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Occupation AtlasSpecial Education Teachers, Elementary School

O*NET · 25-2056.00

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to elementary 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.

Also called Academic Interventionist · APE Teacher · APE Teacher (Adapted Physical Education Teacher) · Behavior Interventionist · Behavior Specialist · Blind Teacher · Braille Teacher · Cross-Categorical SPED Teacher
82 more

Cross-Categorical SPED Teacher (Cross-Categorical Special Education Teacher) · DD Special Education Teacher · Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher (DHH Teacher) · Developmentally Delayed Special Education Teacher (DD Special Education Teacher) · DHH Teacher · Early Childhood Special Educator · Early Interventionist · Elementary Classroom Instructor · Elementary Classroom Teacher · Elementary School SPED Teacher · Elementary School SPED Teacher (Elementary School Special Education Teacher) · Elementary SPED Teacher · Elementary SPED Teacher (Elementary Special Education Teacher) · Elementary Teacher · Emotional Disabilities Teacher · Emotional Support Teacher · Exceptional Needs Teacher · Hearing Impaired Itinerant Teacher (HI Itinerant Teacher) · Hearing Impaired Teacher · HI Itinerant Teacher · Home Therapy Teacher · Inclusion Special Education Teacher · Inclusion Teacher · Integrated Program Teacher · Interventionist · LBD Teacher · LBD Teacher (Learning and Behavioral Disabilities Teacher) · Learning Disabilities Teacher · Learning Disabled Teacher · Learning Specialist · Learning Support Teacher · Lip Reading Teacher · Long Term Sub Elementary Teacher · Long Term Sub SPED Teacher · Long Term Sub SPED Teacher (Long Term Substitute Special Education Teacher) · Long Term Substitute Elementary Teacher (Long Term Sub Elementary Teacher) · Math Interventionist · Math Interventionist (Mathematics Interventionist) · Mildly Disabled Student Special Education Teacher (Mildly Disabled Student SPED Teacher) · Mildly Disabled Student SPED Teacher · Multi-Handicapped Student SPED Teacher · Multi-Handicapped Students Special Education Teacher (Multi-Handicapped Student SPED Teacher) · Physically Impaired Teacher · Primary Special Educator · Primary SPED Teacher · Primary SPED Teacher (Primary Special Education Teacher) · Profound Mental Handicaps SPED Teacher · Profound Mental Handicaps SPED Teacher (Profound Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher) · Public School Teacher · Reading Specialist · Resource Program Teacher · Resource Room SPED Teacher · Resource Room SPED Teacher (Resource Room Special Education Teacher) · Resource Specialist · SED Elementary Teacher · Self-Contained Special Education Teacher (Self-Contained SPED Teacher) · Self-Contained SPED Teacher · Severe EBD Teacher · Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher) · Severe Emotional Disorders Elementary Teacher (SED Elementary Teacher) · Severe Mental Handicaps SPED Teacher · Severe Mental Handicaps SPED Teacher (Severe Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher) · Sign Language Teacher · Special Educator · Special Needs Teacher · SPED Associate · SPED Associate (Special Education Associate) · SPED Clerk · SPED Clerk (Special Education Clerk) · SPED Inclusion Teacher · SPED Inclusion Teacher (Special Education Inclusion Teacher) · SPED Instructor · SPED Instructor (Special Education Instructor) · SPED Life Skills Teacher · SPED Life Skills Teacher (Special Education Life Skills Teacher) · SPED Resource Teacher · SPED Resource Teacher (Special Education Resource Teacher) · SPED Specialist · SPED Specialist (Special Education Specialist) · SPED Teacher · SPED Teacher (Special Education Teacher) · Teacher

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • I Investigative3.94
  • A Artistic3.65
  • C Conventional3.48
  • R Realistic2.27
  • E Enterprising1.77

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent10%
  • Bachelor's Degree51%
  • Master's Degree38%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (33%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (27%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.33.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic4.33.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Instructing4.33.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Learning Strategiesbasic4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Social Perceptiveness4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Writingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Service Orientation3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Active Learningbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
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Tasks

30 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Instruct students with disabilities in academic subjects, using a variety of techniques, such as phonetics, multisensory learning, or repetition to reinforce learning and meet students' varying needs.4.9
  2. Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.4.8
  3. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.4.7
  4. Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.4.7
  5. Modify the general elementary education curriculum for students with disabilities.4.7
  6. Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.4.7
  7. Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.4.7
  8. Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.4.7
  9. Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, or social development.4.6
  10. Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.4.6
  11. Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.4.6
  12. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.4.6
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  1. Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students.4.5
  2. Guide or counsel students with adjustment problems, academic problems, or special academic interests.4.5
  3. Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.4.5
  4. Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.4.5
  5. Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.4.5
  6. Plan or conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.4.3
  7. Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or school or state requirements.4.3
  8. Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise elementary school programs.4.2
  9. Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, or food preparation.4.2
  10. Confer with other staff members to plan or schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.4.1
  11. Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.4.1
  12. Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.4.1
  13. Prepare, administer, or grade tests or assignments to evaluate students' progress.4.1
  14. Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.4.0
  15. Interpret the results of standardized tests to determine students' strengths and areas of need.3.9
  16. Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.3.9
  17. Administer standardized ability and achievement tests to elementary students with special needs.3.6
  18. Plan or supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, demonstrations, or visits by guest speakers.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Education and Training4.85.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language4.64.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.62.9
  • Psychology3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Public Safety and Security3.52.6
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  • Administrative3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Therapy and Counseling3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Geography2.64.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.62.7
  • Law and Government2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Communications and Media2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Telecommunications2.10.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Biology2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • History and Archeology2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Philosophy and Theology2.02.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Foreign Language1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Transportation1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Chemistry1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Fine Arts1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Physics1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Engineering and Technology1.40.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Production and Processing1.4—
  • Design1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.3—
  • Mechanical1.2—
  • Sales and Marketing1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension4.34.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity4.13.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Written Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Inductive Reasoning3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Fluency of Ideas3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
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  • Near Vision3.83.9
  • Category Flexibility3.63.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information Ordering3.63.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Recognition3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Expression3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Originality3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective Attention3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Far Vision3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Auditory Attention2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.92.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.62.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.51.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Static Strength2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Stamina2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength1.90.9
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Explosive Strength1.80.8
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.80.9
  • Finger Dexterity1.40.6
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.3—
  • Manual Dexterity1.3—
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Control Precision1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.1—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Reaction Time1.1—
  • Response Orientation1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.84.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.74.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.65.6
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.25.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Processing Information3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.84.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Thinking Creatively3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others3.74.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.63.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Working with Computers3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.82.9
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.52.6
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.5—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.4—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Physical Proximity4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Spend Time Standing3.7
  • Telephone Conversations3.7

Technology

21 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (5)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
  • American Sign Language Browser
  • Children's educational software
  • Drawing software
  • EasyCBM
  • Email software
  • goQ WordQ
  • Individualized Educational Program IEP software
  • Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • Rethink Ed
  • Scientific Learning Fast ForWord
  • Screen magnification software
  • Screen reader software
  • Synapse outSPOKEN
  • The vOICe Learning Edition
  • Voice activated software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
  2. Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
  3. Special Education Teachers, Middle School
  4. Special Education Teachers, Preschool
  5. Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
  6. Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
  7. Teaching Assistants, Special Education
  8. Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
  9. Tutors
  10. Adapted Physical Education Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.