special education teacher 2 salary

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Check Out Our 32 Fave Amazon Picks! 📦

15 Top-Paying States for Special Education Teachers

Plus tips for maximizing your salary.

In the education job market, special education teachers are always in high demand. In 2019, 44 states reported special education teacher shortages, and by 2022, that jumped to 48 (source: NPR ). Federal law ( IDEA ) states that students with disabilities must be taught by fully licensed teachers. This means that states may try to get creative with staffing special education classrooms. In the past, states have tried to attract and retain special education teachers with alternative licensure programs and other pathways to licensure. But recently, they’ve been turning to cold hard cash in the form of special education teacher signing bonuses and salary increases.

Show Me the Money: States Giving Cash for Special Ed

In 2020, Hawaii started paying special education teachers $10,000 more per year. (Source: NPR ).

Even places that don’t report as much challenge filling special education classrooms are putting their money where their mouth is. Metro Atlanta, Georgia, is offering $5,000 sign-on incentives to special education teachers (Source: The74million.org ).

It’s not clear if salary bumps work—Oklahoma provides a 5% salary bump for special education teachers, but that hasn’t necessarily decreased shortages. According to Education Week , some districts have increased special education teacher salary incentives to as high as 10% or offered signing bonuses of $2,000 to $3,000.

I don’t know about you, but my paycheck matters.

Aside from the cash bonuses, in 2023, special education teachers are paid an average of $54,290 across all states, according to an April 2023 Zippia study . This is an average of $26.10 per hour based on working 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year (but who’s calculating).

Top 15 States for Special Education Teacher Salary

1. maryland.

Median salary: $76,282

Hourly rate: $36.72

Salary range: $53,000–$108,000

Median salary: $77,146

Hourly rate: $37.09

Salary range: $64,000–$91,000

3. Washington

Median salary: $63,434

Hourly rate: $30.50

Salary range: $45,000–$87,000

4. New York

Median salary: $64,250

Hourly rate: $30.89

Salary range: $45,000–$90,000

5. California

Median salary: $63,874

Hourly rate: $30.71

Salary range: $45,000–$89,000

6. Connecticut

Median salary: $60,164

Hourly rate: $28.93

Salary range: $42,000–$84,000

Median salary: $59,266

Hourly rate: $28.49

Salary range: $42,000–$81,000

8.  New Jersey

Median salary: $60,228

Hourly rate: $28.96

Salary range: $42,000–$85,900

9.  Massachusetts

Median salary: $58,591

Hourly rate: $28.17

Salary range: $42,000–$80,000

10.  Virginia

Median salary: $56,559

Hourly rate: $27.19

Salary range: $40,000–$79,000

11.  Rhode Island

Median salary: $55,984

Hourly rate: $25.92

Salary range: $40,000–$78,000

12.  Delaware

Median salary: $55,147

Hourly rate: $26.51

Salary range: $38,000–$78,000

13.  Wyoming

Median salary: $55,244

Hourly rate: $26.56

Salary range: $41,000–$74,000

14.  Pennsylvania

Median salary: $54,620

Hourly rate: $25.78

Salary range: $37,000–$75,000

15.  Illinois

Median salary: $51,414

Hourly rate: $24.72

Salary range: $37,000–$70,000

Don’t see your state on the list? Find it in the Zippia report .

How to maximize your special education teacher salary.

Once in special education, you can direct your expertise to maximize pay for the job.

Work in a specialized teaching location.

Teaching as a homebound teacher and in other specialized teaching locations may boost your pay. Homebound teachers provide services for students who are required to learn from home.

Earn credits for speech-language pathology.

If you’d like to earn more money and are up for some additional education, earn credentials to become a speech-language pathologist .

Work for a staffing company instead of a school district.

Education staffing companies like Kaleidoscope Education Solutions or the Birch Agency provide special education teachers through contracted services, which may pay higher than going directly through a district.

Would you sign up to teach special education for a boost in pay? Share on our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group  on Facebook.

For more articles like this,  be sure to subscribe to our newsletters..

You Might Also Like

Free Printable Elkonin Boxes, Plus Creative Ways to Use Them

Break words down into sounds to help emergent readers. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Average Special Education Teacher Salary

The average salary for a Special Education Teacher is $48,268 in 2024

Featured Content

How do special education teachers rate their jobs, common health benefits for a special education teacher, gender breakdown for special education teachers.

FAQs About Special Education Teachers

What is the highest pay for special education teachers.

Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Special Education Teacher is $70k / year

What is the lowest pay for Special Education Teachers?

Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Special Education Teacher is $35k / year

How can Special Education Teachers increase their salary?

Increasing your pay as a Special Education Teacher is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Special Education Teacher that oversees more junior Special Education Teachers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.

Special education teacher salary

The average salary for a special education teacher in the United States is around $54,000 per year.

Special education teachers earn an average yearly salary of $ 54,000 . Wages typically start from $ 24,000 and go up to $ 85,000 .

18 % below national average ● Updated in 2023

Special education teacher earnings by seniority

Top-level special education teacher earnings begin at :.

$ 40.87 per hour

$ 85,000 per year

Senior-level special education teacher earnings begin at :

$ 33.17 per hour

$ 69,000 per year

Mid-level special education teacher earnings begin at :

$ 25.96 per hour

$ 54,000 per year

Junior-level special education teacher earnings begin at :

$ 19.23 per hour

$ 40,000 per year

Starting level special education teacher earnings begin at :

$ 11.54 per hour

$ 24,000 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Special education teacher salary by state

How do special education teacher salaries compare to similar careers?

Special education teachers earn 6% less than similar careers in the United States. On average, they make less than distance learning coordinators but more than elementary school teachers.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)

Special Education Teacher salary

Average special education teacher salary, how much does a special education teacher make.

The average special education teacher salary in the United States is $54,290. Special education teacher salaries typically range between $39,000 and $73,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for special education teachers is $26.1 per hour.

Special education teacher salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Special education teachers earn the highest average salary in Maryland.

Where can a Special Education Teacher earn more?

Special education teacher salary estimates from across the web, average special education teacher salary by state.

The highest-paying states for special education teachers are Maryland, Alaska, and Washington. The lowest average special education teacher salary states are Arizona, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

• County View

Highest paying states for special education teachers

Highest paying cities for special education teachers

The highest-paying cities for special education teachers are Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, and Richmond, CA.

Special Education Teachers are the most in-demand in these five cities:

• Baltimore, MD
• Washington, DC
• Richmond, CA
• New York, NY
• Ashburn, VA

Special Education Teacher salary details

A special education teacher's salary ranges from $39,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $73,000 at the 90th percentile.

What is a special education teacher's salary?

Highest paying special education teacher jobs

The highest paying types of special education teachers are science teacher, student teacher, and special educator.

How would you rate the starting salaries for Special Education Teachers, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?

Patricia Rogan Ph.D.

Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education , Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

Top companies hiring special education teachers now:

• Chicago Public Schools Jobs (214)
• District of Columbia Public Schools Jobs (99)
• Los Angeles Unified School District Jobs (128)
• Houston ISD Foundation Jobs (145)
• The School District of Philadelphia Jobs (145)

Which companies pay special education teachers the most?

Special education teacher salaries at Baltimore City Public Schools and Boston Public Schools are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average special education teacher salary at companies like Maxim Healthcare Group and Prince George's County Memorial Library System are highly competitive.

Wage gap by gender, race and education

Special education teacher salary trends.

The average special education teacher salary has risen by $6,048 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average special education teacher earned $48,242 annually, but today, they earn $54,290 a year. That works out to a 6% change in pay for special education teachers over the last decade.

Compare special education teacher salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.

Average special education teacher salary over time

Compare special education teacher salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.

Special Education Teacher salary by year

Recently added special education teacher salaries

Special Education Teacher salary FAQs

What state pays special education teachers the most, how do i know if i'm being paid fairly as a special education teacher, what is a good starting salary for a special education teacher, how much do first-year special education teachers make, where do special ed teachers get paid the most.

