to facilitate learning. Special Education Teachers collaborate with general education teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that outline personalized educational goals and accommodations for students. They also monitor the progress of their students, providing support and interventions as needed, while fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere that encourages student engagement and growth. This role requires not only a deep understanding of special education practices but also strong communication and interpersonal skills, as these teachers often serve as advocates for their students and work to promote awareness and acceptance within the school community.
Tasks
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and instructional technology.
- Develop or write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.
Technology Skills
- Presentation software
- Computer based training software
- Video creation and editing software
- Device drivers or system software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Computer mouse
- Adaptive communication switches for the physically challenged
- Braille devices for the physically challenged
- Touch screen monitors
- Game pads or joy sticks
Knowledge
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
- Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
- Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
- Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
- Develop educational programs.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48140.0 - $105320.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.