| Job Description | A Special Education Teacher works with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities. |
| Skills | Excellent communication skills, Patience, Creativity, Organization, Understanding of disabilities and special needs, Problem-solving skills, Adaptability |
| Industry | Education, Special Needs Education |
| Experience Level | Entry to Mid-level |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or a related field. Some states require a Master’s degree. All states require special education teachers to be licensed. |
| Work Environment | Special Education Teachers typically work in public and private schools, in special education classrooms or resource centers. The job can be emotionally demanding and physically draining. |
| Salary Range | $40,000 to $90,000 per year |
| Career Path | Special Education Teachers can advance in their careers by becoming special education directors or school administrators. They may also choose to specialize in a specific area of special education, such as working with students with autism or those with physical disabilities. |
| Popular Companies | New York City Department of Education, Chicago Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified School District |
Special Education Teacher Interview Questions
Can you describe your experience with individualized education programs (IEPs)?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, provide specific examples of how you’ve used IEPs in your past teaching roles. Explain how you’ve developed these plans, how you’ve implemented them, and how you’ve adjusted them over time to meet the needs of your students. Be sure to highlight any positive outcomes that have resulted from your use of IEPs.
Example:
In my previous role, I worked closely with school psychologists, parents, and other teachers to develop comprehensive IEPs for my students. One instance that stands out was with a student who was struggling with reading comprehension. We implemented an IEP that included additional reading sessions and exercises to improve his skills. Over the course of the year, we saw significant improvement in his reading comprehension scores. This experience reinforced the importance of individualized education programs in helping students succeed.
How do you approach handling behavioral issues in your classroom?
How to Answer:
You should highlight your strategies for managing behavior in the classroom. This could involve setting clear expectations, providing consistent consequences, and working to understand the root cause of the behavior. You might also discuss any training or methodologies you follow, such as positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS). The employer is looking to see that you are proactive in managing behavior and that you have strategies to support all students in your classroom.
Example:
I believe that every behavior is a form of communication, so my first step in managing behavioral issues is to try and understand what the student is trying to communicate. I use techniques such as PBIS to reinforce positive behaviors and set clear expectations for my students. I also work closely with school counselors or psychologists if necessary to address any underlying issues the student might be dealing with. I find that consistency, clear communication, and patience are key in managing any behavioral issues in the classroom.
How do you plan to communicate with parents and other stakeholders about a student’s progress?
How to Answer:
In your response, mention the importance of regular, proactive communication with parents and others involved in the student’s education. Discuss the methods you would use — such as emails, phone calls, or meetings — and how often you would communicate. You could also mention your approach for dealing with difficult or sensitive issues.
Example:
I believe in maintaining an open line of communication with parents and other stakeholders. I plan to send regular updates via email and schedule monthly phone calls or meetings to discuss the student’s progress in detail. If there are any issues or concerns, I would address them promptly and professionally, always focusing on the best interest of the student. In the past, I’ve found that this proactive and transparent approach fosters a positive and supportive environment for the student’s development.
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to understand how you integrate social-emotional learning into your teaching practices. Start by explaining the importance of social-emotional learning for special education students. Then, provide concrete examples of how you incorporate it into your lessons, such as through role-playing exercises, mindfulness activities, or discussions about emotions and empathy. Make sure to highlight the positive impact these strategies have on students’ learning and behavior.
Example:
I believe that social-emotional learning is a key component of special education. It helps students develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. In my previous role, I integrated social-emotional learning into my curriculum in a number of ways. For instance, I used role-playing exercises to help students practice empathy and perspective-taking. I also incorporated mindfulness activities into our daily routine to help students learn to manage their emotions. These strategies not only improved students’ behavior in the classroom but also enhanced their academic performance.
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How to Answer:
When answering this question, discuss a specific instance where you had to modify your lesson plan to cater to a student with special needs. Explain the changes you made, why you made them, and what the outcome was. It will show your flexibility, creativity, and commitment to ensuring all students can learn effectively.
Example:
In my previous role, I had a student with autism who had difficulty understanding abstract concepts. We were working on a unit about the water cycle, which was challenging for her. I decided to adapt the lesson plan by incorporating more visual aids and hands-on activities. For instance, I used a simple experiment to demonstrate evaporation and condensation, and I created a visual diagram of the water cycle with moving parts. The student was able to grasp the concept better with these modifications. It was a rewarding experience to see her understand and enjoy the topic.
