Special Education Teachers
| Description |
OES Code: 313110 |
Teach elementary and secondary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Include teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally retarded.
Wages
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Teachers get health, vacation, and sick leave benefits. Special Education Teachers in public schools work a minimum of six hours a day in the classroom for a nine month school year. Some districts have year-round classes where teachers work for 45 days followed by 15 days off throughout the year. Teachers work many hours in nonteaching functions. They plan lessons, confer with parents and resource teachers, and participate in PTA activities. On their own time, they attend continuing education coursework to qualify for credential renewal.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
39,000 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
58,700 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
50.5% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
4,100 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
820 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
1,090 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
32.9% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
50 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Most Special Education Teachers work for public school districts or county offices of education. Some work for the State of California Special Schools for the Deaf, Blind, or Neurologically Handicapped. Teachers may be assigned to a single school or travel from one school to another. On their own time, they attend continuing education coursework to qualify for credential renewal.
Advancement
Teachers usually advance through regular salary increases based on additional education and experience. Some teachers enter administrative positions that require experience, advanced study, and additional credentials such as the Administrative Services Credential.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Jobseekers should register with their college placement offices and apply directly to county and district offices of education. They should also apply to the State of California Special Schools for the Deaf, Blind or Neurologically Handicapped. Most hiring occurs between June and October. Many new teachers work as Substitute Teachers to gain classroom experience and district recognition.
For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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- BA degree
- Prerequisite Regular Teaching Credential -- Special Education Teacher Preparation Program, including Student Teaching.
Special Education Teachers can specialize and obtain credentials in Learning, Severely, Communications, Visually Impaired, and Physically Handicapped. Special Education training consists of a fifth year of study after a bachelor's is earned. Credentials are renewed every five years.
Teachers must take 150 hours of continuing education and meet the service requirement of teaching at least one semester to renew their credential.
Skills & Other Requirements
In addition to teaching ability, Special Education Teachers need an extra measure of enthusiasm, optimism, patience, tolerance, and persistence.
References
California Occupational Guide: #110
Related Occupations: Teachers - Secondary School
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