Search for special education teacher jobs

Special Education Teacher Related Salaries

• 2nd Grade Teacher Salary
• Elementary School Teacher Salary
• Guest Teacher Salary
• Head Teacher Salary
• Kindergarten Teacher Salary
• Learning Support Teacher Salary
• Long Term Substitute Teacher Salary
• Math And Science Teacher Salary
• Math Teacher Salary
• Mentor Teacher Salary
• Middle School Teacher Salary
• Resource Teacher Salary
• Science Teacher Salary
• Special Education Aide Salary
• Special Education Teacher For Grades Salary

Special Education Teacher Related Careers

• 2nd Grade Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher
• Guest Teacher
• Head Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Learning Support Teacher
• Long Term Substitute Teacher
• Math And Science Teacher
• Math Teacher
• Mentor Teacher
• Middle School Teacher
• Resource Teacher
• Science Teacher
• Special Education Aide
• Special Education Teacher For Grades

Special Education Teacher Related Jobs

• Special Educator
• Student Teacher
• Summer School Teacher
• Teacher Associate

What Similar Roles Do

• What Does a 2nd Grade Teacher Do
• What Does an Elementary School Teacher Do
• What Does a Guest Teacher Do
• What Does a Head Teacher Do
• What Does a Kindergarten Teacher Do
• What Does a Learning Support Teacher Do
• What Does a Long Term Substitute Teacher Do
• What Does a Math And Science Teacher Do
• What Does a Math Teacher Do
• What Does a Mentor Teacher Do
• What Does a Middle School Teacher Do
• What Does a Resource Teacher Do
• What Does a Science Teacher Do
• What Does a Special Education Aide Do
• What Does a Special Education Teacher For Grades Do
• Zippia Careers
• Education, Training, and Library Industry
• Special Education Teacher
• Special Education Teacher Salary

Browse education, training, and library jobs

How to Become a Special Education Teacher

Jump to section, what are the requirements for special education teachers, who will my students be, what does a special education teacher do, special education teacher jobs & job description, where can certified special education teachers teach, special education teacher organizations & associations, what is the salary of a special education teacher.

Great teachers empathize with children, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built on. Ann Lieberman

A career as a special education teacher will involve instructing students with emotional, physical and learning disabilities. Special education teachers may work with individuals of all ages from infants to adults. Their job will consist of helping their students develop problem solving, motor and social skills needed to complete their education and live independent lives. They may work with their students on personal and life skills in addition to academic curriculum and advancement.

Qualities of a Special Education Teacher

Special education teacher requirements include fantastic communication skills since they will be working with students, parents, and educators. They must be able to work in a one-on-one setting with students as well as in a group setting. Being able to meet the individual needs of their students is very important. Good computer skills and organization skills are important due to needing to keep detailed records of each student's progress. Being familiar with assistive technology devices in a classroom is a plus. An encouraging personality as well as the ability to be creative and flexible are all great qualities for a special education teacher.

Job Growth for Special Education Teachers

The employment growth for special education teachers is 3% at the national level for the 10-year period ending in 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will vary according to which state you live in, however, and be driven by increased demand for special education services, and the need to replace teachers leaving their occupations.

All certified special education teachers in the United States must have at least a bachelor's degree and hold a state-issued license or certificate specific to teaching special education students. However, each state has their own specific licensing requirements.

Education Requirements for Special Education Teachers

Many universities and colleges offer special education degrees at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Special education teacher degree classes will include gaining knowledge of disabilities like autism, downs syndrome, visual impairment and more. Students will also learn practical procedures for teaching science, math and reading skills to students who have special needs.

Specialized classes could examine topics like technology for differentiated instruction, low incidence disabilities and more. Special education teacher training will also include curriculum development courses and supervised classroom student teaching. Most special education teachers earn a degree in Special Education or Education .

Special Education Teacher Preparation Program

If your school does not offer a degree in special education, you can enroll in a special education teacher preparation program after receiving your degree. This type of program will lead you toward becoming a certified special education teacher. Licensure/certification can be attained through the completion of a teacher education program that is accredited by CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Due to the high level of specialization among special education teachers, many states may require additional training before you can get a professional license.

Tests to Pass if you Want to Become a Special Education Teacher

Prospective special education teachers are also required to take and pass all special education content area assessments in order to obtain certification at the special education level. These standardized tests vary from state to state. Licensing and competency exams should be taken in the state where you wish to teach.

Find Information About Becoming a Teacher In Your State

Each state has different requirements for becoming a certified teacher. To find out specific requirements, click on your state.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington, DC
• West Virginia

Special Education Teacher by Degree Level

The tables and charts below break down the education level obtained as averaged across the U.S.

Data taken from BLS Educational attainment for workers 25 years and older by detailed occupation, 2010-11 (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_111.htm)

Special education teachers will have students with learning, physical and emotional disabilities. Many special education students may have delayed motor and social skills and will need to be worked with in these areas on a daily basis. Special education students can range from pre-k to 12th grade, depending on your area of specialty.

Special education teachers will work with students who have a wide range of disabilities ranging from learning, physical, mental and emotional. They are responsible for adapting general education lessons to meet the needs of their students. Subjects taught include reading, writing and math as well as basic skills like literacy and communication techniques. Their students may have disabilities ranging from mild to moderate to severe.

Job Duty Requirements for Special Education Teachers

Special education teachers must be able to meet their students' needs to ensure that each individual student receives proper attention and the assistance needed to succeed in school and life. This may include providing one-on-one assistance in the setting of a general classroom, adapting materials, providing appropriate testing opportunities and more.

Special education teachers provide the families of their students the tools they need to grow as independent individuals in their communities. These teachers work with parents, other teachers and paraprofessionals to create individual education plans (IEP) for their students in order to help meet the individual needs of each child.

A complex and demanding career path, the role of the special education teacher is difficult to encapsulate briefly, given that every teacher's caseload of students looks very different from the next. While there are similarities between elementary to secondary, there are differences as well.

Becoming an Elementary Special Education Teacher

Often considered a generalist (though perhaps with special interest or training in one or two areas of need) elementary special education teachers work hard to ensure that students with special needs are able to achieve all their abilities dictate that they can. Elementary special education teachers:

• Work with students who have Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), autism, Asperger's syndrome, those who are blind, low-vision, deaf or hard-of-hearing, who have Central Auditory Processing Delays (CAP-D), physical disabilities, cognitive impairments or developmental delays.
• Spearhead the development of an Individual Education Plan each year as a working document for teachers, support staff, administrators, guardians/parents, and other professionals to contribute to in order to ensure best outcomes for students
• Outline accommodation and/or modification and/or alternate programming to classroom tasks
• Meet with parents/guardians and internal and external stakeholders for an annual review of IEP particulars and program goals, known as Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings
• Mentor and advise professional support staff such as speech pathology, audiology, interpreting, psychological assessment, occupational therapy, social work and medical services
• Ensure that accommodations or modifications during instructional time are also in place during assessments
• Create a transition plan from year to year, and from elementary to high school with post-secondary planning being a relevant goal and timeline
• Set academic and developmental goals for students to strive for - ensure that metrics are in place so that every success is measurable
• Communicate proactively and professionally about student assessment and behavior with teaching and non-teaching staff, individual students, their families and associated professionals, bearing in mind the impact of confidentiality regarding vulnerable persons
• Support the school's culture and practices for inclusion through extracurricular and co-curricular activities and staff leadership

Becoming a High School Special Education Teacher

Often considered a specialist (though perhaps a generalist due to diversity of need or size of school population) high school special education teachers work hard to ensure that students with special needs are able to achieve all their abilities dictate that they can, and then some. High school special education teachers:

• Assess student learning needs in the classroom on a holistic basis, taking into account the students current and past achievements, current cultural and familial framework, and future goals
• Spearhead the continuation of an accurate and effective Individual Education Plan each year as an editable working document for teachers, support staff, administrators, guardians/parents, and other professionals to contribute to in order to ensure best outcomes for student growth
• Act as a daily point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including the student themselves as their individual need dictates
• Act as a friendly face and advocate, helping students learn the valuable skill of self-advocacy as they approach the end of high school
• Function as a resource for school to work transitioning
• Advocate for and promote students for extensive co-operative education placements both in and outside of the school
• Outline accommodation and/or modification and/or alternate programming to classroom tasks; keep rigorous metrics
• Proactively meet with parents/guardians and internal and external stakeholders for an annual review of IEP particulars and program goals, known as Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) meetings
• Suggest beneficial reductions in support for the student to foster self-reliance, reduction in vulnerability, and independence
• Understand theories of adolescent development and how special needs may alter these developmental arcs
• Advocate on behalf of the student's needs to classroom teachers and administration, either individually and on an ad-hoc basis or in a more formal setting
• In-service teaching staff, support staff and administration on student behavior and general best practices for interaction and engagement
• Create a transition plan from year to year, and from high school to post-secondary education or job training. Ensure timelines are accurate; work backward from end-goal.
• Set academic and developmental goals for students to strive for - ensure that metrics are in place so that every small success is measurable

Certified special education teachers have many employment avenues open to them, including consultation, policy development, advocacy and administration.

Special education teachers can work in elementary schools, charter schools and private schools.

Public Schools

Public schools are required to admit any student who lives within the district, regardless of ability, ethnicity or socioeconomic backgrounds. In public schools, special education teachers tend to work with a diverse group of children with varying needs. Prospective public special education teachers are often required to apply directly to the district prior to seeking employment at a specific school.

Private Schools

Since private schools charge tuition for a child to attend, special education services are generally not free. Many smaller private schools do not even offer special education services. With that said, families of students with special needs may be required to hire a private one-on-one aide to assist the child. These schools are generally governed by a private school board or organization and may have religious affiliations.

If a prospective special education teacher is interested in teaching at a private school, they should check with the school in which they wish to teach to find out specific criteria. Many private schools do not have the same requirements for special education teachers as their public school counterparts. In some cases, relevant experience or a bachelor's degree will suffice.

