Special education teachers work with children who have a variety of disabilities such as speech or language impairments, mental retardation, emotional disabilities, hearing or visual impairments, autism, and other health problems. Most special education teachers work with students at the pre-K, elementary, middle school, or high school levels. They typically use a modified general education curriculum to meet each child’s individual needs.

Special education teachers use an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student who has special needs. The IEP establishes personalized goals for each student and is customized to meet each student’s individual needs. Special education teachers are increasingly using assistive technology to aid learning for students with special needs. They may incorporate the use of computers with synthesized speech, interactive educational software programs, and audiotapes to address their students’ learning needs.

As schools are becoming more inclusive, special education teachers are more frequently working alongside general education teachers in the classroom. Special education teachers assist general educators in adapting curriculum materials and teaching techniques to successfully teach students with disabilities. They coordinate with teachers, teacher assistants, therapists, social workers, and other personnel to address students’ needs. Some special education teachers work in separate classrooms with a small group of students. Others may work in residential facilities or tutor students at home or in hospitals.

Some special education teachers choose to work with younger students, such as infants or toddlers, in the child’s home alongside parents. Special education teachers provide valuable information and skills to parents, children, and other educators.