Special Education / SEN Teacher Job Description Template (2026)

Education Mid

What does a Special Education / SEN Teacher do?

A Special Education (SEN) Teacher provides specialized instruction and emotional support to students with diverse learning, behavioral, or physical needs, ensuring they receive an equitable and accessible education.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities
  • Adapt general education lessons and curriculum to meet the specific needs of SEN students
  • Provide direct instruction in resource rooms, inclusive classrooms, or one-on-one settings
  • Collaborate with general education teachers, speech therapists, and school psychologists
  • Manage challenging behaviors using positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS)
  • Maintain strict legal documentation and compliance with IDEA regulations

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Special Education
  • Valid Special Education Teaching Certification
  • Deep knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and IEP writing
  • Exceptional patience, empathy, and crisis de-escalation skills
  • Experience with various cognitive, behavioral, and physical disabilities
  • Strong data collection and progress monitoring skills

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

  • Experience with specific interventions (e.g., ABA therapy, Orton-Gillingham)
  • Knowledge of assistive technology devices and software
  • Bilingual abilities, including American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Experience leading co-teaching (inclusion) models
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed teaching practices
  • Advanced training in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) support

Tech Stack & Tools

SpedTrackFrontline IEPBoardmakerProloquo2GoGoogle Workspace

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary Range: $55,000 - $85,000
  • Work Setup: On-site
  • Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
  • 401(k) matching and unlimited PTO.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Special Education Teacher do?

They work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities, and teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

What is an IEP?

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legally binding document that maps out a child's learning needs, specific educational goals, and the services the school will provide to help them achieve those goals.

What is the difference between a resource room and an inclusion classroom?

In a resource room, the SEN teacher works with students in a separate environment for specialized instruction. In an inclusion model, the SEN teacher co-teaches alongside a general education teacher in a standard classroom.

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