Charter Schools

Charter schools are independent schools that do not require tuition. They have more flexibility than public schools, but are expected to perform better and have a greater accountability. Charter schools are typically smaller and more selective. They may have additional requirements for their education teachers. However, some charter schools may not have dedicated special education services. To inquire, contact the charter school of your interest.

NASET - National Association of Special Education Teachers: NASET is a national membership organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education.

CEC - Council for Exception Children: The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

IASE - International Association of Special Education: The IASE works to improve the quality of life and service delivery for all individuals with special needs.

NAPSEC - National Association of Private Special Education Centers: NAPSEC is a nonprofit association that supports access to appropriate special education programs with more than 200 programs nationally and over 400 at the state level through the Council of Affiliated State Associations.

The median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,030 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with entry-level teachers earning less than $40,730, and the highest 10% of experienced teachers earning more than $98,530 per year.

In addition to the salary, educators get great health and retirement benefits. Given the degree of specialty training that a special education teacher receives, he or she has an average salary that is somewhat higher than their mainstream counterparts, although private school teachers do earn less than public school teachers. Like other teaching roles, salaries are based mostly on experience and education.

Visit our Teacher Salary-What to Expect? page to find out more.

(Salary data for special education teachers reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2019. Figures represent state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Information accessed March 2021.)

Special Education Teachers (Preschool)

Salary (2022) and job outlook (2012 to 2020) by state.

According to the published BLS data from 2022, the national average salary for Special Education Teachers (Preschool) is $69,620, with an estimated 22,970 being employed nationwide. Also, the job outlook growth projection from 2012 to 2020 is expected to increase by 16.2%.

Data taken from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oes/) for Special Education Teachers (Preschool) (SOC Code: 25-2051)

Salary (2022) By Largest Metropolitan Areas

Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School)

According to the published BLS data from 2022, the national average salary for Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School) is $68,580, with an estimated 195,010 being employed nationwide. Also, the job outlook growth projection from 2012 to 2020 is expected to increase by 6.2%.

Data taken from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oes/) for Special Education Teachers (Kindergarten and Elementary School) (SOC Code: 25-2052)

Special Education Teacher Salary and Career Outlook

Are you ready to discover your college program?

A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with learning, mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities.

Source: BLS

What Is a Special Education Teacher?

A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with learning, mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities. Most special education teachers work in public schools, though some work in private schools. Public school special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a state-issued license, while private school teachers typically just need a bachelor’s degree. This guide covers special education teaching careers, including degree options, licensure requirements, and career advancement opportunities.

What Does a Special Education Teacher Do?

Special education teachers adapt and develop new general education lessons for students with disabilities. Teachers in this specialty also help students with disabilities to incorporate skills into their daily activities. Special education teachers primarily teach students from preschool through high school, though some work with adults in college or vocational programs. Special education teachers regularly collaborate with other specialists, educators, administrators, and parents.

Common duties for special education teachers include:

• Assessing a students’ skills and needs
• Adapting lessons to students’ learning needs
• Implementing and monitoring the progress of individualized education plans
• Updating parents and support staff on students’ progress
• Preparing students to transition into life after graduation

Special education teachers may specialize in working with students with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities. They may also focus on a particular physical, sensory, or emotional disability. For instance, some special education teachers work exclusively with autistic children. Most special education teachers work in elementary schools, followed by secondary schools. Some of these professionals teach in exclusively special education environments, while others work in general classrooms.

Characteristics of a Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers provide students with basic skills training and mentorship. Successful special education teachers possess the following characteristics:

• Resourcefulness
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking abilities
• Interpersonal skills

Special education teachers must also understand new and emerging technology, such as assistive learning support technology.

Become a Special Education Teacher

All special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree. Public school special education teachers also need a state-issued license. Private schools do not typically require teachers to hold licensure. Some states require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in special education, while others allow candidates with a degree in education and a minor in special education to apply for licensure.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for special education teachers. Prospective students should look for programs with accreditation through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which ensures that program content and training meet teaching and licensure standards.

Most bachelor’s degrees in special education comprise about 120 credits and include a teacher-training field component, similar to a practicum or internship. Students can typically complete a bachelor’s degree in four years of full-time study, though some programs, particularly online options, offer accelerated timelines.

Students take courses on topics like pedagogy, teacher education diversity, and foundations of teaching in special education. Many programs offer dual degrees leading to licensure in both special education and a teaching class, such as elementary education.

Master’s Degree Programs

A master’s degree prepares special education teachers for leadership roles. Additionally, some states require candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an initial teaching license to complete a master’s in special education to become fully certified. Students should look for master’s programs with CAEP accreditation to ensure they meet certification requirements.

Some schools offer majors in subspecialties of special education, such as autism, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, or early childhood special education. Most master’s degrees comprise around 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete, though accelerated options exist.

Learners pursuing a master’s in special education study topics like assessment and planning, instruction, and adaptive teaching and learning for special education, usually culminating in a capstone course. Many programs require students to complete a student-teaching experience in their specialty.

Doctoral Degree Programs

A doctoral degree prepares special education teachers for top positions in the field as well as research and postsecondary teaching positions. Students may pursue a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in special education or in a subspecialty such as autism spectrum disorders or assistive technologies. Both types of degrees include interdisciplinary coursework rooted in special education theory and research, but Ph.D. programs typically focus on research, while Ed.D. programs focus more on practice.

Doctoral students can typically tailor the degree to their interests through independent study projects and dissertations. Most Ph.D. and Ed.D. candidates complete their degree in 3-6 years, with Ph.D. programs often taking longer to complete than Ed.D. programs. Graduates qualify for leadership roles, like superintendent and principal, as well as research and postsecondary teaching opportunities.

Professional Licensure and Certifications

All public school teachers need a state-issued license to practice. Requirements for a standard teaching license vary by state but typically include the completion of a bachelor’s degree and teacher-training program and passing scores on general and subject tests. Candidates must also pass a background check.

Candidates can often take the Praxis I test to meet general test requirements for licensure. Students must also take a subject test in the subject they plan to teach, this test is commonly offered at the end of a state-approved teacher-training program. Some states require additional education, experience, and/or credentialing exams for special education teacher certification. Students should check their state board for individual licensing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a special education teacher.

Special education teachers in private and public schools need at least a bachelor’s degree. Public school educators also need a state-issued license.

What colleges offer special education degrees?

Many colleges and universities offer special education programs at all levels of study, though a bachelor’s degree is the entry-level education requirement for special education teachers.

Is special education a major?

Many schools offer special education as a standalone major, often with a focus on a particular school level, such as elementary education.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in special education?

Most bachelor’s degrees take four years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer accelerated timelines.

Do special education teachers get paid more than other teachers?

Special education teachers earn slightly more than non-special-education teachers in a comparable age group. For example, kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn $57,980, on average, compared to the average kindergarten and elementary special educator’s salary of $59,390 per year.

Can you get a special education degree online?

Yes, many schools offer online special education degrees. The flexibility of an online degree particularly appeals to students with work and family obligations.

Best Online Colleges of 2024

Online college has made accessible education a reality for many. Discover what online colleges do best and what programs you can choose from.

Best Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees

Best Online Colleges to Start Anytime

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.

