Starting a career in special education is one of the most personally and professionally rewarding options in the education sector. It’s more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to change someone’s life! As a special educationist, you are a superhero for so many people. You have the power and the skillset to provide special kids with opportunities to socially connect, learn, and grow to become much more than just their disabilities. As a special educationist, you’ll primarily deal with kids, preteens, teenagers, and young adults.
While most people associate special education and its career outlook with teaching, you’ll be happy to know that this field also offers many other high-demand careers. Professional opportunities in mental health facilities, residential homes, corporate settings, and curriculum design are some of the most rewarding opportunities in this field besides teaching.
In this article, we will discuss seven highly rewarding jobs you can look into with a degree in special education.
So, let’s dive in!
Seven Highly Rewarding Jobs You Can Get With a Degree in Special Education
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Early Intervention Specialist
During child development, early intervention specialists play a crucial role in addressing developmental delays in young children, particularly those under the age of four. These professionals assess child development and provide interventions for those at risk of or facing developmental challenges.
Requiring a bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited student teaching program, early intervention specialists work beyond traditional classrooms. They may travel between children’s homes or engage with them in typical preschool or daycare settings.
A distinctive aspect of their work involves facilitating skill development through games and educating parents on how to support their children in practicing these skills at home. For those considering a career in this field, exploring bachelors in special education online programs could be valuable.
Recognizing the established importance of early intervention, these specialists serve as mentors to parents and contribute significantly to the well-being of children in need. While salaries vary by region, the median annual income for early intervention specialists tends to hover around $48,312.
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Special Education Advocate
A special education advocate is a dynamic professional, seamlessly having expertise in special education, state and federal law, and a wealth of educational experience. This skill set equips them to advocate passionately for their students within the legal system.
Day in and day out, the special education advocate becomes an ally for parents, actively guiding them through the complexities of advocating for their children. They’re not just assisting but actively holding their hands, helping them articulate requests in written form for school district officials. And it doesn’t stop there. Document reviews come into play, accommodations are suggested with precision, and inventive solutions are brainstormed to tackle legal challenges head-on.
The annual salary for special education advocates typically averages around $56,915. It’s not just a number; it’s a testament to society’s acknowledgment of these professionals’ indispensable role. They are the unsung heroes navigating the complex intersection of education and the legal realm, ensuring that every student with special needs gets attention and the tailored support they rightly deserve.
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Special Education Administrator
Special education administrators, known by various titles across school districts, play a pivotal role in overseeing special education programs. Their responsibilities encompass the development and direction of specialized curricula for special education teachers district-wide. Additionally, they manage budgets and oversee the hiring processes, operating in a supervisory capacity distinct from the hands-on role of a special education teacher.
Special education administrators typically hold a Supervisor of Special Education certification from their state’s Department of Education to enter this field.
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Curriculum Managers
Curriculum managers are architects of educational programs. Their job description extends far beyond management; they actively collaborate with subject matter experts to craft engaging materials and activities that foster student participation. They design assessments to measure the depth of student comprehension.
They’re not just managers but dynamic players in navigating the educational landscape. They use educational software and collaboration tools as integral to the learning experience. They are constantly adapting, embracing new strategies, and integrating innovative tools. They are the key player, ensuring that every piece of the curriculum puzzle aligns seamlessly for an optimal educational experience for special individuals.
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Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers are the architects of workplace learning, intricately design curricula, and serve as hands-on instructors for employees navigating the tools vital to their roles.
Corporate trainers are not confined to orthodox practices. They assume the role of overseers and architects of vital programs. For them, diversity training and corporate policy sessions aren’t just boxes to tick; they’re intricately crafted initiatives that add layers of richness to the professional landscape.
This role transforms into an excellent platform for those with special education degrees for their unique skill set. Their expertise in curriculum design, educational tools, and instructional techniques becomes the base, ensuring training accessibility for all employees. It’s not merely a training effort; it’s a commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment within the corporate world. They adapt, innovate, and infuse creativity into the learning experience, ensuring each training session is a dynamic and engaging place for everyone present.
Bottom Line
A career in special education opens doors to a variety of rewarding roles that extend far beyond traditional teaching. Each role, from early intervention specialists shaping young minds to advocates navigating legal complexities, offers a distinct set of challenges and rewards.
Special education administrators organize programs, curriculum managers infuse creativity into education, and corporate trainers bridge the gap between education and the professional realm. Reading specialists focus on personalized instruction to help students improve their reading skills.
A degree in special education opens up a dynamic world of possibilities, each contributing to the broader landscape of inclusive education with diverse opportunities and competitive salaries.
