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Careers
Course: Careers > Unit 7
Lesson 1: Education resource specialist (special education teacher)- Education resource specialist: What I do and how much I make
- Education resource specialist: How I got my job and where I'm going
- Education resource specialist: My budget and planning for the future
- Education resource specialist: Work life balance and parental leave
- What does an education resource specialist do?
- How do you become an education resource specialist?
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What does an education resource specialist do?
Learn about the typical responsibilities, work schedule and compensation of an education resource specialist (also known as a special education teacher).
Education resource specialists, also known as special education teachers, work with students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues. They serve as both teachers and advocates, ensuring that their students can access the curriculum and get the most out of their education. There is a high demand for educators to take on this challenging, yet rewarding role.
Education resource specialists work in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as child care facilities, government agencies, and health practitioner offices. Their typical responsibilities include assessing the needs of their students, creating and monitoring individualized education plans (IEPs), facilitating yearly meetings with students and other special education team members, and writing progress reports for parents and teachers. Because their days are divided between teaching and case management, they must possess strong communication and organizational skills.
While most education resource specialists work in schools, their work hours often stretch beyond the school day. During school hours, much of their time is spent working with students and meeting with teachers/parents, while evenings and weekends may be used to write reports and lesson plans. Long hours during the school year are balanced by long vacations when school is not in session.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of education resource specialists in 2015 was $56,800 per year. For education resource specialists employed in public schools, most school districts have a salary scale that increases based on experience and continuing education. Additional benefits typically include a retirement plan and medical coverage, as well as ample vacation time.
As education resource specialists gain experience in their field, they may move into positions as lead teachers or mentors to help new teachers build their skills. They may also choose to pursue an advanced degree in order to move into other roles within the school, such as principal or school counselor.
References
“Resource specialist: career types and education requirements.” Study.com. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“Special Education Teachers.” US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed March 29, 2017.
“What special education teachers do.” Special Education Guide. Accessed March 29, 2017.
Want to join the conversation?
- Would you encourage others to join this?(10 votes)
- I would encourage others to join this because if youre really good with children and helping children then this is the job for you.(3 votes)
- what is like teaching kids with bhaviorsu cant fix(4 votes)
- I've been a special education teacher for 10 years, and a tutor of kids with learning disabilities and ADHD for 20 years before that. It's really tempting to try to "cure" or "fix" kids with behavior difficulties. It's also really frustrating when perceived progress disappears, and I feel like I'm back at the beginning. What helps me is to remember that it is not my job or responsibility to "fix" kids - it's my responsibility to teach them. When I can't make headway on erasing the unwanted behaviors, I concentrate on teaching them how to educate themselves. Many times, kids with emotional disturbance and behavior disorders are unable to learn for periods of time. During those times, teaching curricular facts is pointless. It's better to focus on strategies or techniques for learning and/or coping.
It may sound strange, but I wouldn't trade my kids for the world. Watching people of any age who have to work ten times harder just to get to step one is inspiring and very rewarding.(6 votes)
- How the regular teacher work with the educational specialist?(3 votes)
- What is the maximum amount of $ paid per month in the Everett School District?(3 votes)
- How much can each teacher make(3 votes)
- WOW! I listen to all your motivational videos Thank you So much and God bless you.(2 votes)
- we need to leirn about the stuff that we need(0 votes)