• Chapter Leader Hub Overview
• Chapter Leader Update Archives
• Involving your members in legislation and political action
• Using the Chapter Leader Update to expand your chapter newsletter
• Due process and summons
• How to Read a Seniority List
• Our Contract in Action
• Request a school visit
• SBO Guidance
• Training Materials 2022
• Consultation
• Consultation committees
• Inviting guest speakers to chapter meetings
• Roles, rights and responsibilities
• APPR complaint
• Key arbitration awards
• Other types of grievances
• School reorganization grievances
• The grievance procedure
• News for chapter leaders
• Paperwork & operational issues
• Professional conciliation
• Safety and health
• Article 8C of the teachers' contract
• Chapter Leader Hub
• Chapter News
• Chapter Calendar
• Dues Information
• Health Benefits
• Newsletters
• Retirement Plans
• About the Chapter
• About The Chapter
• Chapter Updates
• Representatives
• You Should Know
• Chapter Representatives
• Hospital Schools
• Acid neutralization tanks
• Chemical Removal
• Dissection practices
• Duties of the Lab Specialist
• Evaluating lab procedures
• Evaluations
• Fire extinguishers
• Flammable and combustible liquids
• Hours of the lab specialist
• How toxic is toxic?
• Lab safety rules for students
• Mercury removal
• Minimizing hazards
• Purchasing Q&A
• Safety shower Q&A
• Spill control kits
• Using Classrooms
• Hourly Rate
• Leap to Teacher
• Certification
• Re-Start Program
• Sign up for UFT emails
• School counselor hours
• Contract History
• DOE Payroll Portal H-Bank access
• Protocol For Influenza-like Illness
• Joint Intentions and Commitments
• Article One — Recognition
• Article Two — Fair Practices
• Article Three — Salaries
• Article Four — Pensions
• Article Five — Health and Welfare Fund Benefits
• Article Six — Damage or destruction of property
• Article Seven — Hours
• Article Eight — Seniority
• Article Nine — Paid Leaves
• Article Ten — Unpaid Leaves
• Article Eleven — Safety
• Article Twelve — Excessing, Layoff, Recall and Transfers
• Article Thirteen — Education Reform
• Article Fourteen — Due Process and Review Procedures
• Article Fifteen — Complaint and Grievance Procedures
• Article Sixteen — Discharge Review Procedure
• Article Seventeen — Rules and Regulations
• Article Eighteen — Matters Not Covered
• Article Nineteen — Check-Off
• Article Twenty — Agency Fee Deduction
• Article Twenty One — Conformity to Law - Saving Clause
• Article Twenty Two — No Strike Pledge
• Article Twenty Three — Notice – Legislation Action
• Article Twenty Four — Joint Committee
• Article Twenty Five — Charter Schools
• Article Twenty Six — Duration
• Appendix A — New Continuum Dispute Resolution Memorandum
• Appendix B — Pension Legislation
• Appendix C — False Accusations
• Licensing and per session
• Newsletters & Meeting Notes
• Speech Chapter Lending Library
• Better Speech and Hearing Month
• You Should Know/Key Links
• Speech Memorandums of Agreement
• Our contract
• Salary schedule
• Frequently Asked Questions
• About the ADAPT Network Chapter
• Just for Fun
• UFT Course Catalog
• Birch Family Services Chapter Representatives
• Course Catalog
• About the Block Institute
• Just For Fun
• Why Unionize?
• Join the UFT now!
• Our History
• Informal (legally-exempt) Provider Rights
• Executive Board
• Provider Grant program offerings
• Share with a friend
• Preguntas Frecuentes
• Provider Wellness text messaging
• Retirement Plan
• Bureau of Child Care Borough Offices
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Fire Safety
• Know Your Regs: 10 Common DOH Violations
• Prevent Child Abuse
• Safety Tips
• Information for Parents
• DOH protocol
• Helpful tips to avoid payment problems
• How To Obtain A License
• How to renew a license
• Know Your Regs
• Tax Credit Help for Providers
• Tax Guide For Providers
• What to do if you have a payment problem
• About the chapter
• Prescription Drugs
• Chapter news
• Federation of Nurses/UFT Contracts
• Charter Schools
• A Brief History of the Chapter
• Resources for School Security Supervisors
• What is Workers’ Compensation?
• What to Do If You Are Hurt on the Job
• Workers’ Comp Forms for School Security Supervisors
• Join the RTC
• Fifteen benefits of the RTC
• RTC Meeting Minutes
• RTC Newsletters
• RTC Election 2024
• Retired Paraprofessionals Support
• Contacts for UFT retirees
• Outreach sections
• UFT Florida
• Pension benefits
• Retiree health benefits
• Day at the University
• Reflections in Poetry and Prose
• Si Beagle Course Corrections
• Si Beagle Learning Center locations
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Community Partners
• Events calendar
• At Your School
• In the School System
• Great Outings for Parents and Children
• Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Parent Calendar
• Sign up for Emails and Texts
• Advocacy and disability organizations
• Special Education Resources
• Dial-A-Teacher
• Be BRAVE Against Bullying
• Sign up for text alerts
• Carbon Free and Healthy Schools
• Dromm Scholarship in Memory of Patricia Filomena
• Gun violence resources for educators
• Research on school shootings
• Budget cuts by City Council district
• Enrollment-based budget cuts
• Fix Tier Six
• Small class size FAQ
• Support 3-K and pre-K
• UFT Disaster Relief Fund
• New Member Checklist
• Political Endorsements
• UFT 2024 city legislative priorities
• UFT 2024 state legislative priorities
• UFT Lobby Day
• Contact your representatives
• Art Teachers
• English Language Arts
• Foreign Language Teachers
• Humane Education Committee Board
• Humane Education Committee Newsletters
• A Trip to the Zoo
• Elephants in the Wild and in Captivity
• Humans and the Environment
• Monkeys and Apes
• Pigeons in the City
• Whales and Our World
• Alternatives to Dissection in Biology Education
• Animals Raised on Farms
• Award-Winning Student Projects
• Endangered Animals and the Fur Trade
• High School Students' Attitudes Toward Animals
• Projects in Progress
• Research that Advances Human Health Without Harming Animals
• The Great Apes
• The Study of Natural Insect Populations
• Toxic Substances and Trash in Our Environment
• Viewing of Wildlife in Natural Habitats
• Math Teachers Executive Board
• Committee Chair Bio
• Physical Education
• Social Studies Committee Executive Board
• African Heritage
• Albanian American Heritage
• Asian American Heritage
• Caribbean (Caricomm)
• Hellenic American
• Hispanic Affairs
• Charter for Change
• Italian American
• Jewish Heritage
• Muslim Educators
• Applying for a Reasonable Accommodation
• Capably Disabled FAQ
• Capably Disabled Useful Links
• Climate & Environmental Justice
• Divine Nine
• UFT Players Executive Board
• Women's Rights
• UFT student certificates
• Latest news & updates
• UFT programs & services
• AAPI Teaching Resources
• Black History Month
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
• Climate education teaching resources
• Juneteenth Curriculum Resources
• Pride Teaching Resources
• Teaching about race and social justice
• Women's History Curriculum Resources
• World AIDS Day
• Background information
• Educator and community voice
• Supporting all learners
• Class trips
• Funding classroom projects
• Inside My Classroom
• Instructional planning
• Learning Curve
• Linking to Learning
• Google Classroom Tutorials
• Middle school
• High school
• Multilingual learners
• Special education
• Online activity builders
• Teacher To Teacher
• ELL Complaint Form
• Tips for newly-arrived ELLs
• Commonly used terms
• Appeal ineffective rating checklist
• For your records
• Measures of Student Learning
• Measures of Teacher Practice
• Teachers covered by Advance
• The S / U system
• The first 90 days
• Jobs for current members
• Prospective applicants
• Transfer opportunities
• New Teacher To-Do List
• Professional growth
• FAQ on city health plans
• Paraprofessionals
• Functional chapters
• Staying connected
• Your school
• New Teacher Diaries
• New Teacher Profiles
• New Teacher Articles
• Elementary School
• Social Workers
• CTLE requirements
• Course Catalog Terms & Conditions
• Mercy College
• New York Institute of Technology
• Touro University
• Graduate Education Online Learning
• Undergraduate College Courses
• Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect Workshop
• Needs of Children with Autism
• Violence and Prevention Training
• Dignity for All Students
• Introducing Professional Learning
• Designing A Professional Learning Program
• Professional Book Study
• Lesson Study
• School Librarians
• What's New
• Jan/Feb 2024 P-Digest posts
• Mar/Apr 2024 P-Digest posts
• Nov/Dec 2023 P-Digest posts
• Sept/Oct 2023 P-Digest posts
• Chancellor’s Regulations
• 2023 compliance updates
• DOE Resources
• District 75 Resources
• Federal Laws, Regulations and Policy Guidance
• Amending IEPs
• Copies of IEPs
• Special Education Intervention Teacher
• Class composition
• Collaboration
• Interim SETSS
• Class ratios & variances
• Service delivery
• Know Your Rights
• Program Preference and Special Ed
• Direct and indirect services
• Minimum and maximum service requirements
• Group size, composition and caseload
• Location of services
• Functional grouping
• Arranging SETSS services
• Interim SETSS services
• District 75 SETSS
• File a complaint online
• Special education teacher certification
• Staffing ratios
• Support services part-time
• Research and best practices
• State laws, regulations & policy guidance
• Student discipline
• Guidance from 2022-23
• Academic & Special Ed Recovery
• Principals Digest items
• Career and Technical Education
• Questions or Concerns
• Around the UFT
• Noteworthy Graduates
• Today's History Lesson
• National Labor & Education News
• Awards & Honors
• Chapter Leader Shoutout
• Member Profiles
• New York Teacher Archive
• Editorial Cartoons
• President's Perspective
• VPerspective
• Press Releases
• RTC Chapter Leader Column
• RTC Information
• RTC Second Act
• RTC Section Spotlight
• RTC Service
• Serving Our Community
• Field Trips
• Linking To Learning
• For Your Information
• Grants, Awards and Freebies
• Know Your Benefits
• Q & A on the issues
• Secure Your Future
• Your well-being

Teacher salary schedule (2022–27)

Download the PDF

Special Education Teacher Salary: How Much Do They Make?

