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Special Education Day – December 2, 2024

Special Education Day is celebrated on December 2 to commemorate the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law on this day in 1975 (IDEA). IDEA granted access to children with special needs to free and quality public education. The act has been revised several times but the crux of it remains the same, and is the foundation for special education in the U.S. In support of this act, many organizations pledge to provide good education to students with special needs. You can find full information on these scholarships and more on Scholaroo.

History of Special Education Day

It all started in 1972 with the U.S. District Court lawsuit Mills versus the Board of Education filed in the District of Columbia. The denial of publicly funded education for special children, including those with learning disabilities, was ruled unlawful. This case paved the way for acts such as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, approved and passed by President Gerald Ford on November 29 of the same year. The Act was the country’s first official law addressing special education.

States receiving federal funds were required to provide full access to children with special needs. In 1986, the law was revised to include more support for parents and educators and to advance education plans. In 1990, the name of this landmark act changed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA. Over the years, clauses have been added to address issues and ensure that the standards of education for special children are on par with the overall educational system. IDEA not only established the rights of children with learning disabilities, but laid the groundwork for teachers and families to work together, and ensure there are services and resources available for support. Special Education Day started in 2005 — on IDEA’s 30th anniversary.

Special Education Day timeline

President Gerald Ford signs the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on November 29.

A court ruling approves access to special programs for meeting the unique needs of students.

IDEA is reauthorized with revised regulations.

Special Education Day is celebrated for the first time to mark the 30th anniversary of IDEA.

Special Education Day FAQ s

Is there a national special education week.

There isn’t a Special Education Week. December 2 is observed as National Special Education Day.

What does a special education teacher do daily?

The roles and responsibilities of a special education teacher are tougher than that of a regular teacher. Daily tasks include attending meetings, planning attainable goals, execution of lesson plans, tracking the progress of students and maintaining their records, following up with parents, grading assignments, and more.

What does E.D.C. stand for in special education?

E.D.C. stands for Eligibility Determination Conference.

How to Observe Special Education Day

Read the idea legislation.

Explore the impact IDEA has had on the lives of children with disabilities. Read about the framework it provides and the recent revisions in the legislation.

Join the conversation

Be the voice for disabled children everywhere. Participate in discussions in person or online and share stories of those you know who have benefited from improved special education.

Look for opportunities to volunteer in special education programs in your local community. Many institutes require volunteers after school to assist and spend time with special children.

5 Facts About Special Education Everyone Should Know

The father of special education.

French physician Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard is considered the father of special education.

The ratio of boys to girls

Approximately four times as many boys as girls are diagnosed with a learning disability.

It is limited

Special education laws provide mostly for primary and secondary school levels.

There is a difference

There is a distinct difference between learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Famous people with disabilities

Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, and Albert Einstein are famous people who had learning disabilities and special educational needs.

Why Special Education Day is Important

It dispels misconceptions about disabilities.

Students with disabilities are often misunderstood. Many believe that such students have learning impediments when that is not the case. Special Education Day addresses this misconception.

It’s a chance to thank the teachers

Special Education is not possible without the efforts of the teachers and educators who relentlessly help their students achieve their educational goals. It also highlights the need for specialized educational teachers.

Children are the future

Today’s youth is the future, and thanks to the combined efforts of activists, advocates, and state-level officials, they are supported in this difficult, but no doubt, most rewarding journey. It potentially inspires future students to pursue a career in specialized education.

Special Education Day dates

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NASET Professional Development Program (PDP)

NASET has always provided an online platform that supplied the resources required for Special Education Professional Development. Over the years, we have added numerous courses, lectures, PowerPoint presentations, resources and e-Publications. In fact, the sheer volume of content has reached a point where another approach to maximize the primary function of professional development was needed. From this need for a better layout to allow for easier access and use of our website for Professional Development we created the PDP. To learn more - Click here

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Comprehensive resources from audio lectures, databases of informational resources, IEP development tool, Conferences, Teacher Forum and Much More...To learn more - Click here

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From the latest job listings to professional development courses, NASET 's Career Center provides you with tools and information to further your Career as a Special Educator. To learn more - Click here

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* Certified Special Education Teacher - Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP Texas Public Schools plays a critical role in ensuring our students have the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for their students and their families, working tirelessly to ensure that our students have access to opportunity. In our classrooms and across the KIPP family we embrace, honor and celebrate our differences across several characteristics that construct our unique identities in our little and big KIPPsters. To learn more- Click here

* Early Childhood Special Education Teacher - With more than 200 schools and 90,000 students, there’s an opportunity for everyone to find their place in DPS. We are proud of the achievements we’ve made and the ambition we have to continue improving public education, and although the work is big, no job is too small to make it count. To learn more- Click here

* Functional Life Skills Special Education Teacher - The successful candidate will demonstrate the enthusiastic ability to work with students who have a variety of needs and a diverse range of academic interests and skills, and who are from diverse backgrounds and cultures. To learn more- Click here

* Middle School Special Education Teacher - Grounded in our culture of rigor and love, our schools consistently outperform local districts academically, while also ensuring our scholars are developing in our PEAK values of perseverance, excellence, adventure, and kindness. To learn more- Click here

* Middle School Teacher - The fundamental purpose of Essex Valley School is to provide a therapeutic and academic environment that is designed to nurture the emotional, intellectual, behavioral, and social growth of each student so that they may become a future contributing leader in society. To learn more- Click here

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Board certification in classroom managment, (bccm) , for special education teachers, to learn more - click here  , naset spotlight, get board certified in classroom management, get board certified in iep development, get board certified in inclusion in special education, get board certified in sped advocacy through naset, naset professional development program  (pdp), 101 professional development courses, get board certified in special education through naset.

Here's What NASET Has to Offer

Take a moment to review the various e-Publications, professional development and special education resources.

NASET is proud to offer its' members free access to one of the most extensive and comprehensive sources of Professional Development courses available today. With over 100 courses ranging from 1 to 3 hours each, NASET provides it's members the opportunity for over 100 hours of professional development included with your membership in NASET.

Professional Development Courses (101 courses) - Free with Membership!

Board certification in special education (b.c.s.e.).

Board Certification in Special Education establishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

IEP Information

NASET provides the multiple areas with valuable information about IEPs. From a ePublication IEP Components to mutlple articles resources, forms, NASET has a wealth of information for the special education professional.

NASET Special Educator e-Journal

The online Special Educator e-Journal is published monthly throughout the year and provides timely information on what's current in special education.

The Special Educator’s List of 100 Forms, Tables, Checklists, and Procedures

This list is provided to all members of NASET to help facilitate the numerous tasks required on a daily basis. All documents are available to view online or download as a PDF file for offline printing.

NASETs' Week in Review

NASET's Week in Review is a weekly emailed publication that provides members with some of the most interesting stories, topics and issues reported during the week in the field of special education.

NASET News Alerts

NASET News Alerts provide the latest special education news as it happens. News Alerts are emailed, posted and through RSS feeds.

This series provides NASET members with an in-depth look at the step-by-step process of assessing students for eligibility and educational placement in special education.

Lesser Known Disorders in Special Education Series

This series is devoted to lesser known disorders that you may encounter in special education. While not as prevalent as other disorders experienced by most special education teachers, you should be aware of these disorders in order to become more knowledgeable, and increase your ability to assist patents of children with these disorders if they should appear in your classroom or school. Each month we will present a list of 3 disorders that appear in the special education population. Some of these  disorders may contain subtypes which will also be presented.

The NASET LD Report is an education resource that provides NASET members with a comprehensive overview of learning disabilities.  The NASET LD Report covers many areas of study in the field of LD.

The Practical Teacher is a monthly education resource that provides NASET members with practical tools, strategies, and relevant information that they can use both in and outside of the classroom.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Series

The NASET Autism Spectrum Disorder Series is an education resource that  focused on the research, writing, and practical information that we have obtained on causes, characteristics, eligibility, assessment, and teaching strategies.

