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. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: $13.00 $8.00 – $18.00 New, experienced: $15.00 $10.00 – $23.00 3 yrs+ experience: $17.00 $9.00 – $26.00 Salaries vary between school districts and generally are based on experience and college units completed. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES 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 Employment 1996 32,500 Projected Employment 2006 55,950 Growth Rate 1996-2006 72.2% Openings due to Separations 6,380 Employment Trends by California County Special Education Teachers rank among the top fifty largest and fastest growth occupations in California. Shortages exist in some areas of the State, particularly in Los Angeles and many of the rural counties. 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 current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training The Commission on Teacher Credentialing establishes the requirements for a credential to teach special education in California public schools: 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. 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. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Teachers - Special Education #110 Related Occupation: Teachers - Secondary School #57 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.