• Health Sciences
• Careers for Veterans
• College Advice
• Completing Your Degree
• Dental Hygiene
• Earning a Master's in Education: A Complete Timeline

What Do Special Education Teachers Do? Three Responsibilities

• Taking Higher Education One Step Higher
• Putting his Faith in Education
• What To Look For In Special Education Masters Programs
• Marketing and Communications
• Medical Imaging
• Occupational Therapy
• Online Learning
• Public Health
• Speech-Language Pathology

A top consideration of applying to any job is how much you're able to make in the position—and teaching is no exception. However, data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that teachers are among the most educated workers but aren't compensated at the level they should.

While there are several reasons a special education teaching career is rewarding, it's important to be prepared with realistic salary expectations. Here's an overview of how much special education teachers make, as well as the factors impacting salary.

Want to learn more about Teaching Special Education? Download Our Free Checklist!

How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make?

According to our analysis of job postings data, special education teachers in the United States earn a median annual salary of approximately $52,500. This represents a positive trend, with a 19.4 percent growth rate over the past three years.

Like most professions, states offer different salary ranges for special education teachers. For example, special education teachers in the New England area earn an annual median salary of $61,600—with the top 24 percent earning $78,000 per year or higher. In Massachusetts specifically, they earn an average salary of $62,300 per year.

There are a variety of factors that influence how much you can make as a special education teacher, which prospective teachers can take advantage of.

5 Factors That Impact a Special Education Teacher’s Salary

1. education level.

Master's-level education is required for special education teachers in several states—including Massachusetts. Even in states where it isn't required, advancing your education can increase your salary potential.

For example, special education teacher job postings in the United States that require a master's degree offer higher median wages—averaging $60,300 per year.

It’s important to note that several states are now also requiring general teachers to obtain a master's degree in education. As a result, if you’re getting a master’s degree in teaching special education, you’ll be able to teach in regular classrooms and become more marketable in special education classrooms.

“Going into additional education for yourself and getting different degrees can make you more marketable and increase your earning potential,” explains Priscilla Boerger, program director of Regis College’s Master’s in Teaching Special Education. “But so can going into the field of the degree.”

2. Previous Work Experience

In addition to educational background, you can leverage your previous work experience to obtain a higher salary.

However, if you don't have experience in teaching special education, it may also be possible to leverage other relevant experience, including:

• Volunteer experiences
• Internships
• Assistant teaching positions
• Substitute teaching positions
• Experiences working with children with learning differences

While these positions alone won't satisfy the requirements for becoming a special education teacher , you may be able to leverage them to negotiate a higher starting wage for yourself.

3. Location

Different states—as well as regions within states—have a wide range of median salaries for special education teachers. While searching for high-paid positions based on the employer alone is a good idea, it's also important to consider long-term goals.

For example, if you're hoping to stay in the same area but are open to working at more than one school, you'll want to examine your location’s wage data to ensure you'll be able to maintain the same salary throughout your career.

Before moving to a different state, however, it's important to consider the following:

• Cost of living: States/regions have different expenses you'll want to consider, such as taxes, groceries, utilities, and health care. Consider using a cost of living calculator to determine your approximate expenses before applying to teaching jobs in another state.
• Housing market: If you're hoping to purchase a home in the state you move to, make sure the housing market is affordable before accepting any job offers. It's also a good idea to ask prospective employers whether they offer relocation assistance.
• Licensure requirements: Every state has its own unique set of licensing requirements for special education teachers. It's important to ensure you contact the appropriate state department of education to review licensure qualifications.
• Other considerations: Remember to review other considerations in the area, such as local attractions or seasonal climate to ensure you’re going to be comfortable living in this new area.

While switching locations for a higher salary is a valid option, it's important to also ensure that your resume presents a consistent record of experience. Job hopping can be a red flag employers look for when considering applicants. However, this doesn't mean you're stuck in the first role you obtain.

“Do the time so that your resume doesn't look so choppy,” Boerger advises. “But move around if you need to.”

4. Relevant Skills

Improving your skill set is another way you can increase your earning potential. Having demonstrable relevant skills on your resume can impress prospective employers and also help you stand out from other applicants.

According to our analysis of job postings data, the top skills required for special education teaching positions include:

• Special education
• Individualized education programs (IEP)
• Communication
• Mathematics
• Progress reporting
• Working with individuals with disabilities
• English language

Many of these skills—such as communication—aren't specific to teaching special education positions, but are critical to the role. “Sometimes teachers can feel intimidated or frustrated by parents,” explains Boerger. “So I think communication skills are key.”

Consider what relevant skills you can currently demonstrate and whether they'd be beneficial to a teaching special education position. Including some of these skills on your resume can make a huge difference when bargaining for a higher salary.

5. Other Qualifications

Your qualifications can also impact your potential salary. According to our analysis of job postings data, top qualifications for special education teachers include:

• Teaching certificate
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)™
• CPR certification
• First aid certification
• Registered behavior technician

While these additional qualifications might not be required for your role, they can significantly improve your marketability.

How To Increase Your Earning Potential

If you're interested in teaching in this field, there are several steps you can take to increase your earning potential.

• Volunteer: Seek out local volunteer or teacher's assistant opportunities.
• Improve your skill set: Familiarize yourself with the skills required for these teaching positions—not only the job-specific ones but soft skills as well.
• Advance your education: Obtaining a master's degree not only increases the number of states you're eligible for licensure in but also increases your earning potential.

It's also important to keep in mind that if your salary prospects aren't ideal, there are other benefits you can look for in teaching positions, such as stipends.

“Some schools have given teachers stipends for supplies,” says Boerger. “Teachers typically pay about $700 a year out of pocket for supplies. But there are schools and districts that do give funds for that.”

It's also important to consider what other resources the school has available for teachers, such as mental health support or vacation policies. It may be worth sacrificing a higher salary if the school has resources to help you avoid burnout.

Take the Next Steps in Your Teaching Career

Teaching won’t make you a millionaire, but it can earn you a comfortable living wage that provides incredibly rewarding experiences in many other areas. The ability to make a difference in the lives of children with learning differences is highly fulfilling. Following the steps listed in this article can go a long way in ensuring you can make a positive impact without worrying about your finances.

If you're ready to take the next step in your teaching career, consider applying to Regis College's Master's in Teaching Special Education . Our program fulfills the licensing requirements for teaching in Massachusetts, and prepares you with the education and skills you need to succeed.

Related Blogs

If you’re interested in providing support for children with learning challenges, here’s an overview of what a special education teacher does.

Earning a Master's in Education: A Complete Timeline

If you want to earn a master's degree in education, it's essential to understand whether or not this education will fit into your current schedule.

How To Switch Careers To Teaching: Seven Steps

Are you considering switching to a teaching career? Here are the steps you need to take to switch careers to teaching, and the benefits of doing so.

June 22, 2023

• 235 Wellesley Street, Weston MA 02493
• 781.768.7000
• © 2024
• Privacy Policy

Special Education Teacher Salary and Job Description

Special education teachers play an important role in their students’ lives. In addition to assessing each student’s unique needs and capabilities, they also develop a custom-tailored educational plan for each student that’s designed to create opportunities for their learning and growth. 

Professionals interested in pursuing this career path should start by gaining a deeper understanding of the job role and salary for special education teachers to see if the position is a fit for them. They can then develop the knowledge and skills needed to help children and adolescents with special needs meet their full potential. Earning an advanced degree, such as an online Master of Arts in Teaching , can prepare individuals to take a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach to special education.

Special Education Teacher Job Description

Special education teachers work with children and adolescents who have physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. These educators also work with the students’ parents, psychologists, social workers, and school psychologists, among others, to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student that address the student’s unique strengths and challenges. 

Although the specific day-to-day duties of special education teachers can vary based on where they work and their students’ ages, common daily duties include the following:

• Assessing students’ skills and educational needs
• Adapting lesson plans to meet each students’ individualized needs
• Tracking students’ performance
• Developing, modifying, and updating IEPs
• Discussing students’ progress with their other teachers

Special education teachers should also possess certain skills and abilities to assist special education students with various needs. These include: 

• Effective communication to maintain positive relationships with students and their parents 
• Adaptable and able to pick up new teaching methods
• Compassionate and patient with students 
• Able to work with students from different backgrounds and who have different abilities 

Educational Requirements for Special Education Teachers

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in special education must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as mathematics, science, English, or special education, to pursue jobs in this field; individuals wanting to work in Connecticut, Maryland, or New York must also hold a master’s degree. Additionally, public schools in all 50 states require special education teachers to be licensed, but many private schools do not have this requirement.  

To become licensed, aspiring special education teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree, complete a set number of student teaching hours, pass a background check, and pass a general teaching certification test. The minimum grade point average (GPA) and quality point average (QPA) that students must have graduated with and the number of student teaching hours they must complete before they can sit for their licensing exam varies from state to state. 

Licensing terms also vary by state. For example, some states require teachers to renew their licenses every two years, while other states have five-year licensing terms. To renew a license, teachers must complete a set number of continuing education credits. The specific requirements for each state are established by each state’s department of education.

Possible Work Environments for Special Education Teachers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in 2020, special education teachers held more than 463,000 jobs throughout the United States. A majority of the professionals working in this field were employed in kindergartens and elementary schools (a total of 188,600), while approximately 140,900 were employed by secondary schools. 