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NASET’s Behavior Management Series is a unique guide for all teachers in helping to understand what their student’s behavior really means and how to identify and resolve the issue. This series offers teachers the insight into the inner dynamics, conflicts, fears, symptoms, tension, and so on of students who may be experiencing difficulty learning or behaving in the classroom.

The Classroom Management Series provide teachers with practical guidelines covering a variety of topics and supportive information which may help improve their classroom.

Researched Based Journal in Special Education

A Journal of Research Based Articles in Special Education are provided courtesy of The Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals ( JAASEP ). Each issue contains articles that are derived from multiple authors and are based upon the latest research in our profession.

This series is devoted exclusively to students with severe disabilities. This series will cover all aspects of students with severe disabilities focusing especially on understanding this population and what skills and information are necessary if you are asked to teach this population of students.

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At NASET , we get many questions from our members about certain areas of interest.  The NASET Q & A Corner provides all members with the opportunities to have access to these questions, and more importantly, answers to them from professionals in the field.

This series is intended to provide teachers, related service personnel, administrators, and other individuals charged with assisting in the development of the paraprofessional workforce with information and strategies to build strong, effective, supportive teams to ensure successful educational services for all students.

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Special Learning House

Autism resources for exceptional families. Increase communication, learning and fun at home.

April 13, 2021

Teacher Appreciation Ideas for Special Education Teachers 2022

I’ve collected 25+ teacher appreciation ideas for 2022 for you! Teaching has looked quite a bit different since last year and teachers have come up against unexpected challenges. It’s been an adventure for everyone, and supporting children on the autism spectrum and children with other special needs is always a challenging and rewarding job. Let’s celebrate our teachers (and therapists, home aides, etc.!) with these teacher appreciation ideas for 2021.

Table of Contents

When is virtual teacher appreciation week?

In 2022, virtual teacher appreciation week will take place from May 2nd – May 6th, 2022.

Virtual Teacher Appreciation Ideas

To make the most of teacher appreciation week and to thank your child’s teachers virtually here are some fun ideas!

Create a thank you video

If your little one is speaking, record a video where he or she is saying “thank you”!

If your child isn’t speaking yet, that’s ok too. Record him or her playing with a favourite toy or game or if the teacher or therapist has been working on fine motor skills, record a short video showing your child holding a marker and drawing.

I can assure you your child’s teacher will love and be so proud of your little one’s progress.

Create a sideshow

If you’ve taken some photos throughout homeschooling and virtual sessions this past year, create a little slideshow for your child’s teacher.

Even if you haven’t been taking photos throughout the year, take some cute photos of your little one, his or her art projects and printables from this year and combine it all into a simple slideshow. What a beautiful, meaningful gift that doesn’t cost anything!

Draw a picture

Have your little one draw a special picture to gift his or her teacher. This will be especially well received if drawing and writing has been an IEP goal this year and is something your child may’ve struggled with but has progressed in.

Write a letter

If your child can write, maybe give a few writing prompts and present a special handwritten letter to your child’s teacher.

Create a teacher appreciation sign

Have you heard of teacher appreciation signs? Basically your child holds up a sign with a special message, like “thank you!”, or “you’re amazing!” or some other uplifting message of gratitude.

This would work perfectly for a virtual teacher celebration.

Teacher Appreciation Sign Ideas

• “Thank you!”
• “You’re AMAZING!”
• “I’m grateful for you!”
• “Thanks for everything you taught me this year!”
• “You’re an AMAZING teacher and I love you!”
• “Thank you for being YOU!”

Teacher Appreciation Week Themes

Why not celebrate every day all week long? Make it even more fun by choosing a different celebration them each day!

• Spa theme – give your child’s teacher a small spa themed gift each day such as a scented candle, a face mask or a lip balm.
• Candy theme – gift a different candy each day of the week!
• World surprises theme – choose a special little gift from a different country each day of the week.

Virtual Teacher Appreciation Gifts

What do teachers really want.

I can’t speak for all teachers, but I’m guessing your child’s teacher just wants to feel appreciated more than anything else. Any gift that says “I see you and I appreciate you!” will a welcome gift.

As an autism center owner, I have received so many lovely gifts over the years from drawings, to photo books, to videos, to foods from the families’ countries of origin, to cashmere scarves. I just appreciate that the family took the time to think about me and choose a special gift as a token of appreciation. That means the world to me!

How much should you spend on a teacher gift?

Choosing a thoughtful and personalized gift is more important than the cost of the gift, in my opinion, however, you may also want to consider how much time your child is spending with the teacher, therapist, classroom aide or home tutor.

If you are purchasing a gift for your child’s classroom aide who spends the entire day helping him or her thrive at school, you may want to spend a little more on really showing how much you value his or her support.

In general, parents typically spend $25-$50 per gift. If this seems like a high budget to you, don’t worry. Create a really thoughtful homemade gift instead. I’m sure your child’s teacher will cherish it!

A gift card

A gift card to a favorite place is such a treat! If you know your child’s teacher loves Starbucks get a card for there. Some other ideas? Give a gift card to a bath and body store for spa products, give a gift card for a nice restaurant, a spa day, a hair appointment, a manicure and pedicure or a massage. I’m sure your child’s teacher will love it!

An online course

If know your child’s teacher has been dreaming of traveling to Italy and has been wanting to learn Italian, why not gift them a virtual Italian class .

Udemy has courses on every subject and they are really reasonably priced and run regular sales! You can gift a course that can be accessed at any time in the future – no need to sign up for specific dates.

You may also want to consider purchasing one of my autism courses to help them in their work.

The Autism Activities Bundle

Why not my hugely popular Autism Activities Bundle for the teacher in your child’s life? Teachers, therapists and school aides are often short on time. They want to offer their little students the best activities possible, but creating activities takes a huge amount of time.

You can purchase the activities bundle and give them immediate access to 50+ printable autism activities that they can use in their classroom, therapy practice or online over and over again!

Bookshop.org has a wonderful selection of books from independent bookstores and publishers. Take a peek at the selection if you know a bit about your teacher’s interests or select one of the cute teacher appreciation books below to show your teacher appreciation.

I think a journal is such a thoughtful gift. Your child’s teacher can use it to write down ideas and inspirations throughout the day, to record experiences during a special trip

A bottle of wine

Your child’s teacher may be in need of wine (LOL). Just kidding. Wine can be a nice gift that your little one’s teacher can share with a husband or wife or if the teacher doesn’t drink alcohol, it’s also a gift that can be passed on. Make it even more personal with a funny personalized wine label .

A “spa at home” box

I love this idea! Gather some lovely spa products for your child’s teacher to enjoy a spa day or evening at home. Some ideas? You could buy a beautiful basket and fill it with bubble bath, soap, a face mask, a body scrub, some tea or coffee, nail polish or anything else you think would be a hit!

Books that celebrate teachers

A letter to my teacher by deborah hopkinson, here comes teacher cat by deborah underwood, teachers rule mad libs by laura marchesani, more autism posts.

• Earth Day Activities for Kids
• Free Autism Resources
• Autism Chew Toys
• Virtual Field Trips
• Sensory Boxes for Autism
• Light Table Activities
• Fidgets for Autistic Students
• Printable Social Stories
• Autism Courses for Teachers

More Autism Resources

• The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course  – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
• Autism Activities Workbook Bundle  – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
• Sensory Communication Workbook  – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
• How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook  – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
• Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle  – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!

I hope you love this teacher appreciation week ideas! How will you be celebrating the teachers, therapists and school aides in your child’s life this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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Special Education Teacher (La Palma) at Beacon Day School

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Date Posted

Number of openings, length of work year, employment type, job summary.

