Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Also known as: Blind Teacher, Braille Teacher, Cross-Categorical SPED Teacher (Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher) (+49 more)
Teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Take our free 15-minute assessment to see how well this career fits YOUR unique profile
What You'll Do
- Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, and social development.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Teach personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.
- Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
Essential Skills
Career Fit Overview
Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.
Top passions
- Helper: Supporting people and making a difference matters to you.
- Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
- Artist: Creating original work and expressing ideas feels natural.
Common styles
Concern for Others, Cooperation, Dependability, Integrity, Adaptability/Flexibility
Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.
Key Abilities
This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:
Technologies & Tools
Work Environment & Style
Common Styles for This Career
- Concern for Others (High importance: 4.91/5)
- Cooperation (High importance: 4.8/5)
- Dependability (High importance: 4.8/5)
- Integrity (High importance: 4.79/5)
- Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.72/5)
Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?
Take Free 15-Min Assessment →How to Become One
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.
Similar Careers to Explore
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
100.0% similar profile
Special Education Teachers, Preschool
99.9% similar profile
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
99.9% similar profile
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
99.9% similar profile
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
99.8% similar profile
Tutors
99.8% similar profile
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
99.6% similar profile
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
99.6% similar profile
Also Known As
This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:
Ready to Discover Your Perfect Career?
Our scientific assessment measures your styles, passions, and drivers to match you with careers where you'll thrive.
Take Free Assessment (15 min) →