Who are Special Education Teachers and What Do They Do?
Special Education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. These dedicated educators adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.
Special Education teachers typically:
Assess students’ skills to determine their needs and develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Plan, organize, and assign activities that are specific to each student‘s abilities
Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators
Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation
Special Education teachers often employ specialized equipment, technology, and resources to meet the needs of their students. They play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities have the support and accommodations they need to succeed academically and socially.