Although 83 percent of all special education teachers were employed by public institutions, the BLS notes that a small percentage of individuals were employed elsewhere, such as in students’ homes, residential care facilities, and hospitals.  

Most special education teachers work Monday through Friday during school hours, and many work the traditional 10-month school year and have two months off during the summer. Educators also tend to have short breaks during the winter and spring. However, some educators work a year-round schedule, which often entails nine weeks of working followed by three weeks off, and some choose to work for summer programs.

Special Education Teacher Salary and Job Outlook

The BLS projects that the employment of special education teachers will increase by 8 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is about as fast as the job growth that’s projected for all occupations, and approximately 38,600 jobs are expected to be available each year during that period. Job growth within this field will be driven by an anticipated uptick in K-12 student enrollments and by the fact that children’s disabilities are being identified earlier. 

The BLS further reports that, as of May 2021, the median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,820, with teachers in the top 10th percentile earning more than $100,040 annually.  Special education teacher salaries can vary based on a number of factors, such as a teacher’s experience level, whether they’ve completed an advanced education, and the geographical region in which their position is located. For example, individuals employed in high cost-of-living states, such as California, often receive higher salaries than professionals employed in lower cost-of-living states, such as Kentucky.

Pursue Your Dream of Teaching the Next Generation

Professionals interested in taking their teaching career to the next level are likely to find that earning an advanced degree, such as an online Master of Arts in Teaching degree from American University, can prepare them to deliver a high-level educational experience to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. 

Coursework in this 100 percent online program includes classes such as Effective Teaching for Diverse Students, Theories of Educational Psychology and Human Development, and Foundations for Special Education for Exceptional Children. 

On completing the program, graduates will be prepared with the foundational knowledge and expertise needed to take a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. Discover how American University’s online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program can prepare you to take the next step in your professional journey. 

How to Incorporate Mindfulness in the Classroom

How to Get Students’ Attention: Maintaining Interest in the Digital Classroom

How Teachers Can Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Indeed, Special Education Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Indeed, “What Does a Special Education Teacher Do? Duties and Salary”

Understood, Understanding IEPs

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers

Workable, Special Education Teacher Job Description

Request Information

Monmouth Your Local News for Monmouth County, New Jersey

Freehold Special Education Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student: Prosecutors

A special education teacher in Monmouth County was accused of sexually assaulting a student, authorities said.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach.

Allison Havemann-Niedrach, 43, of Jackson Township, was charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago announced her arrest in a news release on Saturday, June 29. 

Prosecutors said Havemann-Niedrach is a teacher at Freehold Intermediate School and according to  her LinkedIn profile , she teaches special education in the borough's district. Her teacher page was removed from the FIS website as of press time.

Investigators said Havemann-Niedrach had a "sexual relationship" with a student earlier in 2024. She was held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to await a detention hearing.

Havemann-Niedrach's LinkedIn page said she was previously a special education teacher for South Brunswick, Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Jackson, Wakisha Charter School in Philadelphia, and the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission. She also taught at Clifton Avenue Grade School in Lakewood, according to a staff directory .

Anyone with information about Havemann-Niedrach should call the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 800-533-7443.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Monmouth and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE

• Jobs & Internships
• Micro-Internships and Mentoring Program
• Calendar of Upcoming Events
• Students: Preparing for Career Fairs
• Employers: Just In Time Fair Details
• Employers: Agriculture & Food Systems Career Expo Details
• Employers: University Career and Internship Pre-Fair Details
• Employers: Education Pre-Fair Details
• Agriculture and Food Systems
• Architecture, Engineering & Construction
• Arts, Entertainment, Media & Design
• Computing, Software, & Data Analytics
• Economics, Banking & Finance
• Government, Policy, International Affairs & Law
• Health & Wellness
• Hospitality, Sports & Recreation
• Human Services, Teaching & Training
• Management, Marketing & Sales
• Science, Research & Development
• The Environment, Sustainability & Natural Resources
• College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
• College of Architecture
• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education & Human Sciences
• College of Engineering
• College of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Journalism & Mass Communications
• School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Alumni Association
• Explore Center
• International & National Fellowships
• Military & Veteran Success Center
• Undergraduate Research
• University Career Services
• DIY Resources
• Career Coaching
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
• DACA and Undocumented Students
• First Generation
• International Students
• Military & Veteran
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Women’s Career Resources
• Recruiting at UNL
• Internship & Early Talent Toolkit
• Connect With Campus
• Fairs & Events
• Husker Circle
• Micro-Internship Program
• UNL HuskerWork

College Community Schools

K-12 special education teacher for 2024-2025.

• Share This: Share K-12 Special Education Teacher for 2024-2025 on Facebook Share K-12 Special Education Teacher for 2024-2025 on LinkedIn Share K-12 Special Education Teacher for 2024-2025 on X

Various Special Education teacher openings are available throughout the College Community School District.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Iowa Public Employee Retirement (IPERS) District Contribution of 9.44% to your IPERS account
• Full single health and single dental for full time employees
• 8 Paid Holidays
• 2 Personal Days
• Personal and Family Sick Days
• FREE Employee Assistance Program including 3 free confidential counseling visits for yourself and family members
• Iowa Retirement Investors Club (RIC) 403B
• Employee Life Insurance: $20,000
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Additional insurance options available through Fidelity

Career Services

225 Nebraska Union Lincoln, NE 68588-0451 402-472-3145 [email protected]

Related Links

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Office of the Registrar
• Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Student Affairs
• Undergraduate Admissions

Campus Links

• Office of the Chancellor
• Report an Incident

Policies & Reports

• Emergency Planning and Preparedness
• Institutional Equity and Compliance
• Notice of Nondiscrimination
• Security and Fire Safety Report
• Student Information Disclosures
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Hourly Wage for Special Education Teacher Salary in the United States

Hourly wage for special education teacher salary.

How much does a Special Education Teacher make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for a Special Education Teacher in the United States is $30 as of May 28, 2024, but the range typically falls between $24 and $40 . Hourly rate can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

• Paid Annually
• Paid Monthly
• Paid Semimonthly
• Paid Biweekly
• Paid Weekly
• Paid Hourly

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education - POTAWATAMI PK, IN

Ombudsman Educational Services - Waterman, IL

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs - Lindenhurst, IL

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education - Jacksonville, FL

• View Average Salary for United States
• Select State
• Select City
• Choose Similar Job
• Pick Related Category
• View Cost of Living in Major Cities

What skills does a Special Education Teacher need?

Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.

Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.

CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.

Background Check: A background check or background investigation is a review of a potential employee's criminal, commercial and financial records. The goal of background checks is to ensure the safety and security of the employees in the organisation

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

What Should I Pay?

Job Description for Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher instructs special education students in a classroom setting. Prepares lesson plans and instructional materials designed to meet the needs of individual students. Being a Special Education Teacher develops individualized education plans, and evaluates and monitors students' performance. Resolves classroom issues and conflicts. Additionally, Special Education Teacher may provide behavioral consultation or implement therapeutic programs for students. May mentor teaching aides. Requires a bachelor's degree. May require state-specific special education teaching license. Typically requires Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Typically reports to a principal. The Special Education Teacher occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Special Education Teacher typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)... View full job description

Employers: Job Description Management Tool

See user submitted job responsibilities for Special Education Teacher.

Our job description management tool- JobArchitect streamlines your job description process. Say goodbye to the hassle of crafting job descriptions.

Does your employee feel unfair treatment? See our CompAnalyst ® Pay Equity Suite can help you achieve and sustain pay equity with the true end-to-end solution.

Search Job Openings

Salary.com job board provides millions of Special Education Teacher information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Special Education Teacher job openings or enter a new job title here.

• SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Ombudsman Educational Services - Waterman, IL Ombudsman Educational Services. a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a. Special Education Teacher. to join our a... - 4 Days Ago
• SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Spectrum Center Schools and Programs - Lindenhurst, IL Spectrum Center Schools and Programs. a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a. Special Education Teacher. . to jo... - 4 Days Ago
• SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education - Jacksonville, FL ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education. a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a. Special Education T... - 2 Days Ago
• SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER Ombudsman Educational Services - Chicago, IL Ombudsman Educational Services. a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a. Special Education Teacher. to join our a... - 2 Days Ago

BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS INC.

Company description, what does a special education teacher do, are you an hr manager or compensation specialist.

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

• Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
• Job and employee pricing reports
• Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.

Special Education Teacher Pay Difference by Location

Special Education Teacher salary varies from city to city. Compared with national average salary of Special Education Teacher, the highest Special Education Teacher salary is in San Francisco, CA, where the Special Education Teacher salary is 25.0% above. The lowest Special Education Teacher salary is in Miami, FL, where the Special Education Teacher salary is 3.5% lower than national average salary.