**If intern - candidate should be pursuing intern eligibility or hold an emergency teacher credential. Beacon Day School’s (BDS) mission is to be a center of research, learning and sharing of evidence-based practices for students with autism and related disorders that enables Beacon Day School to be the leader in providing integrative, educational care in a safe, nurturing, and compassionate environment. We are a progressive, educational community composed of compassionate and highly trained professionals, dedicated and informed parents, and most importantly, diverse, hardworking students who inspire our commitment to serving their needs and facilitating their growth across all domains on a daily basis. If you’re someone who enjoys meaningful work in a culture that values excellence, respect, collaboration, integrity, diversity, equity and inclusion – we should talk. Summary The Teacher is responsible for providing specialized academic services directly to the students enrolled at Beacon Day School Special Education program, as well as collaborating with their parents and the IEP team regarding the implementation of the Individual Education Plan. The employee will deliver effective academic instruction in line with Beacon Day School approved academic curriculum, state standards and student IEPs. The Substitute Teacher will support CEO as well as collaborate with administrative staff under the direction of the CEO, serve as a professional resources and model behavior to classroom staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Develops lesson plans and instructional material according to BDS academic curriculum requirements and procedures Implements and maintains treatment/intervention plans Collaborates with school personnel and parents on educational/behavioral services plan Participates in transporting students during community-based instruction Collaborates with school and district medical personnel on medical care protocols if necessary S

Requirements / Qualifications

CA Teaching Credential or eligible for internship with mod to severe certification or autism certification

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21 Best Special Education Teacher Gifts, According to a SpEd Teacher

Special gifts for special teachers.

Special education teachers have a unique job. They’re busy balancing teaching, IEP meetings, paperwork, lesson planning, and collaborating with multiple grade-level teams, and they handle it all with grace and a dose of humor. A note of appreciation or a handmade gift go a long way to show SpEd teachers how much you appreciate them. They especially love to hear how their work impacts students and families. While gifts are not expected, if you do have a SpEd teacher you’re shopping for, here are 21 special education teacher gifts that any SpEd teacher would love.

Note: Be sure to check the school’s policy on gifts before deciding what to give.

Best Special Education Teacher Gifts

Special education teachers are always on the lookout for new fidgets. Check out this list of fidgets , these spinner rings , and this list of fidgets to help students (and teachers) calm down .

Buy it: Fidget set

2. Your Words Matter T-shirt

Special education teachers have opinions about IEPs, FAPE, autism awareness, and all things SpEd. Give your favorite special education teacher a T-shirt that reflects their words to live by.

Buy it: Your Words Matter shirt

3. All Kinds of Minds print

Frame this print that sums up special education teachers’ work for an office or desk decoration.

Buy it: All Kinds of Minds print

4. Statement stickers

Stickers that can be put on laptops, water bottles, or bulletin boards and communicate the messages special education teachers want to send are a great way to appreciate a special education teacher.

Buy it: Computer sticker or Special Education Crew stickers at Amazon

5. Dry-erase markers

A special education teacher can never have enough dry-erase markers. Repeat, we will never (ever) say no to a pack of markers.

Buy it: Dry-erase markers

6. Teacher stamp

There are some really cool teacher stamps on the market right now, including this one that lets teachers check how a student completed their work. It’s a quick way to track accommodations in the moment.

Buy it: Teacher stamp

7. SpEd survival kit

Fill a bag with the supplies a special education teacher uses throughout the day. That could be PBIS tickets, visual schedule cards , lip balm, candy, and so much more.

Buy it: Special education makeup bag

8. Time Timer

This is an essential special education classroom tool. Even if the special education teacher on your list already has one, they can always use another one (or the desk version).

Buy it: Time Timer

9. Coffee mug or tumbler

Special education teachers are always caffeinated, either with coffee or soda, so a fun mug or tumbler is a great gift.

Buy it: Special education mug, Teacher tumbler

10. Pen set

Every special education teacher has tons of pens at the ready for signing all the forms. Turn the pens into conversation pieces with this set.

Buy it: Inspirational quote pens

11. Table spots

These table spots are great for working with kids who need visual reminders as they’re working, as well as for teachers who may have to teach small groups in various locations.

Buy it: Table spots

12. Personalized note

A note of appreciation won’t go unnoticed. Special education teachers remember all the notes that students and parents have given them.

Buy it: Stationery set

13. Handmade goodies

Cookies, brownies, and cake—yes please! Special education teachers like all the treats.

Get it: Directions for this smart cookie gift

14. At-home manicure

A fun nail color and accompaniments (file, nail polish remover) are a great way to appreciate special education teachers with a mini manicure.

Get it: Printable gift tag

15. Sticky note set

When special education teachers are not teaching, they’re running around trying to get people to review and sign documents. These adorable sticky notes would make that ask much easier.

Buy it: Sticky notes

16. Tote bag

A bag the perfect size to carry papers, notebooks, fidgets, visual schedules, and reward systems!

Buy it: Special education tote bag

17. Photo frame

A frame for desk or home with the perfect message for a special education teacher, because we’re all advocates too.

Buy it: Photo frame

18. Aromatherapy

After a long day at school, special education teachers are experts at unwinding. An aromatherapy candle like this one is just the ticket.

Buy it: Aromatherapy candle

19. Sugar scrub

Because after writing IEPs all day, special education teachers can use a little spa-style relaxation.

Buy it: Sugar scrub

20. Visual rules key chain

Each year, a teacher’s visual rules key chain needs to be replaced. So a key chain like this one with various rule prompts would definitely get used.

Buy it : Visual rules key chain

21. Lanyard

This detachable lanyard would be a great addition to any special education teacher’s school uniform.

Buy it: Special education lanyard

Looking for more gifts for teachers? Check out Best Teacher Gifts in Every Price Range .

Which special education teacher gifts are your favorites come share in the we are teachers helpline group on facebook..

You Might Also Like

Here’s everything that should go in your teacher survival kit.

It'll be your secret fix-it box! Continue Reading

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What is a Special Education Teacher?

Learn about the role of Special Education Teacher, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.

• What is a Special Education Teacher
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Start Your Special Education Teacher Career with Teal

Definition of a Special Education Teacher

What does a special education teacher do, key responsibilities of a special education teacher.

• Assessing students' abilities and crafting individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet their specific needs.
• Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a supportive network for each student.
• Adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to suit different learning styles and disabilities.
• Implementing IEPs, monitoring student progress, and adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Managing classroom behavior through the use of positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques.
• Providing one-on-one or small group instruction to facilitate personalized learning experiences.
• Utilizing assistive technology and other resources to enhance learning outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Advocating for students' rights and ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws regarding special education.
• Conducting ongoing assessments to evaluate student progress and the effectiveness of instructional strategies.
• Participating in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in special education.
• Communicating regularly with parents and guardians to discuss student achievements and challenges.
• Creating a classroom atmosphere that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning for all students.

Day to Day Activities for Special Education Teacher at Different Levels

Daily responsibilities for entry-level special education teachers.

• Implementing lesson plans tailored to individual student needs
• Assessing student abilities and monitoring progress
• Collaborating with general education teachers to support inclusive practices
• Assisting with the development and adjustment of IEPs under supervision
• Managing classroom behavior and implementing intervention strategies
• Engaging in professional development to improve teaching techniques

Daily Responsibilities for Mid-Level Special Education Teachers

• Designing and modifying curriculum to meet diverse learning needs
• Leading IEP meetings and collaborating with parents and service providers
• Conducting formal and informal assessments to inform instruction
• Developing behavior management plans and implementing positive behavior supports
• Advocating for students and ensuring compliance with special education laws
• Mentoring new teachers and sharing best practices in special education

Daily Responsibilities for Senior Special Education Teachers

• Guiding the school's special education program and policy implementation
• Managing complex student cases and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
• Leading professional development for staff on special education topics
• Collaborating with school administration on special education resources and staffing
• Participating in district-level planning and advocacy for special education services
• Conducting research and staying current with advances in special education practices

Types of Special Education Teachers

Early childhood special education teacher, resource room special education teacher, inclusion special education teacher, special education teacher for specific disabilities, transition special education teacher, behavioral support special education teacher, what's it like to be a special education teacher , special education teacher work environment, special education teacher working conditions, how hard is it to be a special education teacher, is a special education teacher a good career path, faqs about special education teachers, how do special education teachers collaborate with other teams within a company, what are some common challenges faced by special education teachers, what does the typical career progression look like for special education teachers.

