Careers in Special Education

Potential types of employers

  • adoption agencies
  • age 18-21 transition programs
  • camps
  • day care centers
  • elementary schools
  • government agencies
  • group homes
  • learning centers
  • mental health clinics
  • middle schools
  • high schools
  • non-profit organizations
  • social service agencies
  • Special Olympics
  • youth programs

Common job titles related to special education

Find out more about these occupations, including salaries.

  • after school programs coordinator
  • assessment coordinator
  • autism specialist
  • behavior specialist
  • camp director
  • child advocate
  • community advocate
  • community education coordinator
  • community organizer
  • grant writer
  • human resources specialist
  • daycare center director
  • disability specialists
  • fundraising
  • paraprofessional
  • parent advocate
  • personal care attendant (PCA)
  • personal care attendant (PCA) management
  • private tutor
  • program coordinator
  • special education teacher*
  • volunteer coordinator
  • vocational coordinator

*leads to an Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) teaching license, qualifying you to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities

Career opportunities with an advanced or graduate degree

Several of these positions require licensure. Learn more about teacher preparation; school counseling, special education and educational administration.

  • art therapist
  • child psychologist
  • counselor
  • dean of students
  • lawyer
  • learning consultant
  • occupational therapist
  • physical therapist
  • principal
  • professor
  • reading specialist
  • researcher
  • school psychologist
  • school social worker
  • speech-language pathologist
  • special education administrator
  • superintendent

Specific job titles of recent alumni

  • Special Education Assistant
  • Special Education Resource Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Teacher Leadership Program Instructor
  • Volunteer Coordinator

Specific employers of recent alumni

  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Minneapolis Public Schools
  • New Millennium Academy
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities
  • Shannon Park Elementary
  • St. Paul Public Schools
  • Transition Services Plus, Minneapolis