Careers in special education can offer a unique and purpose-driven journey for those who feel called to uplift and advocate for others.

Special education professionals work with students who have diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. They provide the personalized support necessary to help students succeed, both in school and in life.

Whether you are exploring this path for the first time or transitioning from a similar role, it is important to understand what the full scope of a profession in special education entails. From the training you will need to the many roles you can grow into, this guide will help you decide if a career in special education is the right fit for your future.

Why Consider a Career in Special Education?

Careers in special education attract individuals who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. After all, special education teachers can be the reason a student learns to read, communicates verbally for the first time, or finally feels seen and understood in the classroom.

If you’re wondering, “What does a special education teacher do?” The answer depends on their students’ unique needs. These educators adapt lessons, manage individualized education programs (IEPs), and collaborate with families and other professionals to help students thrive academically and emotionally.

Ultimately, a career in special education offers more than just a paycheck. It provides daily opportunities to positively influence the lives of students and their families.

Here is a closer look at some of the personal and professional benefits:

• Impactful relationships: Professionals in this field typically work with students over several years, forming strong and lasting connections with students and their families.
• Daily variety: No two days are the same in this type of role. Careers in special education require flexibility, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Long-term fulfillment: Supporting a student’s growth can provide a sense of personal and professional fulfillment that may be difficult to replicate in other fields.

Although the rewards can be significant, the work also presents challenges. It demands emotional resilience, adaptability, and an ongoing commitment to student success. Understanding both the positives and the pressures can help you effectively prepare for the journey ahead.

Training and Education 

Wondering how to become a special education teacher? It begins with the proper training and academic credentials. Although requirements vary by state, most careers in special education follow a similar path of training and preparation.

Degrees and Academic Pathways

Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field. Many educators choose to pursue a credential or an advanced degree in special education, as it prepares them to support children with special needs through research-based special education strategies. For certain roles, especially those in leadership or more advanced areas, a master’s degree or additional certification may be necessary. Some majors even allow you to specialize in areas like behavior analysis, reading intervention, or curriculum design.

Discover additional education programs at Alliant, such as the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and the Master of Arts in Education, that cover these areas to empower future educators.

Student Teaching or Internships

Classroom experience is a key part of becoming a great special education teacher. Student teaching or internship programs give you the chance to apply what you have learned in your courses.

You will work directly with students, collaborate with experienced teachers, and start building your confidence. Some programs are also designed for adults who are switching careers. These often offer flexible schedules, online classes, or hybrid options that allow you to gain hands-on experience while balancing your existing responsibilities.

Career Paths in Special Education

One of the most appealing parts of working in special education is the variety of career paths available. Whether you are passionate about teaching, mentoring, or leadership, you are likely to find an option that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Classroom Teacher

Many people begin their special education careers in classrooms. Depending on the school and the needs of the students, you might teach in one of these settings:

• Inclusion classrooms: You will co-teach with a general education teacher and provide support to special education students in a mainstream classroom setting.¹
• Resource rooms: In this model, students come to you for specialized instruction in specific subjects, usually for part of the school day.
• Self-contained classrooms: These are designed for students who benefit from a more structured, personalized learning environment throughout the entire day.

No matter the classroom model, you will need to understand how to write and manage individualized education programs (IEPs), align lessons to the curriculum, and tailor instruction for each student’s unique needs. This occupation is ideal for those who thrive when helping children overcome learning obstacles. Learning best practices in special education will also play a key role in your effectiveness.

Transition Specialist 

Transition specialists help older students prepare for life after high school. In this role, you might:

• Teach job skills
• Assist with college planning
• Connect families with services in the community

Working as a transition specialist might be the right fit if you enjoy helping older students move toward independence.

Behavior Interventionist

This role focuses on helping students who struggle with behavioral or emotional challenges.²

Behavior interventionists often use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to create strategies that encourage positive behavioral change and healthy emotional regulation.

This can be a school-based role, or one connected to a clinic or agency.

Build a Meaningful Career in Special Education

Teachers work in this field because they believe in every student’s potential. Careers in special education provide endless opportunities to lead with compassion, advocate for equity, and change lives. While there are challenges, there are also rewards, like a deep sense of fulfillment and ongoing personal growth. Whether you are a first-year special education teacher or exploring new directions, you will find meaningful ways to grow professionally.

If you are ready to pursue this impactful career, take your next step with Alliant.

At Alliant International University, you will find flexible, accredited programs designed to support aspiring educators at every stage, from recent graduates to working professionals looking to change careers. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you pave a path forward.

Sources:

1. “What Is Co-Teaching? An Introduction to Co-Teaching and Inclusion.” CAST Professional Publishing. https://publishing.cast.org/stories-resources/stories/co-teaching-introduction-inclusion-stein. Accessed July 31, 2025.
2. “What Is a Behavior Interventionist? Job Description, Salary, Training and Skills.” Indeed. June 6, 2025. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/behavior-interventionist. Accessed July 31, 2025.

The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. Alliant International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of Alliant graduates. Alliant does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.