How To Become a Special Education Teacher in 2024

Related Career Paths

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Shaping young minds, fostering creativity and curiosity in early education stages

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Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Is Finally Improving. Will It Last?

The Hawaii Department of Education has the lowest number of teacher vacancies the state has seen since 2019, but schools may experience a surge in retirements in the coming years.

As a student at Lahainaluna High School, Jonah Basurto never had enough teachers to cover all his classes. Teachers would leave partway through the year, requiring substitutes or counselors to take their place, and when the school was short-staffed, students would be sent to the cafeteria. 

Sometimes, over 100 students would gather in the room to complete their assignments or, more often, play games and watch movies on their phones and computers, Basurto said. 

“It was just a hangout spot, every day,” said Basurto, who attended Lahainaluna until last spring. 

Hawaii’s high cost of living and isolated location have made recruiting and retaining qualified teachers a long-term challenge for the state. The Covid-19 pandemic only exacerbated the problem when thousands of Hawaii teachers left the classroom, citing concerns about health and the challenges of providing online instruction.

But Hawaii schools may be seeing some relief for the first time in years. When students returned to classes last week, the Hawaii Department of Education had just 166 unfilled teaching positions. In comparison, DOE recorded over 1,000 vacancies in August 2022. 

Some principals are hopeful that the teacher workforce is beginning to stabilize and grow, reducing the scramble for new hires at the start of every year. A new contract from the teacher's union is providing veterans with greater pay incentives to stay in the classroom, and the state has also ramped up its employment of educators from the Philippines and other countries.

At the same time, the state is reducing its reliance on emergency hires, who have a college degree but have not completed the coursework or teaching experience needed for a state license. DOE currently employs 342 emergency hires, compared to over 580 last year.

Communications director Nanea Ching said the department is working to help emergency hires become licensed teachers by connecting them with education courses and preparation programs at local colleges. Emergency hires in the DOE have up to three years to earn their teaching licenses.

Keoni Wilhelm, principal at Baldwin High School on Maui, said he’s seeing signs of progress with the teacher shortage. Over the past few years, he added, he’s consistently needed to find substitutes or emergency hires to staff the school, and administrators would sometimes combine classes and teach multiple courses at a time when there were no teachers available. 

With recent changes to Baldwin’s class schedule and new recruitment tactics, Wilhelm said he’s finally starting the school year fully staffed without any emergency hires.

“I am cautiously optimistic,” Wilhelm said.

Multiple Points Of Improvement

There’s no single factor explaining the recent decline in teacher vacancies. The number of new hires — just over 1,230 — is comparable to past school years, and the total number of DOE teachers has remained at roughly 13,000 since 2019.

But some principals say teacher retention seems to be improving, requiring them to search for fewer educators each year. At the height of the pandemic, nearly 1,200 teachers were leaving the department annually.

Some teachers were worried about their health as they returned to in-person instruction, while others struggled to support students who didn’t know how to socialize or behave in the classroom after online learning, said Derek Minakami, a principal at Kaneohe Elementary. 

Now, Minakami added, teachers seem happier and have more motivation to stay in schools for longer. Under HSTA’s new contract, veteran teachers can increase their pay to over $100,000 beginning next year by taking professional development classes and moving up DOE’s salary scale. 

Many teachers who are considering retirement will likely stay in the DOE for a few more years to qualify for the pay raise, said Osa Tui Jr., president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.  

“If you can focus on increasing the pay, you can increase the quality of people coming into the job,” he said. 

Other schools have found success by searching for educators internationally. DOE hired 122 new teachers from outside the United States this year, with many employees coming from the Philippines. While most new hires don’t arrive with a state teacher's license, they come to Hawaii with classroom experience from the Philippines and can stay in the state for up to five years.  

The department welcomed roughly 80 teachers from the Philippines at the start of the last school year. 

Baldwin High School currently has seven educators from the Philippines who have earned their teaching licenses, Wilhelm said. The staff members are committed to serving Hawaii students and have quickly embraced the school’s culture, he added. 

“They’re fabulous,” Wilhelm said. “They love kids.”

Long-Term Solutions Remain Elusive

But Hawaii is still searching for sustainable ways to grow the pool of qualified teachers. Past initiatives like introducing teacher bonuses have seen limited success. 

In 2020, DOE introduced annual bonuses to incentivize licensed teachers to work in special education and Hawaiian immersion classrooms, as well as hard-to-staff areas like Waianae and Nanakuli. 

But while the $10,000 bonus for special education teachers has motivated existing educators to move into special education positions, it hasn't had a significant impact on retention, said Roddy Theobald, deputy director of the Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research. It's too early to tell if salary raises are encouraging more people to enter teaching, he added, but the recent decline in special education vacancies is largely due to staff shifting positions within the DOE.

Even still, the bonuses have helped to target a critical area of the teacher shortage, said Dale Fryxell, dean of Chaminade University’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. It can be intimidating for new teachers to begin their careers in special education classrooms, he added, and veteran teachers often have the training and experience needed to make a successful transition to leading special education classes.

Hawaii students are interested in becoming teachers, as long as they have a clear pathway to earning a license, Fryxell added. Over 300 students recently applied for Chaminade scholarships covering the full cost of a bachelor’s degree in education, he said, and he’s hopeful that Hawaii’s new apprenticeship program will significantly reduce the costs of earning a teacher’s license. 

 “If there’s money available, there’s people who are interested,” Fryxell said. 

Tui said the state needs to find more permanent solutions to keep experienced teachers in classrooms. He added that he expects a wave of veteran teachers to retire in the next few years, putting another strain on staffing in Hawaii schools.

“We’re on the precipice of a big drop-off,” Tui said. 

Civil Beat’s education reporting is supported by a grant from Chamberlin Family Philanthropy.

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Megan Tagami is a reporter covering education for Civil Beat. You can reach her by email at [email protected]

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Bowser Administration Celebrates First Apprentices in New Teacher Training Program

(Washington, DC) – Today, at a Signing Day event, the Bowser Administration will celebrate the inaugural cohort of apprentices participating in the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) first-ever citywide Apprenticeship in Teaching program. This Apprenticeship in Teaching program provides cost-free pathways for District paraprofessionals and District high school graduates to become certified teachers in DC’s high-demand subject areas, including early childhood, elementary, or special education.

“The Apprenticeship in Teaching program is a fantastic concept – support people who know our kids, who care about our kids, and who want to become teachers in our schools,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “By removing financial barriers and building pathways specifically for high-demand subject areas, this is a win for our entire public school system.”    

Launched in spring 2024, the OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching program offers a pathway for current paraprofessionals to enter the teaching profession. In the 2024-25 school year, 50 apprentices will engage in on-the-job learning during the day while taking coursework in the evenings to earn bachelor’s degrees through the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). Apprentices are currently serving at 23 DC Public Schools (DCPS) and 27 public charter local education agencies

“We have talented paraprofessionals across the District who know our students, want a chance to lead their own classrooms, and are seeking support to do so,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell. “The apprenticeship program keeps them in their current schools and classrooms and covers their tuition so they can focus on developing the skills and knowledge they will need to help our students succeed.” 

Throughout their time in the program, OSSE, UDC, and school leaders will monitor apprentices’ progress in demonstrating readiness to lead their own classrooms. Apprentices will work toward proficiency in OSSE-developed on-the-job competencies that highlight the key skills and concepts necessary to be effective new teachers. Upon completion of the program, which may take between one and four years depending on an apprentice’s prior higher educational credits, apprentices will be eligible for an OSSE standard teaching credential in one of three citywide high-demand subject areas: elementary, early childhood, or special education. Apprentices in the 2024 cohort work in both DCPS and public charter schools across the District and have, on average, five years of paraprofessional experience. 

“We are proud to partner with OSSE to launch this innovative pathway into the teaching profession,” said University of the District of Columbia Acting Associate Dean of Academics Dr. Anika Burtin. “Today, we join the national movement to redefine how high-quality teachers are recruited and prepared. We know there are many talented paraprofessionals working in DC schools who are eager to become teachers. We are excited to work with them through this program that provides the access and resources needed to pursue their dream.”

