Unlock Your Future in Special Education: Thriving Careers Await!
Special Education faculty jobs represent a dynamic field where educators and researchers empower students with disabilities to excel. With over 7.5 million U.S. students receiving special education services in 2022-23 under IDEA, the demand for trained faculty surges. These roles blend teaching future teachers, pioneering research on inclusive practices, and advocating for equity. Whether you're a graduate student pursuing a PhD or an experienced instructor eyeing tenure-track positions, opportunities abound in universities emphasizing autism interventions, learning disabilities, and universal design for learning.
Trends show 8% growth for postsecondary teachers through 2032 (BLS 2023), accelerated in special education due to teacher shortages. Explore higher ed jobs for listings, or check professor salaries revealing assistant professors averaging $82,000 in the U.S. Students can rate Special Education professors to select inspiring mentors. Dive into higher ed career advice for resume tips via our free resume template.
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Why Choose Special Education Academia?
This field offers prestige through impactful work, like developing IEPs or researching twice-exceptional students—gifted kids with disabilities, a fringe area gaining traction at institutions like the University of Arizona. A unique anecdote: Faculty at Gallaudet University specialize in deaf education, blending sign language innovation with tech like AI captioning. In the UK, SENCO roles influence faculty training under the 2014 SEND Code. High satisfaction rates (90% per Chronicle of Higher Ed surveys) stem from seeing student transformations.
Job seekers, target professor jobs or lecturer jobs. Parents and students, review Rate My Professor for Special Education faculty insights.
Career Paths for Students in Special Education
Educational Journey
Start with a bachelor's in special education, advance to a master's for certification, and pursue a PhD for faculty roles. Programs at Vanderbilt's Peabody College lead nationally. Before enrolling, rate Special Education professors on standout courses via Rate My Course.
Emerging Roles
Paths include adjunct teaching (adjunct professor jobs), research assistants (research assistant jobs), or admin in administration jobs. Locale quirk: California's high caseloads (1:12 ratio) boost demand—see jobs in California.
Special Education Faculty Job Opportunities and Salaries
Universities post specialty jobs in inclusive ed, with remote options via remote higher ed jobs. Trends: Rise in postdoc research on neurodiversity (postdoc jobs).
Salaries vary: Explore full data at professor salaries and university salaries.
| Role | U.S. Average (2023 BLS) | U.K. Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,450 | £46,500 | Entry-level, high demand |
| Associate Professor | $97,200 | £55,000 | Mid-career research focus |
| Full Professor | $126,000 | £68,000 | Tenured, leadership roles |
California tops U.S. at $95,000+; check Los Angeles hotspots.
Faculty, leverage recruitment services. Students, align paths with university rankings.
Top Programs and Fringe Insights
Vanderbilt Peabody: Pioneers evidence-based interventions.
University of Oregon: Leads in behavior analysis for autism.
Fringe: Finnish model's no-label inclusion inspires U.S. faculty research. Anecdote: A Minnesota prof developed VR for dyslexia, now standard in 50+ programs.
Rate My Professor for these leaders. Browse Ivy League special ed offerings.
Associations for Special Education
Council for Exceptional Children
A professional association dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development.
International Association of Special Education
An organization focused on improving the quality of life and service delivery for all individuals with special needs worldwide through collaboration and research.
National Association of Special Education Teachers
Provides resources, support, and professional development opportunities for special education teachers in the United States.
European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education
Supports European countries in developing inclusive education policies and practices for learners with special needs.
Australian Association of Special Education
Promotes excellence in special education through professional development, advocacy, and research in Australia.
nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs)
Offers resources, training, and advocacy to support educators and professionals working with children and young people with special educational needs in the UK.
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
Advocates for individuals with learning disabilities and provides educational resources and support services across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓What qualifications do I need for Special Education faculty jobs?
A PhD in special education or related field is essential for tenure-track roles, plus teaching experience and research publications. Students start with bachelor's/master's; see higher ed career advice for paths.
💰What is the average salary for Special Education professors?
U.S. assistant professors earn ~$82K, full professors $126K (BLS 2023). UK averages £46K-£68K. Detailed breakdowns by location/role at professor salaries.
🏠Are remote Special Education faculty jobs available?
Yes, growing options for online teaching and research, especially post-2020. Check remote higher ed jobs for adjunct and lecturer positions.
📚How can students prepare for Special Education academia?
Earn advanced degrees, gain K-12 experience, publish research. Rate programs via Rate My Professor and explore scholarships.
🏫What are top universities for Special Education?
Vanderbilt, University of Oregon, Columbia. Review faculty at Rate My Professor; see rankings via university rankings.
🌍How does Special Education faculty work differ by country?
📈What trends shape Special Education faculty roles?
AI tools, neurodiversity research, teacher shortages drive 8% growth. Explore research jobs and clinical research jobs.
⭐How to evaluate Special Education professors?
Use Rate My Professor for reviews on teaching style and research. Also check Rate My Course for program quality.
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