Similar Jobs to Special Education Teacher

Level of Education for Special Education Teacher

Jobs with different levels of education may pay very differently. Check the Special Education Teacher salary of your education level.

• Special Education Teacher Salaries with a Bachelor's Degree
• Special Education Teacher Salaries with a Master's Degree or MBA
• Special Education Teacher Salaries with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

Special Education Teacher Salary by State

Geographic variations impact Special Education Teacher salary levels, due to various factors, such as cost of living, industries, market demand and company budgets. Click below to see pay differences between states.

Browse All Education Jobs by Salary Level

Browse related job categories with special education teacher.

A job category is a classification or grouping of job positions that share similar characteristics, functions, or industries. Special Education Teacher salary varies from category to category. Click below to see Special Education Teacher salary in different categories.

Take just three simple steps below to generate your own personalized salary report

Understand the total hourly compensation opportunity for a Special Education Teacher, hourly wage plus other pay elements

Average hourly wage.

Core compensation

Average Total Hourly Cash Compensation

Includes base and short-term incentives

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid.

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

Your estimated salary based on up-to-date market data and the factors you selected below

View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

Skills associated with Special Education Teacher: Student Information Systems (SIS) , Monitor Student Performance , Academic Focus: Special Education , Children's Activities ... More

Recently searched related titles: Special Education Instructional Assistant , Special Education Paraprofessional , Educational Therapist

Recently searched companies with related titles : Lausd Special Education Trainee

Recently searched related titles: Associate Professor Of Acting And Voice , Educational Support Specialist , IT Advisory Associate

Jobs with a similar salary range to Special Education Teacher : Early Intervention Teacher , Pupil Support Assistant , Reading Recovery Teacher , Learning Specialist , Middle School Special Educator , Special Education Substitute Teacher

Salary estimation for Special Education Teacher at companies like : Forest Frogs LLC , MIDAS IT Co Ltd , Obscurity Co

Jobs with a similar salary range to Special Education Teacher : Interventionist , Aba Paraprofessional , Sped Paraprofessional

Why Teachers of English Learners With Disabilities Need Specialized Training

• Share article

English learners who are also identified as students with disabilities experience unique needs in K-12 schools—and their teachers need specialized, interdisciplinary training, experts say.

This dual-identified student cohort accounted for 15.8 percent of the total English-learner population in fall 2021, according to the updated federal data . Students with disabilities, in general, represented 14.7 percent of total public school enrollment that same year.

At Education Week’s June 20 K-12 Essentials Forum focusing on innovative approaches to special education , Lizdelia Piñón, an emergent bilingual education associate for the Texas-based advocacy nonprofit Intercultural Development Research Association, or IDRA, shared insights on what kind of teacher training best serves dual-identified students.

Integrated teacher training is needed for English learners with disabilities

When working with English learners with disabilities, teachers need to understand how students acquire language and how that works concerning their special education needs, Piñón said.

For teachers to do this effectively, they need comprehensive training that goes beyond standardized training focused either on bilingual education or special education.

“It has to be this cohesive idea,” Piñón said. “It’s an integrated training that equips our teachers with the skills and the knowledge that they need to effectively support our dual-identified English learners with disabilities.”

Such training requires a specialized curriculum that combines coursework. It should address how teachers can simultaneously work with students at different language-level proficiencies and those with different disabilities. For instance, what does instruction look like for an English learner with cerebral palsy that comes from a Mexican-American home? How is that similar or unique from another student in class?

This training must also be rooted in cultural competency allowing for students’ cultural backgrounds to be celebrated and included in the classroom, Piñón added.

Interdisciplinary teacher training programs need to be scaled up

Even as Piñón spoke of how specialized, comprehensive training can better support the multi-faceted needs of English learners with disabilities, she acknowledged a major barrier for teachers seeking to access such training: a scarcity of these programs.

Certification programs exist for bilingual education, and separately special education, but programs don’t often intersect.

Piñón, who is based in Texas, noted that Texas Christian University implemented a teacher-training program in the past two years where all graduates have to be certified in both special education and bilingual or English-as-a-second-language education, though such requirements are rare.

Legislators in the Lone Star state did pass House Bill 2256 in 2021 promoting a bilingual special education certificate for the state of Texas, but implementation is still in the works, Piñón said.

Even as higher education institutions scale up any programming that prepares teachers working with such this intersectional student population, Piñón hopes such programming is made affordable and geographically accessible to teachers.

Current teachers can collaborate across departments

Educators don’t need to wait on specialized training to offer comprehensive support for English learners with disabilities.

Existing special education, English-as-a-second-language teachers, and general education teachers alike can strategically collaborate to ensure students’ needs are being met across the school day. Whether that’s through monthly or quarterly meetings, Piñón said districts need to invest in giving teachers time to come together and share insights.

Specialized teacher training for working with English learners with disabilities also needs to prepare teachers on how to work with various team players, including speech pathologists, English-as-a-second-language experts, and special education teachers, Piñón said. That includes working together in discussing how to best use emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence tools , with students.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

Sign Up & Sign In

Breaking Traffic: Outer Loop of The Beltway diverted to Old Georgetown Road for extinguished truck fire, spill at the 'Big Curve'

Special education teacher in Fairfax Co. charged with assault

Dana Sukontarak | [email protected]

June 23, 2024, 12:22 AM

• Share This:
• share on facebook
• share on threads
• share on linkedin
• share on email

A special education teacher at an elementary school in Burke, Virginia, was arrested Friday and charged with assaulting three students on separate occasions.

Elizabeth Yoshimi Nagagata, 62, of Fairfax, was charged with seven counts of simple assault for incidents taking place at White Oaks Elementary School between September 2023 and April 2024, police said .

An investigation was launched by detectives from the police department’s child abuse division after getting a referral on April 12 that a teacher was seen assaulting a student at the school.

According to police, Nagagata is currently being held at the county’s adult detention center without bond.

Police are asking anyone with information about this case to call them at 703-246-7800, option “4,” or submit tips anonymously at 1-866-411-8477.

Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here .

© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Dana Sukontarak is a Digital Writer/Editor for WTOP.com. She loves haiku poetry, short sci-fi stories and word games. She grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and currently lives in Silver Spring.

• @LilAPStyle

Related News

Vehicle hits 3 Fairfax Co. car wash employees, killing 1

Man charged with sexual battery of 6-year-old in Fairfax Co.

Fairfax Co. police arrest armed man after Capital Beltway chase

Recommended.

2 dead following Alexandria gym shooting, police say

Extremely hot day with potential evening storms expected in DC region

Asteroid Day 2024 celebrations offer reason to look up

Related categories:.

Politics | Despair in the air: For many voters, the…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Politics | Despair in the air: For many voters, the Biden-Trump debate means a tough choice just got tougher

Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie’s Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Joe Biden, right, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, are seen on a television at Tillie’s Lounge during the presidential debate on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. For many voters in the U.S., there’s despair in the air after the presidential debate this past week. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this image from video, Arabia Simeon sits on a park bench during an interview with The Associated Press Friday, June 28, 2024, in Detroit. Simeon said after watching the presidential debate between Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump that “we’re doomed no matter what.” For many voters in the U.S., there’s despair in the air after the presidential debate this past week. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

Democrat Matthew Toellner poses for a photo outside a grocery store in downtown Denver, Friday, June 28, 2024. After what he regards as President Joe Biden’s subpar performance against Donald Trump, Toellner can’t bring himself to fully commit to voting for the Democrat. For many voters not aligned with Trump, there’s despair in the air. In dozens of interviews across the country, debate-watchers voiced dismay at the choices they have in November and some question whether both Biden and Trump are fit to serve. (AP Photo/Jesse Bedayn)

Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, looks up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie’s Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. “Biden has my vote because there is nothing at this point that Trump can say,” said Ralston. For many voters in the U.S., there’s despair in the air after the presidential debate this past week. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this image from video, Arabia Simeon speaks to a reporter following an interview Friday, June 28, 2024, in Detroit. Simeon said after watching the presidential debate between Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump that “we’re doomed no matter what.” (For many voters in the U.S., there’s despair in the air after the presidential debate this past week. AP Photo/Mike Householder)

Jocardo Ralston, 47, from Pennsylvania, reacts as they look up to a television to watch the presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at Tillie’s Lounge on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Cincinnati. “Biden has my vote because there is nothing at this point that Trump can say,” said Ralston. For many voters in the U.S., there’s despair in the air after the presidential debate this past week. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Apart from the sizable and pumped-up universe of Donald Trump’s supporters, the debate suddenly crystalized the worries of many Americans, a portion of President Joe Biden’s supporters among them, that neither man is fit to lead the nation.

Heading into the first debate of the general election campaign, voters had faced a choice between two strikingly unpopular candidates. They then watched as Trump told a stream of falsehoods with sharpness, vigor and conviction, while Biden struggled mightily to land debating points and even to get through many sentences. It added to doubts about the 81-year-old Democratic president’s fitness to be in office for four more years.