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) DC Apprenticeship Council approved the OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching program as a registered apprenticeship on April 12, 2024. Applications from prospective candidates were accepted between May 17 and June 14, 2024, and OSSE received significant interest in the program, with more than 400 applications submitted in just four weeks. 

“Apprenticeships are an alternative way to develop practical teaching skills and knowledge acquired on the job,” said DOES Director Unique Morris-Hughes. “This program eliminates barriers and offers more accessible, cost-free pathways to becoming certified teachers, strengthening the District's educator workforce pipeline.” 

At tonight’s Signing Day event, held at OSSE Headquarters, OSSE will officially welcome the first cohort of apprentices. The event will include a recognition of the apprentices and their school leaders, an overview of the program, and highlight the partnership between OSSE, UDC, and DOES that makes the program possible. The event will also feature a panel of DCPS and public charter school teachers, including past DC Teachers of the Year, who will offer guidance and advice to apprentices. Finally, the cohort will sign their OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching contracts and publicly commit to serving District students upon completion of the program. Superintendent Dr. Mitchell, as well as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Elizabeth Ross, and Director Dr. Morris-Hughes will offer remarks.

The Bowser Administration has made education a priority and OSSE has made key investments in initiatives to build the educator workforce in response to citywide trends, as part of its 2023-2025 strategic plan priority of Advancing Excellence. The OSSE Apprenticeship in Teaching program is a critical component of OSSE’s strategic approach to bolstering the District’s educator workforce pipeline. The program design builds upon learnings from other OSSE teacher preparation initiatives. 

For more information on this program, visit OSSE’s Apprenticeship in Teaching webpage . To learn more about DC’s educator workforce data and teacher preparation initiatives, please visit OSSE’s Educator Pipelines, Preparation and Support webpage .  

Mayor Bowser X:  @MayorBowser Mayor Bowser Instagram:  @Mayor_Bowser Mayor Bowser Facebook:  facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser Mayor Bowser YouTube:  https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos

Special Education Guide

What Special Education Teachers Do

Job description.

The special education teacher wears many hats. Unlike other teachers who focus primarily on academics, the special education teacher serves both as an educator and as an advocate for students with special needs. His or her schedule is divided among planning, instruction, assessing students and managing their individualized education programs (IEPs).

The job is demanding, and it requires the teacher to juggle many responsibilities. These can include scheduling, attending and following up after IEP meetings, writing IEPs with attainable and measurable goals, tracking and reporting student progress on IEP goals, providing guidance to general education teachers who wish to accommodate students, administering assessments, day-to-day classroom management, planning and instructing, managing and evaluating instructional assistants and other paraprofessionals, developing behavior management plans and more.

A Day in the Life

Although most teaching unions negotiate eight-hour work schedules for teachers, it is not uncommon for special education teachers to work well beyond this standard. The following is an example of a typical day in the life of a special education teacher.

• Hour 1: Arrive at school one hour before students arrive. Manage administrative tasks, respond to parent emails, check in with the front office, write the daily schedule on the board and prepare the classroom for students’ arrival.
• Hour 2: Manage start-of-day tasks and delegate to instructional assistants as needed. Prepare students for learning, read or listen to announcements, collect homework, review the daily schedule, assign learning groups, etc.
• Preparing lessons for instructional assistants.
• Delivering whole-group instruction.
• Facilitating small-group learning.
• Meeting with students to assess progress on goals.
• Offering intensive, one-on-one academic or behavioral support.
• Assessing students for progress on IEP goals.
• Collecting data and adding it to IEP files.
• Offering support and guidance to general education teachers.
• Hour 6: Manage end-of-day tasks and delegate to instructional assistants as needed. Tidy the classroom and plan and preparr for the following day.
• Hour 7: Attend an IEP meeting for a current student on caseload. Review progress on goals, write new goals and address parental or administrative concerns. Ensure that the new IEP is signed by all necessary parties and duplicate paperwork and distribute to parents, administrators, school district, general education teachers and the special education department.
• Hour 8: Manage administrative tasks: contact parents, teachers and administrators to schedule IEP meetings, respond to parent emails and phone calls.
• Hour 9: Additional tasks that may include lesson planning, grading, filing, staff meetings, extracurricular or adjunct duties and other requirements.

General Licensing Requirements

Though specific teaching license requirements vary from state to state, federal legislation via the No Child Left Behind Act requires special education teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and to complete a teaching preparation program that includes supervised student teaching. Upon successful completion of an accredited program, prospective teachers can apply for a preliminary credential, which generally expires after five years. To obtain a “clear” or permanent credential, teachers must complete continuing education courses and serve as a classroom teacher for two or more years.

Some states or districts also offer “emergency credentials” for teachers who are willing to take hard-to-fill positions. In this case, the teacher forgoes the unpaid student teaching requirement and assumes all the responsibilities of a teaching position while completing credential classes after school hours. Though this option may appeal to individuals who need a steady income, it can be especially grueling because it places the newest and most inexperienced teachers in some of the most challenging classrooms.

For more information about specific licensing by state, visit the teacher certification section of the Special Education Guide website.

Areas of Specialization

Special education is a fluid and evolving discipline. As the educational community learns more about individual students, it attempts to categorize and define their needs; teachers can complete preparation programs and internships specifically designed to prepare them for meeting those needs.

Special education credential specializations include:

Early Childhood Credential

This credential authorizes teachers to work with students from birth to pre-kindergarten. Students may have a range of cognitive or physical disabilities.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Teachers who hold mild/moderate special education credentials often work in resource specialist programs (RSPs) or special day classes (SDCs). Their students usually have mild academic or behavioral difficulties, and can often be very successful with limited or moderate special education intervention. Generally, this credential authorizes a teacher to work with students from kindergarten through age 22.

Moderate/Severe Disabilities

With a moderate/severe credential, teachers can work in fully contained classrooms. These rooms generally offer basic and functional skills instruction for students with severe cognitive or physical disabilities. Generally, this credential authorizes a teacher to work with students from kindergarten through age 22.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DoHH)

This credential authorizes teachers to support students who qualify as DoHH. Students may range from those without cognitive impairments to those with severe and multiple disabilities. Many DoHH teachers work at multiple sites, advising classroom teachers on accommodations and assistive technology.

Visual Impairment (VI)

With the VI credential, teachers can work with students who are partially or fully blind, from those without cognitive impairments to those with severe and multiple disabilities. Many VI teachers work at multiple sites, advising classroom teachers on accommodations and assistive technology. Other sub-specializations include Braille teachers and orientation and mobility experts.

Many states offer additional specializations, including credentials in autism, physical and health impairments, behavior and more.

Previous and Next Steps: Special Education Teachers on the Career Path

Special education teachers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some complete general education teacher preparation programs and find more employment opportunities in special education. Others have children or relatives with special needs, and choose the career as a way to make positive educational changes for those with disabilities. Regardless, all special education teachers hold bachelor’s degrees, and those who teach at the high school level generally have bachelor’s degrees in one of the four core subjects: English, history, mathematics or science.

Many special education teachers remain very happy in their roles and complete 30 years of educational service inside the classroom. Others go on to be special education coordinators, school district administrators, directors of educational departments, consultants and even educational advocates and lobbyists.

If you’re a teacher looking to advance your career with a special education degree, check out our comprehensive list of master’s degree programs by state focused on special education.

National Organizations of Interest

The following organizations serve the interests and needs of special education teachers:

•   The National Association of Special Education Teachers
•   Council for Exceptional Children
•   National Center for Special Education Research

World Teachers' Day 2024 and eighth edition of the awarding of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development

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In 2024, World Teachers' Day will focus on the theme "Valuing teachers' voices: Towards a new social contract for education." This year's celebrations will emphasize the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the future of education and the urgent need to incorporate their perspectives into educational policy and decision-making processes.

The day will begin with an opening ceremony led by UNESCO’s Director-General, featuring messages from the co-convening agencies: the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and Education International. This will set the stage for a series of discussions and activities centered around enhancing the role of teachers and recognizing their contributions to education.

