Special Education Foundations

Career Opportunities

Teaching is one of the most rewarding of all professions. Attitudes have shifted from viewing teaching as a starter job to valuing teaching as a lifelong career.

Teachers are gifted with the talent to inspire others to learn. Teachers who teach children take on the responsibility of building foundations that guide lives and future careers.

Teach.com reports: “Just as with general education certification, becoming a certified Special Education teacher allows you to work with a wide range of student ages, grade levels, and abilities.

"Special Education programs are designed to meet the specific and unique instructional needs of each child, allowing students to be grouped homogeneously by developmental stage (ability) rather than by age.

"This unique aspect of Special Education allows teachers to provide aid and instruction based on the students' skill level, rather than biological age."

Minnesota has a critical shortage of qualified special education professionals. At Inver Hills, you will explore and enhance your potential in this essential, high-demand, and rewarding career.

Employment Information

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Kindergarten and Elementary School Special Education Teachers

According to CAREERwise, kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers in Minnesota earn more than $58,000 annually, which is above the statewide median of roughly $48,000 a year. Top earners make more than $73,000 a year.

This career path is currently in high demand with high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 3,797 new kindergarten and elementary school special education teachers to meet market demand between 2018–2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Preschool Special Education Teachers

According to CAREERwise, preschool special education teachers in Minnesota earn more than $62,500 annually, which is above the statewide median of roughly $48,000 a year. Top earners make $84,500 a year.

This career path is currently in high demand with high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 1,203 new preschool special education teachers to meet market demand between 2018–2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Skills

Minnesota State CAREERwise:

Most Important Skills for Kindergarten and Elementary School Special Education Teachers
Most Important Skills for Preschool Special Education Teachers

Knowledge Areas

Minnesota State CAREERwise:

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Kindergarten and Elementary School Special Education Teachers

Additional Resources

Teach.com

Teaching Special Education

Topics covered

  • What is Special Education?
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
    • Types of Disabilities Covered in IDEA
    • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  • Become a Special Education Teacher
  • Work Environments
  • Student Demographics