Six Lucrative Careers in Special Education
Are you interested in pursuing a career that makes a difference in the lives of others? If so, you might want to consider a career in special education. This rewarding field is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.
But did you know that special education also offers a range of lucrative career paths? From teaching to administration to working in a clinical setting, many high-paying jobs are available in this field.
So, today we’ll explore six lucrative careers in special education that can provide financial stability and the satisfaction of helping others.
Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, read on to discover the possibilities available in this dynamic and growing field.
1. Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers are key in helping students with disabilities succeed academically and personally. They create specialized curriculums and provide individualized instruction to help students achieve their goals.
Whether working with students one-on-one or in groups, special education teachers significantly impact their students’ lives.
First, you must meet the state’s requirements for teaching certification, a bachelor’s degree, and sometimes even a Master’s in special education. Many options are available if you’re interested in pursuing a career in special education.
You could even find some online special education programs to fit your busy schedule. Enrolling in one will help you gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
It’s a lot, but it’s worth it since salaries for special education teachers are pretty competitive, with a median annual salary of $61,820. With the demand for special education teachers on the rise, job prospects are promising.
2. Educational Tester
Educational diagnosticians or testers are the people who help identify and address the educational needs of children with special needs. They assess a child’s learning abilities, strengths, and weaknesses and then work with parents and teachers to develop customized learning plans.
A master’s degree is typically required to work as a diagnostician, but the financial compensation is pretty decent. The average annual salary for educational diagnosticians or testers is around $80,078, with a projected employment growth rate of 7% from 2020 to 2030.
With the demand for educational diagnosticians on the rise, this is an excellent opportunity for you to kick off your career while helping out in society. The job outlook is promising, and the satisfaction of helping children get the early diagnosis and treatment they need is immeasurable.
If you have the necessary skills and training, a career as an educational diagnostician or tester can be a smart and satisfying one.
3. Special Education Administrator
If you have a knack for coordination and an interest in special education, you might find a fulfilling career as a Special Education Administrator. In this role, you’ll liaise between school districts, teachers, students, and families, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.
So, what’s the job? As an administrator, you’ll hire and train special education teachers and help with administrative duties in the special education department. You’ll also ensure that your district meets all training and certification requirements.
But it’s not all paperwork and logistics – you’ll also float throughout the school, providing classroom support and supervision as needed. And as a school representative, you’ll attend special events to showcase the school’s resources and commitment to special education.
Salaries for Special Education Administrators can vary from nearly $41,500 to $93,500 annually, making it a financially rewarding career path. So, if you’re passionate about special education and have a talent for coordination and leadership, consider becoming a Special Education Administrator.
4. Hearing-Impaired Teacher
Here’s an example of a teaching position that’s both challenging and rewarding: a hearing-impaired teacher. In this role, you’ll work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing to help them receive the same quality education as their peers.
Consider becoming one only if you’re serious since it’s not easy.
As a Deaf Teacher, you must be creative and adaptable, finding unique ways to interact with your students and teach them effectively. This might involve using sign language, multimedia presentations, or other innovative approaches.
The name may sound misleading, but you don’t need to be deaf yourself to take on this role. Although, it’s possible to do it either way! And with salaries ranging from around $38,500 to $79,000 per year, it’s a decent career path.
5. Special Education Clinical Roles
Working in a clinical setting will offer you a unique experience with special needs education. If you’ve got a master’s degree in special education, you can make a difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities in practical settings like hospitals and rehab facilities.
You can help identify children and adults who require special services and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed.
You can also use your expertise to coordinate education for long-term hospital patients and those in rehab facilities.
In healthcare situations, you might provide therapy, education, or rehabilitation to those with disabilities.
The salary for clinical roles in special education varies depending on the specific position and employer. However, with the increasing need for these services, you can expect competitive salaries with the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of the disabled.
6. Adaptive Physical Education
Adaptive Physical Education Teachers play a big part in helping children with disabilities receive specialized physical education. You create a personalized learning plan based on the child’s motor abilities, regularly track progress, and adapt activities as needed.
As an adapted physical education specialist, you’ll deal with your student’s physical, mental, and emotional growth. This job falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures that learners with disabilities receive the necessary education.
With a salary range of roughly $43,500-$66,500 per year, this is a gratifying job that lets you improve the lives of your students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the field of special education offers a variety of fulfilling and financially rewarding career options. These jobs allow you to positively impact the lives of children and adults with disabilities, helping them be the best they can be.
From teaching and assessment to administration and clinical roles, there are opportunities to fit a range of interests and skill sets. Whether you have a passion for early intervention or enjoy working with older students, there is a special education career that can meet your needs.