Exceptional educators build a career from helping children and young adults with a variety of learning disabilities. A career as a special education teacher is full of challenges, but is also extremely fulfilling. If you ask someone in the field, most will tell you the rewards are beyond measure. Here is a list of some important benefits of working in exceptional education.

Meaningful Relationships

Every student deserves a highly qualified teacher to guide them, but students with special needs require even more focused attention and assistance. The relationships that form between exceptional education teachers and their students are deep and meaningful, and the adults benefit just as much as the students. Because of the nature of special education, the communication between teacher and parents is more in-depth and frequent than in other subjects, so there are strong relationships built between the teachers and parents as well.

Valuable Certification

Special education teachers are required to obtain specific licensure in all states. While this additional certification may require more time and money for teachers to tack on to their licenses, it can result in numerous professional advantages. The legal and professional knowledge required to obtain an exceptional education endorsement is extremely valuable and makes these educators more marketable. This knowledge is also helpful for teachers interested in moving into school administration.

Job Security

There is always a demand for special education teachers. It takes a big heart and selfless nature to be successful in this challenging role, where the physical and emotional demands result in high turnover rates. Because these professionals are also required to hold licensure in a regular teaching subject, they have many options within the education field and will usually not have trouble finding a job.

Rewarding Profession

Special educators are required to teach a specific curriculum while focusing on behavioral and emotional problems that often manifest in exceptional needs students. However, the joy that results from the “aha” moments when kids master a new concept is unbeatable. Teachers also invest a great deal of time in creating individualized education plans for their students, balancing legal requirements and specific needs for each child. This is a rewarding process as the results are clearly measurable. 

School Schedule

While the work day for special education is demanding, the actual work schedule is pretty nice. For teachers with families of their own, it’s helpful to follow a school day schedule and have time away from the building when their own children do. Educators also get holidays, some paid personal time, seasonal breaks, and summers off, which is great for relaxing or travel. For those who like year-round challenges, there are always options for professional development or summer work.

The challenges of teaching in special education are many. However, for the right person with a big heart and desire to help children, the rewards of this career are immeasurable.

About PGUI 

Professional Governmental Underwriters, Inc., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.