SPECIALTY AREAS

Different areas of the country refer to teaching specialties in other terms. This is an overview of the most common areas of special education. Please refer to the State Resources page for more information.

TEACHERS

Mild/Moderate or Inclusion Specialist

Inclusion Specialists work with students who are working toward a regular diploma. They may teach a small group of students in a resource room or an inclusive or co-teaching environment. This instruction will mostly consist of math, reading, writing, social skills, and behavior skills. The students will receive most of their instruction in general education classes. It may also include teaching a small group of students within their classroom of just special education students, focusing on specific skills and needs. These teachers work with a wide range of disabilities and needs.

Teachers of Severe/Profound Disabilities

Significant disability teachers will manage students in their rooms most of the day. These students have significant disabilities that inhibit their ability to learn in the general education setting adequately. These teachers typically only work with students with severe and profound disabilities within their classroom. Significant disability teachers are responsible for teaching all core subjects- math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. They would also be responsible for life, social, and behavioral skills. Most students, even those with significant needs, will still attend elective (i.e., art, music, PE) classes with general education peers.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers work with children from birth to 3 years old. ESCE teachers work with children and their families on developmental skills. Educators work in clinics, schools, and homes. The work is based on a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). ECSE teachers provide instruction and assessment for a wide range of needs.

Gifted and Talented Teacher

Gifted and Talented Teachers work with students who have been identified as gifted and/or talented. They work in collaboration with general education teachers as well as in their own classrooms and generally work with a small number of students who have an aptitude in specific areas of academics. Gifted and Talented teachers must think creatively, as their students don’t always think literally.

OTHER POSITIONS WITHIN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA) study the behavior of children and adults to help address problematic behavior. BCBAs can work in many different settings, including schools. Within schools, their primary function is to support problematic behaviors. This can be done in many ways. BCBAs often observe and provide feedback to teams for changing adult behavior to support students differently. BCBAs have extensive knowledge and ideas for behavior support.

Learn more from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Academic Interventionist

Academic interventionists work with general education students who need extra reading/writing and math support. Interventionists work with students in small groups and provide interventions to remediate missing skills. Interventionists are often part of the process for a referral to special education.

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with students to assess and treat disorders related to language, voice, and fluency. At an early age, SLPs work with students and families in the home. As children age, SPLs work with students in homes or clinics.

Learn more from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Related Service Providers

There are many different positions within the school system that support students with special education needs. Many of these are niche and require extra education. Some of these roles include physical therapist, occupational therapist, teacher for deaf and hard of hearing students, teacher for blind or visually impaired students, and developmental-adapted physical education teacher.

Paraeducators

Paraeducators, also known as paraprofessionals (paras), work closely with special education teachers to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Paras work with students in various settings throughout the day, both in general education and special education classrooms. Paras are responsible for supporting the accommodations and modifications listed in an IEP under the direction of a special education teacher. Paras support both the academic and social and behavioral needs of students with IEPs.

Transition Specialist

Transition teacher works with 18–21-year-olds. Transition teachers focus on helping students to learn the necessary skills to be successful within the community. Transition teachers focus on work skills and life skills. They work with rehabilitation services and other work support opportunities to help get students into the workforce. They also typically do many community outings to teach the life skills necessary for independent or supported living.

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