What Can I Do with A Master’s Degree in Special Education?

Most people who hear of a degree in special education assume its sole purpose is to prepare students to become special education teachers. And while special education remains a critical teacher shortage area throughout the region and the country, there are many other career opportunities for students who pursue degrees in special education, particularly at the master’s level. Let’s take a look at all of the career options that a master’s degree in special education can provide for you. 

Special Education Teacher

The most common career opportunity for graduates of special education master’s programs is to become a special education teacher. These teachers typically work in pre-K, elementary, or secondary education settings working with students with exceptionalities. In many states, a separate companion license is available for students who wish to be certified in middle school special education.

When pursuing licensure, you will have to demonstrate mastery of specific special education skills, most commonly on a state licensure exam. The master’s degree will give you the core skillsets you need to work in special education, though you should always make sure a program is designed to prepare you to receive your teaching license, if that is your end goal. Each degree program is different, so be sure to evaluate each of your program options to ensure that you will be prepared to work with your intended population.

Resource Room Teacher

A resource room teacher or learning support teacher plays a crucial role in supporting students with diverse learning needs within a school setting. The primary responsibility of a resource room teacher is to provide specialized instruction and support to students who require additional assistance to succeed academically. 

Resource room teachers develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that outline appropriate instructional strategies and accommodations tailored to each student's strengths and challenges. They often work with students in small groups or individually, providing targeted instruction in specific subject areas and use a variety of teaching techniques, instructional materials, and multisensory approaches to help students grasp concepts, develop skills, and overcome learning barriers.

Resource room teachers modify curriculum materials, adapt teaching strategies, and provide additional support to ensure that students can access and engage with the content at their individual levels. Their work is critical in collaboration with general education teachers, administrators, and other specialists, such as speech therapists or occupational therapists, to coordinate support services and ensure continuity of instruction. 

Self-Contained Classroom Teacher

A self-contained classroom teacher is a special education teacher who works with students who have significant disabilities or special needs that require a highly structured and individualized learning environment. Unlike general education classrooms where students have different teachers for each subject, a self-contained classroom teacher provides instruction across multiple subject areas to a small group of students who have similar needs. 

Self-contained classroom teachers collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or behavior specialists, to provide a comprehensive support system for their students. They coordinate services, implement therapy strategies, and communicate with specialists to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

Inclusion Teacher 

An inclusion teacher is an educator who works collaboratively with general education teachers to provide support and accommodations to students with disabilities in a general education classroom setting. They collaborate on lesson planning, curriculum modification, and the implementation of appropriate accommodations or modifications. The primary goal of an inclusion teacher is to create an inclusive learning environment that promotes the academic and social inclusion of all students. 

Inclusion teachers engage in co-teaching with general education teachers, which involves jointly delivering instruction to the entire class. Co-teaching models can vary, including parallel teaching (splitting the class into smaller groups), station teaching (rotating between teacher-led and independent learning stations), or team teaching (both teachers instructing together).

Inclusion teachers also provide individualized support to students with disabilities within the general education classroom. They may work with students one-on-one or in small groups to reinforce concepts, provide additional explanations, or offer specialized instruction based on students' unique learning needs.

General Education Teacher

General education teachers (or regular education or mainstream teachers) work with students in traditional classroom setting and typically instruct students who do not have specific learning disabilities or special needs that require specialized education or interventions. The primary role of a general education teacher is to provide instruction and support to students in core academic subjects such as mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies.

Whether you are already a general education teacher or looking to become one, you will have students with exceptionalities in your classroom. Because of the need to effectively support the growing numbers of these students in traditional classroom settings, general education teachers with special education skills are in high demand. This is even more critically important as special education embraces students with cognitive and physical differences, as well as supporting students from diverse and underrepresented communities. 

Diagnostician 

A diagnostician or assessment specialist is an education professional who specializes in evaluating students' learning abilities, disabilities, and individual needs. They play a crucial role in the special education process by conducting comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility for special education services and develop individualized education plans (IEPs). 

Diagnosticians administer a variety of assessments and tests to evaluate students' cognitive abilities, academic skills, social-emotional development, and behavior. They use standardized tests, observations, interviews, and other assessment tools to gather data and identify students' strengths and areas of need.

Based on the assessment results, special education diagnosticians determine whether a student meets the criteria for special education services according to specific eligibility categories outlined by state and federal regulations. They consider the impact of the student's disabilities on their educational performance and collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to make informed decisions about appropriate interventions and supports. 

Behavioral Therapist

A behavioral therapist or interventionist is an individual who works with students with disabilities to address and modify challenging behaviors and promote positive social and behavioral skills. They conduct assessments to identify the specific behaviors that need to be addressed and determine the underlying factors contributing to those behaviors. Information is gathered through observations, interviews, and analysis of behavioral data to develop a comprehensive understanding of the student's behavior patterns.

Behavioral therapists develop individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) for students. These plans outline strategies and techniques to promote positive behaviors, address challenging behaviors, and teach alternative skills. BIPs may include specific goals, intervention strategies, reinforcement systems, and data collection methods. Behavior modification techniques and strategies are implemented to support students in improving their behavior and social skills. These may include positive reinforcement, shaping, prompting, and modeling to encourage desired behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.

