For special education graduates, the job market can seem limited. However, the truth is that there is a plethora of lucrative and rewarding career options available to those who have completed a degree in this field for advancing within the field of special education.
From working as a special education teacher to becoming a counsellor, there is a wide range of roles that allow you to make a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top careers for special education graduates. We'll provide an overview of each role, including the education and experience required, salary expectations, and the skills and qualities needed to excel in the field.
If you're a special education graduate looking to launch your career, or just curious about the opportunities available in this field, then read on for our ultimate guide to the top 9 lucrative careers for special education graduates.
In addition, if you’re looking for advancing within the field of special education by learning every possible modern teaching technique then we do recommend you to go through our Master of Arts in Education with Special Educational Needs course, it has everything you need.
Overview of the special education field
Special education is a branch of education that caters to students with disabilities, such as learning, physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Special education teachers are responsible for designing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
These programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each student and help them achieve their full potential. Special education professionals work collaboratively with parents, regular education teachers, and other professionals to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are met.
Over the years, the special education field has grown to include a variety of career options for graduates. These careers go beyond teaching and include positions in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, behaviour analysis, school psychology, and more.
Each of these careers requires specialized training and certification like Master of Arts in Education with Special Educational Needs, but they all share a common goal of helping students with disabilities succeed and thrive.
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Another popular career path for special education graduates is that of a special education classroom teacher. As a special education teacher, you would work with students who have a range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities. You would be responsible for developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for each student, as well as adapting lesson plans to meet their unique needs.
To become a special education classroom teacher, you typically need a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, as well as a teaching certification. Some states may also require additional certification or licensure for special education teachers.
The salary for a special education teacher can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the state in which you work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for special education teachers was $61,420 per year.
Educational Diagnostician or Tester
If you have a passion for testing and evaluation, you may want to consider a career as an educational diagnostician or tester. As an educational diagnostician, you would be responsible for assessing students' academic abilities and identifying areas where they may need additional support.
You would also be responsible for developing strategies to help students succeed and collaborating with teachers and other education professionals to create effective learning plans.
To become an educational diagnostician or tester, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be licensed or certified, depending on the state in which you work.
The salary for an educational diagnostician or tester can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the state in which you work. According to PayScale, the average salary for an educational diagnostician is around $58,000 per year.
Adjunct Professor
If you have a passion for teaching but prefer to work in a higher education setting, you may want to consider a career as an adjunct professor. As an adjunct professor, you would teach courses in special education at the college or university level. You would be responsible for developing course materials, grading assignments, and providing feedback to students.
To become an adjunct professor, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to have published research in the field of special education.
The salary for an adjunct professor can vary widely depending on the institution and the courses you teach. According to PayScale, the average salary for an adjunct professor is around $30,000 per year.
Special Education Clinical Roles
If you have a background in psychology or counselling and have the desire of advancing within the field of special education, you may want to consider a career in special education clinical roles.
As a clinical psychologist or counsellor, you would work with students with disabilities to help them manage their social and emotional needs. You would be responsible for developing treatment plans, providing therapy, and collaborating with other education professionals to ensure that students receive the support they need.
To become a clinical psychologist or counsellor, you typically need a doctoral degree in psychology or counselling, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be licensed or certified, depending on the state in which you work.
The salary for a clinical psychologist or counsellor can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the state in which you work. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median salary for clinical, counselling, and school psychologists was around $79,820 per year.
Behaviour Intervention Specialist
If you have a passion for behaviour analysis and helping students with disabilities succeed, you may want to consider a career as a behaviour intervention specialist. As a behaviour intervention specialist, you would work with students to develop positive behaviour and habits that lead to success in school and life. You would be responsible for developing behaviour plans, monitoring progress, and collaborating with other education professionals to ensure that students receive the support they need.
To become a behaviour intervention specialist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be certified in behaviour analysis.
The salary for a behaviour intervention specialist can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the state in which you work. According to PayScale, the average salary for a behaviour intervention specialist is around $50,000 per year.
Special Education Instructional Coordinator
If you have a passion for curriculum development and instructional design and have the desire of advancing within the field of special education, you may want to consider a career as a special education instructional coordinator. As an instructional coordinator, you would be responsible for designing and implementing special education programs and curricula. You would also be responsible for training teachers and other education professionals on how to implement these programs effectively.
To become a special education instructional coordinator, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be licensed or certified, depending on the state in which you work.
The salary for a special education instructional coordinator can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the state in which you work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for instructional coordinators, including those who work in special education, was around $66,970 per year.
Independent Consultant or Trainer
If you have a passion for entrepreneurship and want to work for yourself, you may want to consider a career as an independent consultant or trainer. As an independent consultant or trainer, you would work with schools and education organizations to develop and implement special education programs and curricula. You would also be responsible for training teachers and other education professionals on how to implement these programs effectively.
To become an independent consultant or trainer, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to have experience working as a consultant or trainer.
The salary for an independent consultant or trainer can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the number of clients you have. According to PayScale, the average salary for a consultant is around $80,000 per year.
Special Education Administrator
If you have a passion for leadership and want to make a big impact in the field of special education, you may want to consider a career as a special education administrator. As a special education administrator, you would be responsible for overseeing all special education programs in a school district or education organization. You would be responsible for developing policies and procedures, managing budgets and resources, and ensuring that all students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed.
To become a special education administrator, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be licensed or certified, depending on the state in which you work.
The salary for a special education administrator can vary widely depending on your level of experience and the size of the organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for education administrators, including those who work in special education, is around $97,500 per year.
Director or Program Manager
One of the most lucrative careers for special education graduates is that of a director or program manager and who have the desire of advancing within the field of special education. As a director or program manager, you would be responsible for overseeing a team of educators and ensuring that all special education programs are running smoothly. You would also be responsible for developing and implementing new programs, as well as managing budgets and resources.
To become a director or program manager, you typically need a master's degree in special education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in the field. You may also need to be licensed or certified, depending on the state in which you work.
The salary for a director or program manager can vary widely depending on the size of the organization and the level of experience you have. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for education administrators, including directors and program managers, is around $97,500 per year.
Specialist Roles
Finally, it's worth noting that there are many specialist roles available to special education graduates. These roles may include working with students with specific disabilities, such as autism or visual impairments, or working with students in specific age groups, such as early childhood or high school.
To succeed in a specialist role, you will need to have a strong understanding of the specific needs of the population you are working with. You may also need to have additional certifications or training in the area of specialization.
Different lucrative career in Special Needs Teaching Field
There are many lucrative and rewarding career paths available to special education graduates. Whether you choose to become a teacher, administrator, consultant, or specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those with special needs. With the right education, experience, and certifications, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in special education.
In case, if you’re an aspiring or experienced Special education teacher who wants to make a mark in this field then we do suggest you to go through our Master of Arts in Education with Special Educational Needs, which has every teaching technique and tip and tricks on becoming the best special need teacher as well.
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