The event will include the awarding ceremony of the Eighth edition of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development and a panel where teachers will share their insights and experiences. The discussions will emphasize the importance of teachers' participation in decision-making processes and the need to create a dignified and respected teaching profession.

Interpretation will be available in French, English, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese.

Provisional programme

Morning session

• 10:00 - 10:30 CET - Official opening ceremony
• 10:30 - 11:00 CET - Keynote address Valuing Teachers’ voices: a new social contract for education by Prof. Lis Lange, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
• 11:00 - 12:15 CET - Teachers have their say
• 12:15 - 12:30 CET - Conclusion Closing remarks acknowledging teacher voices

Afternoon session

• 14:30 - 17:00 CET - Awarding ceremony of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development
• 18:00 - 19:45 CET - Film screening (TBC)

Details of the programme and registration will be available shortly.

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Home > Special Education & Autism Resources > Structured Learning Classroom Set-Up > Special Education Classroom Daily Schedule Templates

Special Education Classroom Daily Schedule Templates

Are you looking for a way to keep your daily staffing and student schedules organized? Check out our daily classroom schedule templates and corresponding samples for inspiration!

Educators have a lot of responsibilities throughout the school day. From student goal work, one-on-one instruction, and coverages in various parts of the school, it can be a challenge to keep up with each day’s routines.

Incorporating visual schedules and detailed instructions broken out by time frames, class subject, or for each student/staff member can help keep everything organized.

Bonus Tip: Display your daily schedules and coverages in an easy-to-access area in your classroom that is visible to all of your classroom staff and students as appropriate.

The special education resources on this page were authored by Watson Institute’s special education consultant, Andee Morris, M.Ed.

Staffing Templates

Staff Organization Schedule [Template]

Lunch & Recess Staff Coverage [Color-coded Sample]

Staff Schedule – 3 Column [Sample]

To Do Checklist [Blank Template]

Staff Coverage – 8 Period Schedule [Color-coded Sample]

Staff Coverage – 8 Period Schedule [Template]

Staff Instructions by Class Period [Sample]

Staff Responsibilities for 8 Class Periods [Sample]

Classroom Schedule Templates

Student Academic Schedule – 3 Column [Sample]

Individual Student Schedule [Template]

Individual Student Schedule [Sample]

Daily Plans and Schedule – Days of the Week [Sample]

Daily Plans and Schedule – Days of Week [Template]

Daily Plans and Schedule – Days of Week [Excel]

Planning Sheet Student Schedule Adult Roles [Sample]

Student Schedule for a Classroom of 8 [Sample]

If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us .

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Helping Special Education Teachers Deliver Effective Interventions

Together, we can make planning your small intervention groups EASIER!  Download a free week

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The Special Education Teacher Planner

FINALLY! A planner created just for us. ❤️

The struggle to find a good special education planner is REAL! 

Our wants and needs are different than general education teachers. Plus, we have SO many meetings and important dates to track. 

In this  special education teacher planner , you’ll find: 

• Monthly Calendars for July 2025-August 2026
• Evaluation Checklists
• RTI Checklists

This planner is designed for the special education teacher, because you’ll have sections of the planner that will include space to record your annuals and evaluations that are due each month. 

Let me be honest with you, I was a *picky* planner shopper for many years. I didn’t need a HUGE planner that was an inch and a half thick. So, here is what the planner is NOT: 🥴

• A Lesson Plan Book (Come on, it’s 2024…use your computer for that. 😂)
• A Notebook (While there are a few pages for notes, this doesn’t have an endless supply for meeting notes.)
• Big and Bulky

If that fits your needs, then I invite you to grab yours. You’ll love it!

Feeling stuck writing your IEPs? Download the 10 IEP Writing Commandments for FREE here!

A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher

Being a special education teacher, our jobs are pretty special. No pun intended.

We have a lot of fun teaching and learning from our friends. Our job is tough, though, and some days the word “tough” doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’ll be honest – some days we just survive. And that’s okay.

But it’s those moments in time that happen each day… the little laughs, the things our kids say and do, the things we start saying and doing, and so much more that just make our job so much fun.

Yes, even on the tough days.

And a lot of us say we should keep track of what our students say and write a book with it. I know that no two books would be identical, but man… we all experience the same stuff.

So let the hilarity ensue…

But first, thank you to everyone in The Special Ed Squad Facebook group for helping curate this amazing, hilarious, yet completely relatable account of what we special education teachers go through on a daily basis. We are not alone!

7:01 Arrive at school 44 minutes before the students arrive.

7:06 Begin running around like a madwoman because all of the copiers are out of toner, and you have an IEP meeting during your planning period at 9:30AM.

7:10 Restart your computer because you can’t connect to the district WIFI, and you can’t log in to the IEP system.

7: 15 Get a text from one paraprofessional that he will be out today. He already told admin, and admin said they would “handle it”.

7:21 Get the IEP system loaded, only to realize you changed your password two days ago and now can’t remember it.

7:28 Finally get the IEP paperwork printed to your personal classroom printer. Your printer is now out of paper.

7:31 Get a text from admin that both of your paraprofessionals are out today. And there are no subs available.

7:32 Pick yourself up off the floor. You’re the adult. Kids will be here in T minus 13 minutes.

7:40 Get an email from a parent who wants to schedule a conference to talk about Marsha’s progress. And she wants to see the child’s full school file. At 3:30 today. Sharp.

7:44 Run to the bus circle to get your students off the bus.

7:45 Students get off the bus. One is chewing on his left shoe. One had an explosive BM and needs changed, yesterday. One forgot her glasses. And one is crying because he is hungry.

7:48 Students are in a line, sort of, so now we can all walk back to the classroom.

7:49 Student is chewing on the right shoe now. Put student’s shoe back on.

7:52 Get to classroom. Put student’s shoe back on. Tell the other student to go to the bathroom. Admin walks in to let you know there will be a fire drill at some point today.

8:07 Run around to find the student who didn’t make it to class before the bell and is just roaming the halls.

8:25 Join general ed classroom for morning meeting. We’re a few minutes late, it’s cool.

8:31 Take student A to the nurse because student B bit her on the back of the neck.

9:13 Try to calm down a frantic child who heard another teacher mention the fire drill.

9:20 Put student D’s shoes back on. Carry crying student C who refuses to walk. Hope and pray that the rest of your students are following you back to the classroom.

9:25 Time for specials. Drop students off at specials with a fill-in teacher for your para because you have an IEP meeting (otherwise, you wouldn’t get your planning time today).

9:28 Leave the gym to run and grab your IEP paperwork.

9:30 Arrive at the IEP meeting.

WHO KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON IN SPECIALS?! …but we know 😉

10:00 IEP meeting lasts your entire planning. You’ll have to pee later.

10:00 Specials are over. Go pick up the kids.

10:04 Front office calls to remind you to take attendance.

10:10 Make it back to the classroom to start reading groups.

10:17 You make it outside with all of your students. You’re all in one piece. It’s fine kids, lay down. No, don’t run. It’s not time for recess. No, stay here. Okay, let me hold your hand. And your hand. Yulia put your shoes back on please. No, don’t throw your shoe. On. Shoe on. … …

10:31 A student is not accounted for and can’t be found. You’re wondering how much longer.

10:47 Student is found in the teacher’s classroom bathroom. All call, now you can go back in.

10:52 Make it back inside. Now it’s time to get ready for lunch.

10:53 Start the potty and handwashing routine. You hope no one is washing their hands in the potty.

10:57 Record timing for lining up. They must be hungry today.

11:00 Lunch.

11:15 As you are attending student needs at lunch, the speech pathologist finds you and wants to speak about Frank’s session. You offer suggestions.

11:30 Lunch is over. Begin cleaning up with students.

11:39 Line up and make your way back to the classroom.

11:40 Get stopped in the hallway by a general ed teacher who has a student melting down. Admin told the teacher to bring the child to you because you “are the only one available”.

11:44 Make it back to the classroom.

