undergraduate
Special education and teaching
Best schools with special education and teaching
What is a special education and teaching major?
This program focuses on the design and provision of teaching and other educational services to children or adults with special learning needs or disabilities, and prepares individuals to function as special education teachers. It includes instruction in diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said difficult exams/assessments were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do special education and teaching majors make?
median average salary
$55,000/yr
The national average salary for special education and teaching graduates in the United States is $55,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $96,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $25,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, special education and teaching graduates typically make between $40,000 and $75,000 per year.
How popular is special education and teaching as a major?
Each year, around 9,540 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 540 students obtain an associate degree in special education and teaching. In 2021, 9,368 students received a bachelor's degree and 1,328 students received an associate degree. This is 10% more special education and teaching majors than there were in 2020. Special education and teaching is one of the most popular majors within education.
Advice from special education and teaching majors
Share your experienceI follow the mantra of "love what You do and do what You love". Please don't underestimate your potential as an educator nor the potential for the students whose lives You will touch and reach out to and connect with, as You both soar to unimaginable heights. It is and will be a journey of a lifetime.
It is rewarding being in a classroom with students.
“ Never Let Anyone Tell You Different Just Because You’ve Learn Different And Solve Things Differently Then Others . Keep Moving Forward To Something You Love And Not Moved Backwards For Into A Negative Past . Be You And Do What You Love
Find a program that gets you into the classroom for hands on experience and observation as early as possible in your college career. My school starts freshman in an elementary school setting from the first semester to make sure potential teachers understand what will be expected of them. Teaching/education is a hard major and special Ed comes with another level of expectations since you are dealing with children who are not neurotypical. Also find every opportunity to work with children whether in a teaching environment, coaching, mentoring - the more you are engaged with children the more you will learn and be able to apply to your teaching career.
Do it! It may seem intimidating at first but it is totally worth it. The diverse practicum settings are so much fun and provide you with so much in-field experience.
