How to Be Special Education Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 23, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a Special Education Instructor is to help students with special needs develop the skills they need to function in society. This includes providing access to resources, developing individualized learning plans, and providing instruction and support. When a Special Education Instructor is successful in their job, the effects can be far-reaching.

Students will gain confidence and self-esteem, have better social skills, and experience improved academic performance. They may also have improved physical and mental health, as well as better overall quality of life. This can lead to the student being able to attend college or enter the workforce, leading to a more secure economic future.

The success of an instructor has a positive ripple effect on the student, their family, and the community.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a special education teacher is to earn a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field from an accredited college or university. Most four-year colleges and universities offer bachelors degree programs in special education or related areas such as education, psychology or sociology.
Complete a Special Education Teacher Preparation Program. Most states require special education teachers to complete a teacher preparation program approved by their state board of education. These programs include courses on topics such as child development, teaching methods and special education laws and regulations.
Pass Required Exams. In most states, special education teachers must pass a certification or licensure exam. These exams typically assess knowledge of special education concepts, strategies and laws.
Obtain a Teaching Certificate or License. After passing the required exams, special education teachers must obtain a teaching certificate or license from their state's board of education. The requirements for obtaining a certificate or license vary by state.
Pursue Continuing Education. Once certified, special education teachers must complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification or licensure. Requirements for continuing education also vary by state.

Special education instructors must possess a comprehensive set of qualifications in order to be ideal and qualified. They must have a degree in special education, experience working with special needs children, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of the latest teaching techniques. In addition, they should have the ability to create individualized learning plans for each student and be familiar with the various laws and regulations regarding special education.

Having these qualifications is essential for a special education instructor to be successful in their role and provide the best possible learning environment for their students. Furthermore, having the necessary qualifications will enable special education instructors to develop an understanding of their students' needs and create a program that meets those needs. As a result, students will succeed academically and reach their full potential.

You may want to check Business Management Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, and Industrial Technology Instructor for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
Monitor and assess student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
Collaborate with other teachers, administrators, and parents to develop and implement effective teaching plans.
Adapt the general curriculum to meet the unique needs of each student.
Collaborate with related service personnel to coordinate services for students.
Provide guidance and support to students in order to promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with students and their families.
Keep accurate records of students progress and behavior.
Facilitate communication between school personnel, students, and parents.
Implement behavior management systems to encourage positive behavior in the classroom.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laws, regulations and policies related to special education services
Knowledge of best practices in special education instruction
Ability to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Ability to collaborate with other teachers, administrators and specialists
Ability to modify instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Ability to effectively communicate with students, parents and other staff
Ability to assess student progress and use data to inform instruction
Knowledge of behavior management strategies
Knowledge of assistive technology
Knowledge of accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities

Having a strong understanding of special education is essential for being an effective special education instructor. This understanding includes having knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern special education, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It also requires understanding the range of disabilities that students may have, and the strategies and techniques used to accommodate their individual learning needs.

having strong interpersonal and communication skills is important for an effective special education instructor, as they must be able to establish trust and rapport with their students and their families in order to ensure that they are meeting their needs. Furthermore, the ability to be organized and manage time effectively is important, as special education instructors must create lesson plans, track student progress, and attend meetings. Finally, having a fundamental understanding of technology and how to utilize it in instruction is becoming increasingly important in special education.

By having all of these skills and abilities, special education instructors can ensure that they are providing the best possible support for their students.

Physical Education Instructor, Construction Safety Instructor, and Health and Wellness Instructor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with students with special needs?
How would you handle a situation where a student with special needs is struggling to understand a concept?
What strategies do you use to ensure that all students in your classroom are learning and progressing?
How do you build strong relationships with students and their families?
What techniques do you use to individualize instruction for students with special needs?
How do you incorporate assistive technology into your classroom to help students with special needs?
How would you address challenging behaviors in the classroom?
What strategies do you use to motivate students with special needs?
How do you ensure the safety of all students in your classroom?
How do you stay up-to-date on trends and developments in special education?

Common Tools in Industry

Screening Tests. These tests are designed to identify students who have learning or behavior issues that may require special education services. (e. g. Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement or Woodcock Johnson Test of Achievement)
Adaptive Technology. Specialized technology designed to enhance the learning experience and help students with disabilities access the curriculum. (e. g. digital voice recorders, text-to-speech software, Braille keyboards)
Augmentative Communication. A form of communication designed to supplement or replace verbal speech for those with language impairments. (e. g. picture boards, sign language, and computerized communication devices)
Applied Behavior Analysis. A research-based approach used to measure, analyze, and change behavior in order to promote better outcomes for students. (e. g. Positive Behavior Intervention Plans and Functional Behavior Assessments)
Assistive Technology. Devices designed to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks independently and more efficiently. (e. g. wheelchairs, walkers, and communication devices)
Curriculum Accommodations. Adjustments to the curriculum or teaching materials to make them more accessible to students with learning difficulties or disabilities. (e. g. providing visual aids, allowing extra time for tests, and simplifying assignments)

Professional Organizations to Know

Council for Exceptional Children
National Association of Special Education Teachers
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Division for Learning Disabilities
Association of University Centers on Disability
Council for Learning Disabilities
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
National Association of Private Special Education Centers
International Association of Special Education
National Education Association

We also have Sales Training Instructor, Technical Instructor, and Culinary Arts Instructor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

IEP (Individualized Education Program). A plan developed for students with disabilities that outlines the educational strategies and services tailored to meet their individual needs.
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The practice of educating students with disabilities alongside their peers without disabilities, to the greatest extent possible.
Assistive Technology (AT). Any item, piece of equipment, or product system used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
Inclusion. The practice of placing students with special needs in general education classrooms and providing them with the necessary supports and accommodations to be successful.
Accommodations. Changes made to the environment, curriculum, or instruction that allow a student with a disability to access learning materials and achieve success.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL). A framework that guides the design of instruction and curriculum so that it can be accessed and used by all learners, regardless of ability.
Differentiated Instruction. An approach to teaching that takes into account individual student differences and provides learning opportunities tailored to meet each students unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to be a Special Education Instructor?

To be a Special Education Instructor, you typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field, such as psychology, sociology, or speech and hearing sciences. In addition, many states also require special education instructors to obtain teaching licensure or a state-issued credential.

What skills are useful for Special Education Instructors?

Special Education Instructors should have strong communication skills, patience, a passion for helping others, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to think creatively. In addition, knowledge of the principles of special education and the ability to develop strategies for individualized instruction is essential.

What duties does a Special Education Instructor typically perform?

The primary duties of a Special Education Instructor include developing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs, providing instruction and guidance to students, and collaborating with parents to ensure student success. They may also assist in evaluating students' progress and behavior and help them transition to post-secondary life.

How much do Special Education Instructors earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Special Education Instructors was $60,320 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned an annual salary of less than $37,630 and the highest 10% earned more than $101,400.

What is the job outlook for Special Education Instructors?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Special Education Instructors will grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to an increase in the number of students with special needs in the school system.