11:45 Put melting down student in the Calm Down Area.

11:47 Front office calls to remind you to take attendance. Again.

11:49 Student who was melting down is now calm. Tell the child he can go back to his classroom. Child begins melting down again.

11:55 Send melting down student back to class.

12:00 Computer / iPad time.

COMPUTER TIME RUNS SMOOTHLY. (That is if you have enough devices for students to be 1:1).

12:30 Sensory / Motor Lab.

12:45 Recess.

12:49 Another teacher says, “Mrs. DeLussey… your one child just took his pants off!”

12:53 Find student under the slide chewing on both shoes this time. Put shoes back on.

1:00 Story time.

1:04 Admin stops in for an informal observation.

1:07 Finish the story and try to transition to Math centers, while having students take a bathroom break.

1:14 Chase student around the classroom. Another student takes her shoes off and starts running around the room.

1:15 Catch student one. Send to the bathroom to throw away used diaper.

1:16 Catch second student. Put shoes back on student and put student back in center.

1:28 Admin gets up to leave. Reminds you of the staff meeting after school today.

1:29 Walk calmly to your desk to retrieve a small Reese’s cup from your secret candy stash. You remain calm. You don’t want students to know you have chocolate.

1:34 Student A just bit Student E. Call the nurse and she responds, “Who got hurt now?”

1:40 Snack.

1:42 Student has meltdown because she wants goldfish crackers and you offered carrots.

1:50 OT comes in.

1:53 PT comes in.

2:00 Speech Path comes in.

2:07 Receive email from teacher asking if you have an IEP for a student who is not on your caseload.

2:30 Start potty routine. For the sake of this… let’s just pretend it goes slowly.

2:42 Begin dismissal routine. Clean up. Backpacks. Jackets. All shoes are on. We’re lining up. And we’re late to the bus. Again.

3:10 Run down the hallway carrying freshly cleaned up student to get him on the bus. His bus is the first in line, and no other buses can leave until the first bus pulls out.

… this time is sort of a blur.

3:30 Go to front office to see if parent has arrived yet. (Mind you, you are missing the staff meeting now).

3:38 Parent has still not arrived. Call parent. No answer. (Still missing the staff meeting.)

3:44 Parent calls and needs to reschedule for tomorrow. Reschedule.

3:45 Head to the staff meeting.

4:05 The room is quiet, all of the kids made it home safely, and you finally have a moment to breathe and look at the chaos that surrounds you. You think about your day, and you just laugh. You heart is full, but your brain is dead.

… and we will just leave it at 4:05PM. The end of the contract day. Not the end of our day. #letsbehonest

There’s clean up. Prepping for tomorrow. Making a pot of coffee. Sanitizing all the things. Closing out of all the apps. Finding the two missing visual

But seriously. What a day.

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Resources for special education

Resource type.

Executive Functioning and Study Skills School Counseling Group & SEL Activities

The Odyssey An Adapted Novel w/ Unit: Struggling Readers w Reading Comprehension

Preschool Fine Motor Printable Activities for April Morning Tubs | Bins

11 Colors Bundle: Interactive PowerPoints /Digital Resource Prek, TK, K, Spec Ed

Morning Adapted Work Binder® (for Special Needs) | Adapted Morning Work

Reading Intervention Binder for Beginning Readers No Prep ELA SOR Aligned

Kindergarten High Frequency Sight Word Practice Sentences & Guided Reading Game

First Then Board & Visual Schedule Flipbooks (EDITABLE) for Special Education

Phonics Reading Comprehension Passages Phonics Worksheets With Digital Resources

Build A Tiny House! Project Based Learning for Geometry and Math

The Life-Changing Special Education Bundle (visual schedules, handouts, visuals)

Self-Control Lessons for SEL, Self-Regulation, and Executive Functioning Skills

Social Skills Printables for Students with Autism & Similar Special Needs

Inferencing and Predicting Using Real Pictures | Speech Language Therapy

Fine Motor Skills Task Boxes - Morning Tubs - Fine Motor Activities

Visual Schedule - Editable Visual Student Classroom Daily Schedules Cards

Executive Functioning Skills MEGA Bundle - Lessons & Activities for Full Year

Budget Worksheets - Do you have Enough Money? Life Skill Math for Special Ed

WH Question Cards Visuals | WH Questions | Speech Therapy | Special Education

Calm Down Kit- Social Emotional Learning Strategies and Visual Supports

Token Boards - Visual for Positive Behavior (Reward Chart) "I Am Working For"

Daily Parent Communication Logs/ Sheets (Special Education + Pre K)

Editable Visual Schedule for Special Education | Autism

BUNDLE: First Then Board & Visual Schedule Flip Books (clipart + real pictures)

KinderSocialSkills: Social Skill Curriculum | GOOGLE™ READY | Distance Learning

Addition & Subtraction to within 20 Worksheets Math Fact Fluency Practice: Sp Ed

Visuals and Positive Behavior Supports for Autism and Special Education

IEP Goal Tracking Bundle: Data Collection, Progress Monitoring, Assessments

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Physical Address: 921 Campus Drive Moscow ID, 83844

General Contact: Phone: 208-885-6772 Email: [email protected]

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Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education

Career information is not specific to degree level. Some career options may require an advanced degree.

Current Job Openings and Salary Range

in ID, WA, OR, MT and HI

Entry-Level

Senior-Level

• Career Options
• Education Administrator, Preschool and Childcare Center/Program
• Education Administrator, Elementary and Secondary School
• Education Administrator, Postsecondary
• Educational, Guidance, School, or Vocational Counselor
• Education Teacher, Postsecondary
• Special Education Teacher, Preschool
• Special Education Teacher, Middle School
• Special Education Teacher, Secondary School
• Speech-Language Pathologist

Regional Employment Trends

Employment trends and projected job growth in ID, WA, OR, MT & HI

*Job data is collected from national, state and private sources. For more information, visit EMSI's data sources page .

• Degree Prep

A graduate degree in special education is ideal for people who have compassion and a desire to help those with special needs. A graduate degree places the student in leadership and decision-making roles. An undergraduate degree in education or a similar field is required for the special education program.

• Degree Roadmap

Students that wish to pursue their M.S. in Special Education have 4 options. 

»  Special Education Program Handbook

• Professional Licensing

Completion of the program will make you eligible to sit for the Standard Instructional Certificate  with Exceptional Child endorsement.

• Scholarships

Visit the  Financial Aid office  for available scholarships.

• Hands-On Learning

Students in the special education program have many opportunities for hands-on training in the Center on Disabilities and Human Development . About 20 students are enrolled in the program each year. The small size allows them to form strong interpersonal bonds with faculty as well as one another.

You will also have opportunities to participate in interdepartmental studies, become involved in community-based programs and network with professionals in special education and other disciplines.

• Internships

Upon completion of your coursework, you will be required to take certification exams by the state in which you will work. You also will complete a one semester internship experience in a classroom environment, where you will learn alongside experienced teachers. You also will receive personal mentorship from our leading education faculty. Learn more about semester internships .

• Job Openings and Salary Range
• Employment Trends

Guide all students toward success.

You believe all students deserve engaged, responsive instruction regardless of ability. You’re not alone — school districts in Idaho and across the country seek out compassionate special education teachers and administrators ready to make an impact. Prepare to become a special education instructor or to train teachers to effectively work with students with special needs. Our graduates go on to secure positions in public and private schools.

Drive change and lead tomorrow’s classroom by earning a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, geared toward current and future professionals, from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences . Throughout your enrollment, you'll participate in high-quality programs and network with special education professionals. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in interdepartmental research. This state-approved program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation . Expand your own knowledge while elevating and guiding all students toward success.

• The Special Education program offers an undergraduate teaching major as well as two different tracks to a master's degree. One track is for certified teachers to earn the Idaho Exceptional Child Generalist teaching endorsement and the other is for special educators who are already certified.
• Receive opportunities to learn from and collaborate with faculty from the Center on Disabilities and Human Development , the University of Idaho’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which champions through education, outreach, research and service the mission of having all people fully participate in their communities.
• Online option available.

