Special Education Teachers in Indiana

It’s no surprise that 49 states report a shortage of special education teachers, and 82% of special education teachers report that there are not enough professionals to meet the needs of students with disabilities. According to a Ball State University survey, there was a 12% increase in the demand for special education teachers at the elementary through senior high school levels in the state of Indiana.

If you want to become a special education teacher in Indiana, look no further than Indiana Teachers. The Indiana Teachers educator preparation program will get you fully licensed to teach special education, either one-on-one with exceptional students, or teaching in a classroom of developmentally delayed students. In the state of Indiana, a special education licensure is categorized under the CORE subject area of Exceptional Needs.

An early childhood special education teacher is responsible for helping infants and toddlers under the age of 5 build learning skills to prepare them for school. Parents, therapists, social workers, and medical professionals all work together to determine the best possible environment and strategies for each child.

Elementary and secondary special education teachers build lesson plans based on their assessment of each of their students’ needs. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are central to this process. Each student has their own specific set of needs and circumstances, and the IEP serves as a road map to track the student’s progress, informing the strategy behind how supervising teacher assistants, group activity, one-on-one instruction, and parents come together to assist the student in accomplishing their goals toward progress in the classroom.

The special education teacher works in conjunction with general education teachers, as well as counselors and administrators to further the goals set forth in a student’s IEP. As each student’s educational steward, the special education teacher updates the IEP throughout the year to reflect their progress and goals. The IEPs you create for students will collectively determine how you structure your classroom. The Indiana Teachers training program will teach you how to create effective individualized education plans based on the state standards. Once the IEPs have been established, the special education teacher works with students and parents to carry them out.

Responsibilities of the Special Education Teacher:

1. Assisting students as they acquire basic life skills
2. Behavioral and emotional development
3. Designing and implementing modified curricula to fit student abilities
4. Assessing students’ performance via modified testing procedures such as oral examinations, larger print materials, and extended test times
5. Collaborating with parents, counselors, physical therapists, medical professionals, administrators, and other teachers

Characteristics of a good Special Education teacher:

1. Organized and good at multitasking
2. Able to provide and cultivate structure for students’ routines
3. Optimistic and positive
4. Displays empathy and is accepting of their students
5. Calm and even-tempered, even in emergency situations
6. Creative problem solver
7. Seeks to truly understand and encourage students
8. Intuitive and able to anticipate students’ needs
9. Patient and kind
10. Team player

Are you ready to learn more about becoming a special education teacher in Indiana? Apply for free and one of our expert program advisors will contact you to help you develop a personalized path to licensure!

Because of the growing need for special education teachers in Indiana, you might enjoy more benefits than other teachers who are certified in another subject area.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS), the median national annual salary for special education teachers is $57,910. Special Education teachers often times are given a $1,000-$3,000 stipend each year by their employing school district as an incentive for retention, and sometimes may be offered even higher salaries.

Special Education teachers also receive many less tangible rewards, as their exceptional students’ progress can be greatly inspiring. Most positions will offer full benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance, along with paid summer, winter and spring vacations, and a retirement plan. You may also receive additional pay for working with students for their extracurricular activities.

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) provides additional support specifically for prospective special education teachers. Their website provides valuable resources such as their Classroom Management Series publication, video lectures and much more.