How to Become a Special Education Teacher in 5 Steps

Few careers offer the kind of lasting impact and personal fulfillment that a career in special education can. By working closely with students who have unique learning, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs, special education teachers help young learners grow in both confidence and capability.

Every small breakthrough and every connection made can have a life-changing ripple effect for a student and their family. As awareness around diverse learning needs continues to grow, so does the demand for passionate, qualified special education professionals.

Whether you are just beginning your professional journey or considering a purposeful career shift, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to become a special education teacher, what to expect, and how to get started.

Program Overview

Step 1: Understand the Skills and Qualities You’ll Need

Before pursuing credentials and coursework, it is important to assess whether your natural strengths align with the demands of special education.

The work is dynamic and can be unpredictable, so effective special education teachers rely on a core set of soft skills every single day:

• Patience and empathy: Progress can be slow and non-linear, and you will work with students who may struggle with communication, behavior, or self-regulation. Empathy allows you to meet them where they are, while patience helps you stay committed to their growth.
• Adaptability: Lesson plans may not always go as expected, and students' needs can change from day to day. Being able to shift gears, whether in instruction or behavior support, is crucial.
• Communication and collaboration: You will work closely with general education teachers, therapists, aides, and families. Clear, compassionate communication in every conversation will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working toward shared goals.
• Behavior management: Many students receiving special education services have behavioral support needs. Thus, knowing how to de-escalate situations and reinforce positive behavior is an essential part of the role.

If you have ever asked yourself, "What does a special education teacher do?" these skills form a large part of the answer. From lesson planning to relationship-building, your daily responsibilities will be deeply tied to student support and collaboration.

While it is possible to develop these skills over time, those who enter the field with a strong foundation in these areas may find the work more fulfilling and sustainable. Some aspiring teachers may already possess a natural ability to connect with individuals with special needs, while others can hone these traits through professional training and experience.

Step 2: Choose the Right Special Education Setting

Once you have identified your passion for the work, it is helpful to understand the various environments where special education teachers can thrive. Special education is not limited to one type of classroom, and each setting offers a different approach to supporting students:

• Inclusion classrooms: In this model, special education teachers work alongside general education teachers to support students with disabilities within the mainstream classroom.¹ You will modify lessons, provide accommodations, and help ensure all students can participate fully.
• Resource rooms: These are smaller, specialized classrooms where students receive targeted support in areas like reading or math for part of the day.² As a resource teacher, you may work with a rotating group of students on their individualized education program (IEP) goals.
• Self-contained classrooms: These classrooms are designed for students who benefit from more intensive or consistent support. You may work with a small group of students throughout the day, providing a structured, personalized learning environment.

Each of these settings offers unique rewards and challenges. As you begin your journey toward becoming a special ed teacher, explore which environment aligns best with your interests and strengths. This decision can help shape your future within different careers in special education and identify the right path for your training and certification.

Step 3: Complete Your Education and Credential Requirements

To become a licensed special education teacher, most states require at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with a teaching credential that includes special education.

Here is what a typical journey may look like:³

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree: Future educators may major in education or child development. Some programs offer concentrations in special education from the start.
2. Enroll in a teacher preparation program: Whether through a university or an alternative pathway, teacher preparation programs include coursework in pedagogy, special education law, and instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
3. Complete student teaching: This hands-on experience places you in a real classroom under the guidance of a mentor teacher.
4. Pass state exams: Most states require passing grades for exams that test your knowledge of teaching methods, subject matter, and special education concepts.

Once you have met your state’s requirements, you can submit your application to be approved for a credential to teach special ed in your chosen grade (for example, elementary, secondary, or all levels). Some candidates choose to pursue a master's degree in special education to deepen their knowledge and increase career opportunities.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Pathways for Career Changes

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and are considering switching careers, you still have options. Many states offer alternative credentialing pathways for individuals looking to enter the field later in life.

Career changers often have valuable skills from other industries that translate well into the classroom, like:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Problem solving

Consider pathways like credential programs or a master’s degree in teaching to pursue a career in special ed. These flexible options are ideal for professionals entering the field as a first-year special education teacher with real-world experience to draw from.

Step 5: Start Teaching and Keep Growing

Once you have completed your special education teaching credential program and obtained your license, you are ready to start teaching. But learning does not stop there. Special education is a field that evolves constantly, with new research and tools emerging each year.

To stay effective and energized in your role, consider pursuing advanced certifications in areas like:

• Autism
• Behavior analysis
• Assistive technology

You can also participate in school-based leadership teams or mentor new teachers.

Start Your Special Education Journey at Alliant

Becoming a special education teacher is not just a career decision—it is a commitment to helping every student feel seen, heard, and supported.

At Alliant, we are here to help you turn that commitment into a reality. With flexible programs and experienced faculty, we prepare future educators to lead students with confidence.

If you are ready to make a difference where it matters most, we are ready to help you get there.

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Sources:

1. Understood. “4 Benefits of Inclusive Classrooms.” https://www.understood.org/en/articles/4-benefits-of-inclusive-classroo…. Accessed July 31, 2025.
2. Sue Watson. ThoughtCo. “Introduction to Special Education Resource Rooms.” September 14, 2024. https://www.thoughtco.com/special-education-resource-room-3110962. Accessed July 31, 2025.
3. “Special Education Teachers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. April 18, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-educatio…. Accessed July 31, 2025.