How much does a special education teacher make a year?

Question

I'm in the pennsylvania area and want to know how much a pre-school/kindergarten special education teacher makes per year. I went to bls.gov and found some info, but it wasn't too brief, so if someone could help and let me know, also as to how many years of schooling. Thanks.

Answer 1

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=...

Interesting! I've worked 26 years  with a M.S. and not yet making 50K..so obviously this is not totally accurate.

Answer 2

you need a 4 year (bachelors degree) in special ed-

the staring salray in my state is from about $30-$50k/year depending on teh school/district...

my state lists teh salaries of public school (and all public employees) salaries--

see if your state has it--try PA public employee salaries in google

Answer 3

Many colleges and universities across the United States offer programs in special education at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. Special education teachers usually undergo longer periods of training than do general education teachers. Most bachelor’s degree programs last years and include general and specialized courses in special education. However, an increasing number of institutions require a 5th year or other graduate-level preparation. Among the courses offered are educational psychology, legal issues of special education, child growth and development, and strategies for teaching students with disabilities. Some programs require specialization, while others offer generalized special education degrees or a course of study in several specialized areas.

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Median annual earnings in May 2006 of wage-and-salary special education teachers who worked primarily in preschools, kindergartens, and elementary schools were $46,360. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,500 and $59,320. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,620.

Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary middle school special education teachers were $47,650. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,460 and $61,530. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $80,170.

Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary special education teachers who worked primarily in secondary schools were $48,330. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,910 and $62,640. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,020

Answer 4

A special education teacher is usually paid on the same pay scale as a general education teacher.  The amount of pay is based on years of experience and level of education.  I taught in several different districts in Missouri-- and there were no benefits of changing from one field to the other except the college course work added to my level of education. ( speech pathologists and therapists (occupationaland physical) are different pay schedules.

Some schools offer a sign on  bonus for teachers that are in subjects that are hard to fill, such as special education and high school science or AP level courses.

I am now in Texas. Because of the teacher shortage all teachers new to the district get a sign on bonus, and special education teachers get a stipend (bonus check) for falling into this "area of need".

Go to the websites of the districts you are interested in working in. Most schools have salary schedules posted.

I originally went to school for elementary education, and then decided to go into special education.  (bs. in education took 4 years, to get my certification in sped. 2 years part time this was 24 hours extra)

You may want to check into financial aid information. Sometimes if you go into an area of "special need" , or if you work in low-income  or at risk schools there is a chance your college loans could be forgiven.

Good luck!

Answer 5

People are under the misconception that special education teachers command a higher salary, and that is not true. I have been teaching special education for ten years and I have a M.A. in Special Education Mild/Moderate disabilities. I am NCLB compliant in four subject areas and hold a clear credential in English as well. I have worked so far on the east coast for the NYC BOE, Grossmont Union in San Diego, Vista Unified in Vista, CA and Oceanside Unified in Oceanside CA. My pay on the district pay scale for all of those districts was based on level of experience, and education level.

Special Education is extremely challenging, not necessairly because of the kids, but because of all the political ramifications and laws you face on a daily basis. I am in the process of leaving the profession and I can't wait to finally get out of education. So far every district that I have ever worked for hires on their special education teachers and fires them right before they get tenure so they do not have to pay them at the top of the pay scale. School districts are more interested in having a special education teacher that meets the bare state requirements instead of a highly qualified teacher. I can not urge you enough to heed my advice as did my mentors did during my first year teaching, do not go into special education. Get out. Once school districts see you have this experience, it will be impossible to leave the field. I have literally went on interviews for English positions and have been offered immediate starting jobs in special education. They are afraid to tenure you because they feel you will eventually burn out, and sooner or later you will.

I made and make the same salary as all other teachers in my district. I currently make around $67,000 per year for my yearly contract. I have always been paid  once a month. My paper work for my caseload in enormous, I am lucky if I ever get home before 6:30. The day is non stop legal issues once you get more responsibility and bigger caseloads. DO NOT GO INTO THIS FIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!