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How to Write a Special Education Teacher Job Description Sample

A Special Education Teacher, or Special Needs Teacher, works closely with children who have behavioural, communication, intellectual, physical, or multiple special needs. A Special Education Teacher’s primary responsibilities include supporting students who have special needs, providing one-on-one learning, and leading students in activities to help with their development.

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What does a Special Education Teacher do? 

A Special Education Teacher works with a particular group of students within the school system. The Special Education Teacher will often work with other Teachers in the system to ensure the students they are helping learn similar curriculums but at a different pace. For Special Education Teachers that help students with physical needs, some of their duties may also include lifting, transferring, feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene.

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Special Education Teacher Job Description Examples:

Special Education Teacher duties and responsibilities

Special Education Teachers perform many tasks that help students with special needs in the school system. Duties and responsibilities of a Special Education Teacher may include: 

  • Modifying educational programs for students with special needs to learn at their own pace
  • Monitoring behavioural patterns of children and applying appropriate interventions when required
  • Evaluating the progress of students and discussing results with students, parents, and school officials
  • Attending staff meetings, inspections, conferences, and programs as needed
  • Preparing students for the transition to the next grade level
  • Collaborating with other staff members to create holistic intervention programs and plans
  • Finding and implementing engaging activities for students
  • Preparing and implementing remedial programs for students that require extra help

Special Education Teacher skills and qualifications

A successful Special Education Teacher has various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties performed in this job. Some of these may include:

  • Excellent knowledge of special education topics and methodologies
  • Ability and knowledge of working with students with a range of disabilities
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to solve problems with creative thinking
  • Excellent organization skills
  • Ability to adapt to a changing environment

Special Education Teacher experience requirements

When looking through resumes for a Special Education Teacher, look for someone who has experience working with the type of special needs prevalent in the students at your school. Candidates with one to two years experience are ideal.

Sometimes, volunteer experience working with a particular group of children is sufficient depending on the severity of the special needs and the required care. Candidates do not need previous experience as a Special Education Teacher for entry-level positions if they have relevant education qualifications.

Special Education Teacher training and education

A Special Education Teacher candidate must have a bachelor’s degree or higher certification in education. Candidates also need membership in the relevant provincial or territorial teacher’s association. Additional training and certification in working with children who have behavioural or physical disabilities is an asset.

Candidates with specialty degrees in autism and behavioural science or behavioural science technology are well-qualified and ready to excel in the role. College certifications like child and youth worker, developmental disabilities worker, educational assistant, early childhood education (ECE), or advanced studies in special needs are a useful addition to a bachelor’s degree and should give candidates an advantage.

Special Education Teacher salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Special Education Teacher in Canada is $61,718 per year. The salary varies depending on experience, location, or type of company that is hiring.

Job descriptions for similar roles

If a Special Education Teacher is not what you are looking for, other related descriptions include: 

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Special Education Teacher job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Special Education Teacher resume?

When reviewing resumes for a Special Education Teacher, look for someone who has extensive education and certification in the particular disabilities they work with. A good Special Education Teacher may also have volunteer experience with other behavioural issues related to their job.

How do you make your Special Education Teacher job description stand out?

The best way to make a Special Education Teacher job description stand out is to be specific about the type of students the candidate will be working with. This helps give a better understanding of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the job. If the role is to be a contract position, be clear about the length of the contract. Additionally, including benefits that come with the position, such as holiday breaks or a pension program, will help the job description stand out.

What is the difference between a Special Education Teacher and an Elementary School Teacher?

Both a Special Education Teacher and an Elementary School Teacher require a bachelor’s degree in education and membership in the teachers’ association in their province or territory. Both positions need to ensure students are learning at their own pace while adhering to provincial or territorial educational requirements. However, a Special Education Teacher may work with students on a one-on-one or small group scenario for those with similar disabilities, such as a learning disability. A Special Education Teacher undergoes more training to be able to teach students with special needs.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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