Inclusion Coach

An inclusion coach or inclusion facilitator is an education professional who supports teachers, students, and schools in implementing inclusive practices for students with disabilities within general education classrooms. They provide professional development and training to teachers and school staff on inclusive practices, strategies, and accommodations for students with disabilities, and will facilitate workshops, lead discussions, and provide resources to help educators build their knowledge and skills in supporting diverse learners.

Inclusion coaches will often work collaboratively with general education teachers to assist in designing differentiated instruction, adapting materials, and creating inclusive learning environments that foster engagement and participation for all students. They also provide guidance on effective co-teaching models, help teachers plan and implement co-taught lessons, and offer feedback and coaching to enhance collaboration and instructional delivery.

IEP Team Facilitator

Individualized Education Program (IEP) team facilitators lead and guide IEP team meetings. The IEP team consists of various individuals involved in the education of a student with disabilities, including parents, teachers, special education personnel, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders. The role of an IEP team facilitator is to ensure that the IEP process is conducted smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with legal requirements. 

Special Education Administrator

Special education administrators oversee and manage special education programs and services within a school district or educational organization. They are responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of the special education program including supervising and supporting special education teachers, managing budgets for special education services, facilitating student assessments, developing and implementing policies and systems that ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and more. They monitor program effectiveness, assess needs, and make informed decisions to improve services.

Special education administrators serve as advocates for students with disabilities, promoting inclusive practices and equitable opportunities. They provide leadership in advocating for policy changes, resources, and supports that positively impact the educational experiences and outcomes of students with disabilities.

Interventionist

An interventionist or instructional support specialist works directly with students with disabilities to provide targeted interventions and instructional support. They identify areas of academic difficulty or skill gaps for students with disabilities and develop targeted interventions to address these challenges. These interventions include specialized lessons and learning activities that align with the students' needs, goals, and learning styles, and may be deployed one-on-one or in small groups to provide focused attention and personalized instruction.

RTI Coordinator

A Response to Intervention (RTI) coordinator oversees and coordinates the implementation of the RTI framework within a school or district. RTI is a multi-tiered approach designed to provide early intervention and support to students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. The role of an RTI coordinator is to ensure that the RTI process is effectively implemented and that students receive appropriate interventions and supports. 

RTI coordinators develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems for the identification, intervention, and progress monitoring of students. They work closely with teachers to develop and implement evidence-based interventions and instructional strategies for students identified through the RTI process. They assist in selecting appropriate interventions, provide resources and materials, and offer guidance on effective implementation.

Transition Coordinator

A transition coordinator or transition specialist specializes in assisting students with disabilities as they transition from school to post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. Their role is to facilitate a smooth and successful transition for students by providing guidance, support, and resources. 

The transition coordinator collaborates with students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to develop individualized transition plans for students with disabilities. These plans outline specific goals, objectives, and activities that will support the student's transition to adulthood. The coordinator helps identify the student's strengths, interests, and areas for growth, and assists in setting meaningful and achievable goals in alignment with the student’s IEP. They work closely with the student's IEP team to incorporate appropriate transition services, accommodations, and supports that will facilitate the student's successful transition. 

Part of the role of the transition coordinator is to establish and maintain partnerships with community agencies, organizations, and employers that can provide opportunities and resources for students with disabilities. They connect students with appropriate vocational rehabilitation services, job training programs, post-secondary education institutions, and community support services, and facilitate work-based learning experiences, internships, job shadowing, and other hands-on opportunities for students to gain practical skills and explore potential career paths.

Advocate

Advocates work on behalf of students with disabilities and their families to ensure that students receive the appropriate special education services and supports they are entitled to under the law. They provide information and educate parents and caregivers about their rights and options within the special education system, and explain laws and regulations, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), to help families understand processes, timelines, and available services.

Advocates are particularly helpful in supporting parents and caregivers to navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. They explain the purpose of the IEP, attend IEP meetings with the family, and help them understand their role in the development and implementation of the IEP. 

Part of an advocate’s role is to communicate and negotiate with school districts to ensure that students’ rights are protected and that appropriate services are provided. They may facilitate communication between the family and the school, helping to resolve conflicts or address concerns. When needed, advocates accompany parents or caregivers to meetings related to special education, including IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, and disciplinary hearings. 

It's important to note that special education advocates are not legal professionals, although some may have legal knowledge and experience. Their role is to provide information, guidance, and support rather than legal representation. However, they may work closely with attorneys in cases that require legal intervention.

Researcher

Special education researchers play a crucial role in advancing knowledge, informing evidence-based practices, and improving outcomes for students with exceptionalities. They explore topics related to educational interventions, instructional strategies, policies, inclusive practices, and more to help identify effective approaches in supporting students with disabilities. 

Researchers may engage in policy-related work by providing research evidence and expertise to inform the development of policies and regulations in special education. They may participate in policy discussions, serve on advisory boards or committees, and provide recommendations based on their research findings to influence decision-making at local, state, or national levels.

Prepare for Doctoral Study

Earning a doctoral degree in special education provides a pathway to various high-level career opportunities in academia, research, leadership, and advocacy. Doctoral graduates typically become professors, researchers, advocates, program directors, consultants, and more. 
 

Learn more earning your M.A. in Special Education to prepare for any of these careers at RWU.