Now, the options are even more dispiriting for many Democrats, undecided voters and anti-Trump Republicans. More than a few people came away from watching the debate very conflicted.

Outside a Whole Foods in downtown Denver on Friday, registered Democrat Matthew Toellner tilted his head sideways, mouth agape, in an imitation of his favored candidate, Biden, who was seen doing that at times on the split screen when Trump was talking Thursday night.

“I’m going to vote for Biden,” said Toellner, 49, leaning against the wood siding of the grocery store. “Actually, I might not.”

A few minutes later, Toellner looked out to the street and rethought again. “I’m going to vote for Biden, I think I’d be a fool not to. But I just hate that I have to.”

His appeal to Biden and Democrats: “Please step down, get somebody electable.”

On a Detroit park bench, Arabia Simeon was left feeling politically homeless after voting Democratic in the past two presidential elections. “It just feels like we’re doomed no matter what,” she said.

Trump’s disregard for the facts suffused his arguments, though he was rarely challenged on the specifics during the debate. On abortion, for example, one of America’s most divisive issues for generations, the former Republican president claimed there is universal agreement that states should decide on the legality of it. There is ferocious argument about that.

But did that matter? The public reaction, in dozens of interviews across the country, brought to mind Bill Clinton’s post-presidency assessment of what voters want in fraught times: “When people feel uncertain, they’d rather have someone strong and wrong than weak and right.”

The debate unmoored Simeon just as it did Toellner.

The 27-year-old owner of a Detroit start-up went into debate night deciding between Biden and an independent candidate, the most prominent of whom is long shot Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Now she’s leaning against Biden.

“I think it just kind of validated the feeling that I was having that this election is going to be extremely hectic, and it’s no longer the conversation of the lesser of two evils for me,” she said from a park bench on a work break. “It’s more like both of these candidates don’t feel like viable options.”

Simeon said that as a Black and queer person, “It’s really disheartening to know that no matter how far we come as a country, we’re still going to factory reset when it comes to president and have to make a choice between two white men.”

In large part, Democratic lawmakers in Washington and party officials across the United States closed ranks around Biden despite the panic that gripped many of them from his debate performance. But their remarks were measured, seeming to leave an opening if Biden were to make the extraordinary decision to have Democrats find another nominee.

“It’s President Biden’s decision what he wants to do with his life,” said Sharif Street, chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and a state senator. .“So far, he’s decided he’s our nominee, and I’m with him.”

To be sure, plenty of Biden supporters saw nothing to throw them off, as much as they tended to think he blew it.

“Worrisome,” Jocardo Ralston of Philadelphia said of Biden’s turn on the stage. Yet, Ralston said, “I’m not conflicted, nor do I feel that I am choosing the lesser of two evils. … Biden is not the ideal choice for many, but he is the only choice for me, without regrets or hesitation.”

The third-year doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, whose work focuses on the experiences of queer Black and Latino boys in special education classrooms, watched the debate in a Cincinnati bar while visiting the city. “All the work that I do and everything that I fight for is in direct opposition to Trump, his values, and his policies,” he said.

Biden turned in a more spirited performance Friday at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he acknowledged he is not the debater he used to be. “I know how to do this job,” he said. “I know how to get things done.” He assailed Trump in ways that eluded him the night before.

“I thought ‘Well Joe, why didn’t you say that last night?’” said Maureen Dougher, 73, who found Biden “strong,” “definite” and “very clear” in his rally remarks. In a debate watched by an estimated 51.3 million people, according to a preliminary estimate by the Nielsen company, Biden’s showing “didn’t come across as well as it did today.”

Amina Barhumi, 44, of Orland Park, Illinois, is affiliated with Muslim Civic Coalition and is sizing up Biden and Trump in part on how she expects each will act on the interests of American Muslims. Count her as demoralized about the candidate choices, too. She’s hearing “essentially the same rhetoric” from both.

“We have not-so-great options that are front-runners on the ticket,” she said. “Yesterday was an affirmation of exactly that.”

“Quite frankly, I think it was very difficult to watch,” she said of the debate. “I have teenagers and it felt like a bunch of bickering and nonsensical name-calling. And I think the American public expects more.”

Associated Press journalists Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Mike Householder in Detroit; Carolyn Kaster in Cincinnati; Melissa Perez Winder in Bridgeview, Illinois; and Makiya Seminera in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

More in Politics

Politics | The Supreme Court nears the end of another momentous term. A decision on Trump’s immunity looms

Politics | Biden is making appeals to donors as concerns persist over his presidential debate performance

World News | How the US-built pier to bring aid to Gaza has worked — or not

Elections | Donald Trump’s debate references to ‘Black jobs’ and ‘Hispanic jobs’ stir Democratic anger

Trending nationally.

• Some homebuyers are beating high interest rates with 1980s-era assumable mortgages
• Alec Baldwin late on paying settlement to cinematographer’s husband and son
• Tropical Storm Beryl expected to become ‘dangerous major hurricane’
• Gymnast Sunisa Lee halfway to Paris, but Olympic Trials open on sour note
• It’s called ‘the most noxious, invasive species known to man.’ And it’s spreading.

Lawrence school district and teachers union form tentative agreement regarding possible salary increases

photo by: Lawrence Journal-World

Lawrence school district offices, pictured in April 2021.

Lawrence teachers could receive salary increases next school year if a tentative agreement is approved between the teachers union and the district.

On Tuesday, representatives of the Lawrence Education Association (LEA) met with the district and representatives of the Lawrence school board to form a tentative contract agreement to increase a teachers’ base annual salary by $1,400 starting this fall.

“I think we as a negotiations team realize that there’s still a lot more work that has to happen with salary,” said LEA Negotiations Co-Chair Josh Spradlin. “We are still competing with surrounding districts, and we still want to make Lawrence Public Schools the most competitive place to teach at.”

The teachers that qualify may experience vertical movement, resulting in a pay increase based on years of experience, horizontal movement, which involves an increase based on levels of certification, or both.

The contract will even include an opportunity to see horizontal movement on March paychecks for qualifying teachers. These teachers can earn horizontal movement twice in the year including the fall and in the spring.

The tentative agreement features various stipends, such as $7,000 per position for speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. Stipends for high school cheer directors will also increase by approximately $1,100. Additionally, the agreement introduces two new $3,015 stipends for DECA, Distributive Education Clubs of America.

“The reason these stipends exist is because these positions are getting harder and harder to fill,” Spradlin said. “One of the ways that we can try and get people to take those jobs within the district is by offering them a stipend or additional compensation as a benefit.”

“And so that’s a way of trying to just get the money the district is spending into employee pockets as opposed to (getting services outside of the district),” Spradlin said.

The agreement will also support an increase of approximately $139 in employee’s fringe benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance. The other employer paid benefit is a contribution of $75 a month to an educator’s monthly retirement account.

LEA President Emerson Hoffzales sent information to certified staff with instructions for the ratification vote. Following the certified staff vote, the Lawrence Board of Education will consider the approval of the agreement at an upcoming meeting.

At the Lawrence school board meeting on Monday, school board president Kelly Jones said contract negotiations with PAL-CWA, the district’s classified staff union, are currently on pause. The district is currently waiting on information from the state to assist in determining potential wage increases.

K-12 Education

Lawrence school district to discuss high school boundary changes

Lawrence school district to consider cellphone policy after receiving petition from educators.

New principal selected for New York Montessori/Elementary School in Lawrence

Lawrence school board to consider study of middle and high school athletic facilities.

Executive director of inclusion, engagement and belonging in Lawrence school district resigning; position being evaluated

• Subscribe today
• Public safety
• City government
• State government
• Town Talk column
• K-12 education
• County government
• Statewide news
• National news
• Old Hometown
• Sports columns
• KU men’s basketball
• KU women’s basketball
• KU football
• KU volleyball
• Lawrence High
• Letters to the editor
• National columns
• Local columns
• Lifestyle columns
• Home and Garden
• Arts and Entertainment
• Marriages, Divorces and Bankruptcies
• Couples Announcements
• Real Estate Transfers
• Phone and email
• Submit news
• Submit letters to the editor
• Submit obituaries and celebrations
• Statement of Values
• View e-Edition
• Submit a vacation hold
• Subscription Online Bill Pay
• Missed Paper Form
• News from The Chamber
• News from Lawrence Public Library
• Classifieds
• Customer Service FAQ

Education Store.

Advanced tools for advanced studies., max out your credits., endless potential., the apple store difference..

Pay in full or pay over time. Your choice.

Trade in your current device. Get credit toward a new one. 3

Customize your Mac with chip, memory, storage, and color.

Enjoy two-hour delivery from an Apple Store, free delivery , or  easy pickup.²

Make them yours. Engrave a mix of emoji, names, and numbers for free.

Choose a case. Pick a band. Make an Apple Watch just for you.

Shop one on one with a Specialist. Online or in a store.

More to love.

The apple experience..

Six Apple services. One easy subscription.

Quick Links

• Order Status
• Shopping Help