What Is Special Education?

Special education teachers make a tangible impact on the daily lives of students with special needs, ensuring every student receives the instruction and accommodations needed to learn and succeed. With over 7.5 million students enrolled in special education services across the U.S. today, there is a significant demand for special education teachers.

If you want a rewarding career that makes a difference in the lives of students with disabilities, special education might be the perfect career for you.

Special education refers to free school programs that support students with special needs, ensuring equal opportunities for learning. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), signed into law in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, allocates federal funding to states and requires them to provide teachers and parents with resources to support students with learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities.

A student qualifies for special education if they have a disability in one of thirteen IDEA categories that impedes learning and progress in school.

Children (ages 3 to 21) who are eligible for special education may have one or more of the following disabilities:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Developmental delays 
• Hearing and visual impairments 
• Intellectual, emotional, and learning disabilities 
• Language or speech impairments 
• Orthopedic impairments 
• Other health impairments 
• Traumatic brain injury 

Special education is built on foundational practices that are consistent for every student to ensure fair learning opportunities. Three key components are:

•  Individual Education Programs (IEPs)
•  Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Services
•  Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

An IEP is an annual learning plan created by teachers and parents that addresses the unique learning needs of each student. An IEP may include:

• A student’s performance
• Academic and behavioral goals
• Services and accommodations received
• Duration and location of services

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) refers to adaptations in how a student is taught, such as changes to content, method, or delivery. For example, SDI for reading might use Phonics or an Orton-Gillingham approach. SDIs differ from accommodations, which change how a student accesses learning.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means students with disabilities learn with non-disabled peers whenever possible. Students are placed in separate settings only if they cannot learn satisfactorily with support.

The special education process follows a series of important steps to assess and meet the needs of all students:

1. Identification and evaluation
2. Developing and implementing an IEP
3. Ongoing monitoring and support

The special education process starts when a child with a disability is referred for evaluation by parents or staff. With parental consent, the district assesses the child in all suspected disability areas.

After evaluation, parents and the learning team review results. If a child qualifies and their parents consent, the IEP team provides a learning plan that outlines supports, modifications, and accommodations. Services begin once the IEP is written.

The child’s IEP progress is checked regularly, with parents receiving progress reports. IEP meetings occur regularly, and plans are updated yearly as needed. 

Before 1975, only one in five students with disabilities could attend U.S. schools, and many public schools barred students with disabilities entirely. The federal implementation of special education law ensures all students have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of challenges or disabilities. At its core, special education guarantees that all students are treated equally, and that inclusive learning environments exist in every classroom. 

Special education teachers work directly with students with disabilities ranging from preschool to high school. They assess students’ learning needs, create IEPs, track progress, adapt general education plans, teach students, and collaborate with parents and other teachers.  

In some states, such as Ohio, "intervention specialist" is used interchangeably with "special education teacher." In other states, an intervention specialist provides specialized support to general education and special education teachers.

Behavior specialists work with students with developmental, behavioral, or intellectual disabilities. They assess the causes of a student’s disruptive behaviors and design plans to promote positive changes that support learning and growth.

Other career paths adjacent to special education can include:

• Early Intervention Specialist
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist
• Speech language pathologist
• Occupational therapist
• Educational diagnostician
• Transition coordinator
• Recreational therapist 
• Vocational education 

Requirements for special education teachers vary by state, but all require a bachelor's degree. Many require a BSEd, while others accept degrees in education or specific subject areas.

A BSEd prepares you for a career in special education through hands-on teaching and specialized coursework in special education pedagogy and theory, as well as preparing you for licensure and certification.

Most special education bachelor’s degrees prepare future teachers for state licensure through coursework and hands-on teaching. Courses typically cover:

• Special needs assessment
• General education in math, science, and literature
• Child development
• Teaching methods for students with disabilities
• Instructional design and planning
• Special education law

A teaching license or certification is required for every special education teacher in public schools for the grade they teach. Requirements for certification are:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Completion of teacher training
• Passing a background check
• Passing a subject-specific exam

Many educators also pursue a master's degree in special education for advanced expertise, career growth, or leadership roles.

As a special education teacher, your job involves recognizing each student's learning needs and helping them reach their potential. While only you can decide if this career is right for you, there are key skills that special education teachers need to help students:

• Communication Skills: Clearly explain concepts to students with disabilities and communicate effectively with parents and colleagues.

• Adaptability: Adept at adjusting curriculum and instruction to fit students’ needs.

• Patience: Remains calm when working with students. 

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy toward all students.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in special education, UC’s Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education could be the perfect fit for you. 

Designed for busy professionals, our online degree prepares you to work with individuals with special needs in a variety of educational settings. Through a combination of online coursework and in-person student teaching experience, our students are prepared to sit for the following teaching license exams upon graduation:

• State of Ohio Intervention Specialist Licensure: Mild/Moderate Needs (K-12)

• State of Ohio Intervention Specialist Licensure: Moderate/Intensive Needs (K-12) 

Want to learn more about our Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education? Or our Online Master of Education in Special Education? Our Enrollment Services Advisors are here to answer any questions you may have about our special education degrees.