Degree Options

This program takes three possible formats:

Are you already a certified teacher with a special education endorsement? Expand your knowledge of the field and gain greater insight into pressing topics and the latest curriculum-planning techniques.

Are you a certified teacher who would like to add a special education teaching endorsement to your license? This master’s program builds on your bachelor’s and prepares you to qualify for the Standard Instructional Certificate with Exceptional Child Endorsement.

Or, are you interested in   pursuing the M.Ed. in Special Education as a 30-credit endorsement in conjunction with a bachelor’s degree in elementary or secondary education?  Complete this combined pathway in five years to qualify for both your initial Idaho teaching certification and the Exceptional Child Endorsement.

The University of Idaho's special education program offers a flexible online course of study tailored to your needs, guided by your major professor or advisor. Our Department of Curriculum and Instruction provides an undergraduate teaching major and two distinct tracks for a master's degree in special education.

Master's Only

A master’s-only track is available for experienced special educators who have a bachelor’s degree in special education or a closely-related field. This track is appropriate for individuals who wish to earn a master’s degree while expanding their knowledge of the field. In this track, students register for a number of common courses covering topics designed to broaden teachers’ knowledge of special education strategies and promote professional development. Students also select, in conjunction with their advisor, additional classes to enhance their knowledge in a selected area of focus. Students in this track culminate their experience with a master’s project, designed by working with their faculty advisor.

Research (Min. 6 cr)

• EDCI 570 * : Introduction to Research (3 cr)
• EDSP 531: Single Subject Design Research (3 cr)
• EDCI 573: Action Research (3 cr)

*   Required

Special Education Courses (Min. 18 cr)

• EDSP 520: Education of People with Disabilities (3 cr) fall
• EDSP 530: Assistive Technology & Universal Design for Learning for Pre-K12 (2 cr) fall
• EDSP 531: Single subject research (3 cr) spring every other year; if not taken as the research requirement
• EDSP 540: Applied Behavior Analysis (3 cr) fall
• EDSP 548: Special Ed Curriculum (3 cr) fall
• EDSP 549: Language, Communication, and Social/Emotional Enhancement (3 cr) fall
• EDSP 423: Collaboration (3 cr) spring
• EDSP 425: Assessment (3 cr) spring
• EDSP 426: IEP Development (3 cr) spring
• EDSP 519: Orientation to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 cr) spring every other year 2019
• EDSP 504: Evidence Based Practices in Special Education (2 cr) spring every other year 2020
• EDSP 504: Trends and Topics in Developmental Disabilities (3 cr) fall every other year starting 2019

Additional Courses (3 - 6 cr)

Credits arranged with Major Professor. These credit hours may include coursework in EDSP, EDCI, EDAD, ADOL or ED. Examples of classes:

• EDAD 513 Administration of Special Education Law (3)
• EDAD 582 Special Education Director Administration (3)
• EDAD 595 Supervision of Personnel (3)
• EDCI 511: Planning and Administering the Curriculum (3)
• EDCI 513: History of Education Thought (3)
• EDCI 524: Models of Teaching (3)
• EDCI 572: Measurements and Evaluation (3)

Final Research Project

• EDSP 599 * : Research: Non-thesis project/Capstone portfolio (1 - 3 cr)

* Required: EDSP 599 (1 cr) the semester of graduation

Master's Plus Certification in Special Education

The master’s plus certification track is available to people new to special education and affords the opportunity to earn a degree while gaining initial Special Education Exceptional Child K-12 teaching preparation and certification. Students who pursue this track will exit with the master’s degree and an Idaho teaching certification in Exceptional Child Generalist. Because this track results in initial preparation in special education, coursework is paired with field experience so that students will gain the opportunity to link their subject knowledge to pedagogy and practice. The culminating activity for students in this track is a semester long teaching internship during which students will gain valuable hands-on experience. Candidates in this track already will hold an elementary or secondary teaching certificate and have no previous degree in special education.

Prerequisites

• EDSP 300: Education for Exceptionalities (3 cr) (all semesters) Or EDSP 520 Education of People with Disabilities (3 cr) (fall)
• EDSP 325: Classroom Application of Learning Theory (2 cr) (summer)
• EDSP 350: Language & Communication Development & Disorders (3 cr) (summer)
• Elementary Certification through U of I Or EDCI 463 Content Reading (3 cr)
• *Pass Praxis #5001 Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (this Praxis exam must be passed within the first semester of student’s graduate studies)

Fall Courses

• EDSP 540: Behavioral Analysis for Children and Youth (3 cr)
• EDSP 548: Special Education Curriculum (3 cr)
• EDSP 549: Language, Communication and Social/Emotional Enhancement (3 cr)
• EDSP 530: Assistive Technology & UDL in K12 (2 cr.)

Spring Courses

• EDSP 423: Collaboration (3 cr)
• EDSP 425: Assessment (3 cr)
• EDSP 426: IEP Development (3 cr)

Any Semester Courses

• EDCI 570 Research (3 cr) (all semesters)

Final Semester Courses

• EDSP 599: Research: Non-thesis project (1-3 cr) must have one credit of EDSP the semester of graduation
• EDSP 597 :Internship/student teaching (6-8 cr) (8 weeks)

The required courses below depend if certified for elementary or secondary education.

Elementary Education

• EDCI 320: Teaching Reading and Literacy (3 cr)
• EDCI 463: Literacy Methods for Content Learning (3 cr)

Secondary Education

Note: EDSP 325 and EDSP 350 may be waived based professional experience and equivalent coursework.

Undergraduate Teaching Major (Endorsement)

EHHS offers a 31 credit endorsement (teaching major) in special education, open to elementary and secondary education majors. Students who complete the endorsement will meet the requirements for an initial Idaho teaching certification/credential and the exceptional child generalist teaching certification, enabling them to teach elementary or secondary as well as special education grades K-12.

The schedule of coursework will be determined with academic advisors based on the required coursework listed below: 

Option 1: Elementary Education

• EDSP 300: Educating for Exceptionalities (3 cr, any semester)
• EDSP 325: Classroom Applications of Learning Theories (2 cr, summer)
• EDSP 350: Language and Communication Development and Disorders (3 cr, summer)
• EDSP 423: Collaboration (3 cr, spring)
• EDSP 425: Evaluation of Children and Youth (3 cr, spring)
• EDSP 426: Developing Instructional Programs (3 cr, spring)
• EDSP 430: Assistive Technology and UDL (2 cr, fall)
• EDSP 448: Special Education Curriculum (3 cr, fall)
• EDCI  463: Content Reading (3 cr)
• EDSP 484: Special Education Internship (6 cr) 

Option 2: Secondary Education

All courses listed above plus:

• MTHE 235: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I (3 cr)
• MTHE 236: Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II (3 cr)
• EDCI 320: Teaching Reading and Literacy (3 cr)

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Curriculum and Instruction

Meet the Faculty

Special Education

Through all pathways, you’ll focus on developing and teaching appropriate curriculum for students with mild to moderate disabilities, with emphasis placed on learning disabilities, mental conditions and other disabling conditions. Learn to create assignments and lesson plans geared toward each individual’s needs and abilities based on behavior, social and academic development and equip them for life beyond school.

As you progress, you’ll refine your teaching methods by better understanding disabilities, special education and developmentally responsive school models; the principles of developmentally appropriate instruction and teaching strategies; methods for conceiving challenging, integrative and exploratory curriculum; and techniques for encouraging inquiry and collaboration in the classroom. You’ll learn to identify special education needs, evaluate and monitor students, and gather and analyze data through educational research.

In addition to coursework, you’ll complete a one-semester internship, where you’ll gain insights from an experienced professional in a classroom environment.

You’ll cultivate bonds that will help grow your career. Beyond your internship, you’ll receive more personalized instruction through small class sizes, and build your network and industry knowledge through community-based programs and interdepartmental studies.

Prepare for a rewarding career and influence the next generation of students. Before applying to U of I’s highly ranked M.Ed. in Special Education program, review all admission requirements .