SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Special education teachers teach individuals with learning and developmental disabilities. They create and provide individualized education plans to meet the unique needs of each student. Special education teachers tend to collaborate with others involved with the care of the individual such as parents, doctors and more. Special education teachers set learning goals and track each student’s progress towards those goals and overall progress. Further, special education teachers tend to teach in small groups and modify lessons to ensure the learning needs of all students are met. They also carry out necessary administrative tasks and monitor the progress of their students. They may routinely meet with parents and other caretakers to discuss any concerns and progress to ensure learning goals are being met. They may also do so to encourage continued learning outside of the classroom.
WHAT WOULD I DO?
Special education teachers are critical to the learning and development of individuals with disabilities. Their routine responsibilities include:
- Determining areas where a student may require more assistance and education through assessments and observations.
- Creating individualized education programs to fit the unique needs of every student.
- Set learning goals and design activities or lessons based on the students’ abilities.
- Working with teachers, parents, doctors, psychologist, social workers, and other important personnel to ensure that the students’ needs are met.
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons to small groups of students, with differing needs and ensure they meet their individualized education plans.
- Carry out all administrative tasks such as paperwork, marking, creating activities, etc.
- Be aware of and implement special education methods and techniques to appropriately support the development of students.
- Meet with parents to discuss student progress and to aid in the student’s development and success.
- Address concerns and routinely update learning plans and goals to reflect progress.
AM I SUITED FOR THIS JOB?
Individuals with the following characteristics may be ideal for this role:
- Individuals with good organizational skills.
- Individuals who are able to adapt to constantly changing environments.
- Individuals who work well in a team environment and independently.
- Personable individuals who are able to interact with various audiences.
- Individuals who are able to think quickly.
- Individuals who enjoy teaching.
- Individuals who are able to simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand.
- Individuals with a calm demeanour.
- Individuals who have excellent management skills.
- Individual with good planning skills.
- Individuals with good conflict resolution skills.
- Individuals who work well in fast-paced environments.
- Individual with excellent communications skills.
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
TYPICAL WAGE
Per the Economic Research Institute the average salary for a special education teacher in Ontario is $78,144 with an average $1,985 bonus.
Per Indeed the lower end of the wage is $42,081 and the higher end is at $105,421. The graph below provides a break-down of salary variation based on experience. This graph was also generated using data provided by Indeed.
There is a projected 10% increase in salary in the next 5 years, as illustrated by the graph below (sourced from the Economic Research Institute) .
BENEFITS
Most special education teachers enjoy the following benefits:
- Dental insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Life insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Paid sick time off.
- Professional development assistance.
JOB OUTLOOK IN OTTAWA AND ONTARIO
The job outlook for special education teachers in both Ottawa and Ontario is moderate according to the Government of Canada. Moderate growth is anticipated in the sector and a moderate number of new positions may become available. There will be limited positions becoming available due to retirements in the coming years. There is currently a moderate number of unemployed individuals with experience in this field. Thus, overall, the job outlook is moderate across Ontario and Ottawa with limited growth anticipated and possibly more applicants than available positions in the future.
HOW DO I BECOME A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER?
To become a special education teacher, one must first complete a bachelor’s in special education which teaches individuals regarding both regular education and special education.
The following are some undergraduate special education programs available in Ontario:
- Special Education at Nipissing University.
- Educational Psychology and Special Education at University of Western Ontario.
- Psychology and Special Education at the University of Western Ontario.
- Child Study and Special Education at the University of Toronto.
Alternatively, individuals can complete their undergraduate degree in education and enrol in a special education preparation programme.
The following are some teacher education programs in Ontario:
- Faculty of Education at Brock University.
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
- Teacher Education at the University of Ottawa.
- Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario.
The following are some special education preparation programmes available in Ontario:
One must also be registered with the Ontario College of Teachers to be a special education teacher.
To be certified one must have completed:
- At least a 3-year degree from a post-secondary institution.
- A four-semester teacher education program.
- Apply to the Ontario College of Teachers to be certified.
- Pay the annual membership and registration fees for the Ontario College of Teachers.
- Complete a sexual abuse prevention program.
To learn more and stay up to date with the requirements please refer to the Ontario College of Teachers.
A master’s is not required to become a special education teacher, but higher education may be beneficial given the competitive market. The graph below sourced from the Economic Research Institute illustrates a breakdown of level of education in the profession.
WHERE WOULD I WORK?
Most special education teachers work in schools. However, some may work in other settings such as: hospitals, family centers and special care facilities.
Per the Government of Canada 33% of special education teachers work in schools, 26% work in social assistance and the remaining work care facilities and other institutions. The pie chart below provides a further breakdown.
HOW DO I FIND A JOB?
One may be able to find special education jobs on:
- The Government of Canada Job Bank.
- LinkedIn.
- Google Job Board.
- The Ontario College of Teachers Job Board.
- The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Website.
APPLYING FOR A JOB
When applying for a special education teaching role you should make sure to highlight the following in your application:
- Education and relevant certifications.
- Teaching experience.
- Experience working with individuals with learning disabilities.
- Ability to manage the needs of multiple individuals at the same time.
You should also highlight these in your cover letter, without being repetitive. You should use your cover letter as an opportunity to convince the reader why you are ideal for the job. You should highlight why you would be good as a special education teacher and make sure to highlight information that may make you stand out from other candidates.
Further, having completed your graduate studies may boost your application and thus, be sure to highlight any additional education or training after completion of your undergraduate studies.
Prior to your interview prepare a list of questions that you may be asked and have an idea of your answers. You should also be sure to research the institute to ensure you have all necessary knowledge and are not asking questions regarding things on their website. Be sure to research the institution itself and the interviewers, if possible. Demonstrate this prior research into your answers subtly. This shows interest and will increase your chances of a follow up- interview. Be sure to also have some questions prepared for your interview, having questions shows interest and effort to the interviewer.
WHERE CAN THIS JOB LEAD?
Given the wide variety of tasks special education teachers carry out and the skills they acquire, they may be able to pivot into numerous different roles and professions. However, this may require additional training and experience. Some roles may not require further education.
Often with experience as a special education teacher and some education one may be able to transition to other roles such as:
- Education coordinator.
- School counselor.
- Educational consultant.
- Curriculum manager.
- Educational advocate
With further education and training, one may also be able to transition into more specialized and elevated roles such as:
- Behaviour analyst.
- Policy analyst or researcher for matters related to special education.
- Behaviour therapy.
- Occupational therapy.
A career as a special education teacher is rewarding and may open the door to numerous other opportunities.