Can you discuss a time when you implemented a unique teaching strategy to help a student understand a concept? What was the outcome?
How to Answer:
This question is about your creativity and adaptability as a special education teacher. Discuss a specific instance where you came up with a unique, out-of-the-box teaching strategy to help a student understand a concept. Be sure to discuss the student’s learning challenge, your teaching strategy, and the result. It’s important to highlight your critical thinking, creativity, and the positive impact of your teaching approach.
Example:
I had a student with Autism who was struggling to understand the concept of multiplication. Traditional methods were not working, so I decided to use a visual approach. I used Lego blocks to represent the multiplication problems. Each block represented a number and stacking them together helped show the process of multiplication. The student was able to see and physically manipulate the blocks, which greatly improved his understanding. His progress in mathematics improved significantly after this.
Can you describe how you would modify assessment methods to cater to the specific needs of students with disabilities?
How to Answer:
The candidate should demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply different assessment methods to cater to the unique needs of special education students. They should provide an example from their past experiences where they had to modify an assessment method and discuss the outcomes. It’s important to note that the answer should reflect a balance between maintaining academic standards and making necessary accommodations for students with disabilities.
Example:
Absolutely, I once had a student with dyslexia in my class, and traditional written tests were a challenge for him. I modified his assessments to include oral testing and visual aids, which helped him express his understanding more effectively. I also incorporated extra time for him to complete his assessments. This approach allowed the student to perform at his best, and he showed significant improvement in his grades. I firmly believe in maintaining academic standards but also understand the need to make necessary modifications to help each student succeed.
How do you approach teaching academic skills to students with severe cognitive disabilities?
How to Answer:
The interviewer wants to see if you are capable of differentiating instruction to cater to the needs of students with severe cognitive disabilities. You should describe how you modify your teaching strategies, materials, and expectations to help these students learn. Mention specific techniques you use, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, or incorporating hands-on learning activities. It would also be beneficial to talk about how you assess the progress of these students and adjust your strategies accordingly.
Example:
In teaching students with severe cognitive disabilities, I believe in the power of differentiated instruction and the use of multisensory tools. For instance, in teaching basic math, I break down the concept into smaller, manageable steps. I use visual aids such as number lines or blocks. I also use real-life situations to make the lesson more concrete and relatable. To assess their understanding, I use formative assessments and closely observe their performance during class activities. I adjust my teaching methods based on their progress and feedback from these assessments. Above all, I ensure to create a supportive and positive learning environment where they feel valued and capable.
What strategies would you use to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for students with special needs?
How to Answer:
When answering this question, it’s important to show your understanding of the importance of an inclusive classroom. Discuss various strategies you would use such as differentiation, using aids and resources, peer support, and promoting understanding and empathy among students. Be sure to highlight any specific experiences you have had in creating a positive and inclusive environment.
Example:
I believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and included. I do this by differentiating lessons to cater to the individual needs of each student, using visual aids and hands-on resources to help students understand concepts, and arranging the classroom in a way that promotes collaboration and interaction among students. I also think it’s important to foster empathy and understanding among students. For instance, I once organized a ‘walk in their shoes’ activity where students had a chance to experience the challenges their peers with special needs face. This activity greatly improved the way students interacted with each other and created a supportive and empathetic classroom environment.
How do you ensure that the teaching materials you use are appropriate and accessible for all the students in your special education classroom?
How to Answer:
In your response, explain how you select and adapt your teaching resources to suit the diverse needs of your students. You can highlight your experience with using assistive technology, creating customized learning materials, and modifying mainstream resources. Discuss the importance of ensuring all students can engage with and benefit from the learning materials, and how this contributes to an inclusive learning environment.
Example:
In my previous role, I made it a point to use a variety of teaching resources that catered to the different learning styles and abilities in my classroom. I used a blend of visual aids, hands-on materials, and digital resources. In terms of digital resources, I incorporated assistive technology devices and software into my lessons, which was particularly helpful for students with physical and learning disabilities. For instance, I used speech-to-text software for students with writing difficulties. I also modified mainstream resources to make them more accessible. This could mean simplifying the language, enlarging the text, or adding visual cues. I believe it’s crucial that all students can access and engage with the teaching materials, as this helps to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.
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