Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
What is a Special Education Teacher, Secondary School?
Special Education Teachers in secondary schools are educators who play a crucial role in supporting students with disabilities and special needs as they transition through their adolescent years. Their primary responsibility is to create and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to meet the unique academic and emotional challenges faced by each student. They work in collaboration with general education teachers, parents, school counselors, and other professionals to develop a conducive learning environment that promotes inclusion and accessibility.
These teachers utilize a variety of teaching methods, adaptive technologies, and specialized resources to enhance the learning experience of their students. Their curriculum often includes both academic subjects and life skills training, aimed at helping students gain the independence needed for post-secondary education, vocational training, or entering the workforce. Additionally, Special Education Teachers monitor student progress through assessments and evaluations, adjusting instruction as needed to ensure that all students can achieve their fullest potential.
In addition to academic instruction, Special Education Teachers also focus on social skills development, behavior management, and emotional support, aiming to cultivate a positive self-image and resilience in their students. They advocate for their students' needs within the school system, helping to foster understanding and acceptance among peers, and ensuring that students have access to the resources necessary for their growth and success. The role of a Special Education Teacher is not only educational but also deeply relational, as they build strong, trusting connections with their students to support their overall well-being.
Tasks
- Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
Technology Skills
- Presentation software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Electronic mail 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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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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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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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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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.
Skills
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Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
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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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Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Abilities
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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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 Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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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
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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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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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
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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.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
- Evaluate student work.
- Monitor student performance.
- Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
- Teach life skills.
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$47950.0 - $107230.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.