Education · Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$43–52k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$50–59k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-1.9% · Declining
Projected decline of -1.9% from 2024 to 2034; about 6 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
4–6 years
Bachelor's degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Teaching Assistant
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Experienced Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Senior Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Principal / Department Head
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires a bachelor's degree, which matches common student preparation goals.
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553 schools offer programs in this career field.
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