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Do you want to know if special education teachers get paid more than regular education teachers? The answer may surprise you. Check out this blog post to find out.
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Introduction
Most people know that teachers don’t earn very much money. In fact, teaching is often considered a “low-paying” profession. However, there are some teachers who earn more than others. For example, teachers who work in high-needs areas or who have specializations (such as special education) often earn more than those who don’t.
So, do special education teachers get paid more? The answer is yes, they typically do. In general, special education teachers earn about 10% more than regular education teachers. This goes for both starting salaries and median salaries. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule – some school districts may pay less than others, for example – but overall, special education teachers do tend to earn a bit more money than their regular education counterparts.
So why do special education teachers get paid more? There are a few reasons. First of all, it takes a lot of training and experience to be a good special education teacher. Not only do you need to have the right academic credentials (a bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education), but you also need to be able to effectively communicate and work with students who have varying levels of ability. This takes a lot of patience and skill, and as such, employers are willing to pay more for these types of teachers.
Another reason why special education teachers get paid more is because they typically work in high-needs areas. This means that they often teach in schools with high concentrations of poverty or crime, or in areas where there is a shortage of qualified teachers. These schools often have difficulty attracting and retaining quality teachers, so they are willing to pay more to attract and retain them.
So if you’re considering becoming a teacher, know that you could potentially earn more money by becoming a special education teacher. Of course, salary isn’t everything – you should also consider whether or not you have the skills and temperament necessary to work with students with disabilities – but it is something to keep in mind if you want to maximize your earnings potential as a teacher.
Special Education Teacher Salaries
Many people believe that special education teachers are paid more than regular education teachers, but this is not always the case. Special education teachers make an average salary of $53,000, while regular education teachers make an average salary of $50,000.
Federal and state requirements
In order to become a special education teacher, you must meet federal and state requirements. These requirements vary by state, but all states require special education teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field. Many states also require special education teachers to have a teaching license or certification.
In addition to meeting state requirements, special education teachers must also be certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The NBPTS is a voluntary certification process that requires special education teachers to complete a series of exams and portfolio submissions. Special educators who are certified by the NBPTS often earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.
Salary by state
Unfortunately, due to the wide variability in state and local funding for education, there is no easy answer when it comes to how much special education teachers are paid. In general, though, special education teachers can expect to earn slightly more than the average teacher salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for all teachers was $56,320 in May 2018. However, the median annual salary for special education teachers was $58,980 during the same time period. Keep in mind, though, that these figures represent median salaries across all experience levels; entry-level salaries will be lower, while experienced teachers may earn significantly more.
Of course, salary is not the only factor to consider when deciding whether or not to become a special education teacher. The rewards of working with students with special needs can be immense; many teachers find great joy and satisfaction in helping their students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Incentives and Bonuses
While all teachers are important, those who choose to work in the field of special education are often tasked with an extra layer of difficulty. In addition to being responsible for the education of their students, they are also charged with managing the often complex emotional and behavioral needs that come with the territory.
Master’s degree
While most teachers in the U.S. earn a bachelor’s degree, some states require teachers to earn a master’s degree within five years of beginning their teaching career. A master’s degree may also be required for teachers who want to move into administration or become certified to teach in multiple subject areas. In addition, some schools offer incentives and bonuses for teachers who earn a master’s degree.
National Board Certification
Teachers who obtain National Board Certification (NBC) may be eligible for salary bonuses in some states and school districts. For instance, in Florida, NBC-certified teachers can earn a $5,000 annual salary bonus. In North Carolina, they can earn a $6,000 annual bonus. In South Carolina, the bonus is $7,000 a year. There are also a number of school districts that offer their own financial incentives for teachers who achieve board certification.
Conclusion
Overall, special education teachers do get paid more than general education teachers. This is because they are required to have more training and credentials in order to work with students with special needs. In addition, special education teachers often have to put in extra hours outside of the classroom in order to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for their students.
