A degree in special education prepares students for a variety of careers in education, some more standard than others. Because of this, there may be some career options within the major that are in a niche you would like to fill. In this article, we will cover both traditional and non-traditional roles you could pursue with your degree, as well as which one would be the best fit for you and your goals.
Special Education Teacher
Becoming a special education teacher is the most well-known career path from this degree. Teachers can work with students who have a wide range of disabilities, such as physical, developmental, behavioral, and more. As they work with their students and communicate with parents and specialists, they can create an impactful learning environment for their students.
Other responsibilities include:
- Developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Assessing a student’s educational needs and adapting lessons to meet them
- Teaching students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
- Supervising teaching assistants
Resource Teacher
Resource teachers are an option for students that fall between general and special education classrooms. They often work in a resource room, which is a classroom within a school where students can go to receive instruction or support for specific classes while still remaining partially integrated into general education classrooms. They may also enter the general education classroom to assist students during regular lessons. A resource teacher works closely with students to help them meet their learning goals and discover their potential.
Other responsibilities include:
- Communicating with general education teachers and parents
- Developing and managing Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans
- Creating lesson plans
- Helping students build functional skills
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Behavioral intervention specialists support students with behavioral, emotional, developmental, or social challenges by designing and implementing strategies that improve behavior and learning outcomes. Often this involves observing student behavior and understanding what triggers or factors are contributing to behavioral challenges. They then try to replace problematic behaviors with productive ones.
Other responsibilities include:
- Completing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
- Developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Collaborating with teachers and families
- Coaching school staff on behavior techniques and strategies
Early Intervention Specialist
Early intervention specialists work with young children, typically from birth to age three, who have developmental delays, disabilities, or are at risk for developmental challenges. They are key to addressing developmental needs early and helping prepare children for success during their formative years. A big part of this job is assessing the child’s needs and developing plans, including coaching parents and caregivers on how to provide developmental support. Specialists often work one-on-one with children and families.
Other responsibilities include:
- Designing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs)
- Connecting families with valuable resources
- Using play-based activities to strengthen developmental skills
- Coordinating with other professionals
Education Diagnostician
If a child is struggling in the classroom, an education diagnostician is often the one who evaluates them to determine if the cause is rooted in any educational needs the student has. Diagnoses such as learning disabilities, dyslexia, attention-related challenges, and many others qualify the student for special education services that will help them thrive in the classroom. Because of the scale of this job, most employers require a master’s degree to be hired. Education Diagnosticians help students who are struggling get the support they need in the school system.
Other responsibilities include:
- Conducting comprehensive assessments
- Interpreting the results of the assessments
- Writing evaluation reports
- Collaborating with other faculty members
Disability Services Coordinator
Disability services coordinators are advocates for students with disabilities, ensuring that they have access to accommodations and services such as extended testing time, assistive technology, and captioning or interpreting services. They can work with a variety of ages in different settings, from schools to government agencies, and ensure that these organizations are in compliance with regulations surrounding disability access laws. The work of these professionals helps people with disabilities reach their full potential.
Other responsibilities include:
- Reviewing accommodation requests
- Creating accommodation plans
- Working with clients and faculty
- Ensuring legal compliance
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive technology specialists help provide disabled individuals with tools that can improve communication, mobility, learning, and other daily tasks. Tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and include prosthetics, educational software, wheelchairs, and more. A specialist will recommend equipment that fits the needs of the client, train them in how to use it properly, and ensure that the technology works successfully.
Other responsibilities include:
- Advocating for assistive technology
- Identifying barriers for the client
- Setting up and maintaining devices
- Working with those who make the devices
Behavior Technician
Also called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialists, these professionals work directly with individuals who have behavioral, developmental, or learning challenges, most commonly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. They use ABA to teach new skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning and daily functioning, while working under the supervision of credentialed professionals like Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Other responsibilities include:
- Implementing behavior intervention plans
- Collaborating with families and professionals
- Supporting positive behavior
- Delivering structured learning activities
Conclusion
While many graduates pursue traditional school-based roles, this degree can lead to many careers in behavior management, individualized instruction, and disability support. Whichever path you choose on your career journey, you will be helping individuals with disabilities become more independent and supported.
Citations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Special Education Teachers
Council for Exceptional Children: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
NSTA: Resource Teacher Overview
EBSCO: Resource Room in Special Education
U.S. Department of Education: Section 504
What Is a Behavior Interventionist?
Functional Behavior Assessment EBP Brief Packet
Understood.org: What is a behavior intervention plan?
NASW: Early Intervention Specialist Overview
Understood.org: What is an IFSP?
Kaplan: Educational Diagnostician Overview
Lamar University: What Is the Role of an Educational Diagnostician?
NACDD: Disability Service Coordinator Overview
ATiA: What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
CSUN: Assistive Technology Specialist Career Path
What is a Behavior Technician?
Autism Speaks: What is Applied Behavior Analysis?