Special Education Teacher Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you a special education teacher looking for a new job? If so, you’re in luck! This article will provide you with a resume example that you can use to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd. We’ll show you what to include and how to format your resume to get noticed by potential employers. So, read on to learn more and get started on crafting your special education teacher resume!

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Special Education Teacher do?

A special education teacher works with students who have physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities. They develop individualized educational plans for their students and provide instruction in academic, life, and social skills. They also collaborate with parents, administrators, and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for their students. Special education teachers may also work with special education aides, provide advocacy for their students, and consult with other professionals on appropriate interventions for their students.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Special Education Teacher related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Special Education Teacher?

Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs
Administering assessments and evaluations to determine student strengths and needs
Creating lesson plans for special education classes
Developing strategies for adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Providing instruction in a variety of areas, including communication, social, academic, behavioral and life skills
Integrating technology into the classroom environment
Collaborating with parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals
Coordinating with other staff to ensure that all students with disabilities receive appropriate services
Monitoring student progress and providing feedback

Sample Special Education Teacher Resume for Inspiration

Name: John Smith

Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, ST 12345

Phone: (123) 456-7890

Email: john@example.com

Summary: John Smith is an experienced and passionate Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience. He has a proven ability to develop individualized programs to help students with special needs reach their full potential. He has extensive experience in providing direct instruction, assessing student performance and advocating for students' needs.

Work Experience:

Special Education Teacher, Anytown High School, Anytown, ST 12345 (2010-present)

Develop and implement individualized educational plans for students with special needs.
Create and execute lesson plans that meet the individual needs of each student.
Provide instruction and accommodations to help students reach their goals.
Assess student performance and progress.
Collaborate with other teachers, parents, administrators and service providers.
Advocate for students' rights and needs.

Special Education Instructor, Anytown Middle School, Anytown, ST 12345 (2008-2010)

Developed individualized educational plans for students with special needs.
Provided direct instruction and accommodations.
Assessed student performance and progress.
Collaborated with other teachers, parents, administrators and service providers.

Education:

M.Ed. Special Education, Anytown University, Anytown, ST 12345 (2008)
B.A. Education, Anytown University, Anytown, ST 12345 (2005)

Skills:

Direct Instruction
Individualized Education Plans
Student Assessment
Advocacy
Classroom Management
Collaboration

Certifications:

Special Education Teacher Certification, State of Anytown (2008)

Languages: English, Spanish

Resume tips for Special Education Teacher

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Special Education Teacher resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Special Education Teacher - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight any experience or qualifications related to working with students with special needs.
Include any certifications related to special education, such as an advanced degree or specialized training.
Detail any additional experience you may have working with students with disabilities, such as extracurricular activities or volunteer activities.
Be sure to include any awards or recognitions that you have received in the field of special education.
Mention any relevant professional memberships or involvement in organizations related to special education.

Special Education Teacher Resume Summary Examples

A resume summary or resume objective is a great way to highlight the experience, skills, and qualifications that make you a great fit for the job of a special education teacher. It will also help you stand out from other applicants by quickly communicating why you are the perfect candidate. It can also provide a snapshot of your professional experience, helping the employer to easily determine if you are a good fit for the position.

For Example:

Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 5 years of experience. Proven success in developing individualized lesson plans and providing differentiated instruction.
Highly motivated Special Education Teacher with 8 years of classroom experience. Skilled in creating lesson plans to meet the needs of students with special needs.
Special Education Teacher with a Master's Degree in Education. Highly organized and able to effectively manage behavior and create a safe learning environment.
Experienced Special Education Teacher with excellent communication skills. Successfully collaborate with students, parents, and professionals to develop IEPs and behavior plans.
Motivated Special Education Teacher with a passion for working with students with special needs. Adept at developing and implementing individualized learning plans to meet student needs.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Special Education Teacher Resume

Building a strong experience section for a special education teacher resume is important because it helps potential employers understand the unique skills and qualifications that you can offer. It helps them to recognize your strengths and accomplishments, and it also shows them that you have the experience and knowledge needed to be successful in this field. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to showcase how you have gone above and beyond in your career as a special education teacher. This section should include examples of how you have worked with students, how you’ve created and implemented lesson plans, and how you’ve collaborated with colleagues and parents.

For Example:

Provided comprehensive special education services to a diverse population of children with disabilities in grades K-5.
Developed and implemented individualized instructional programs to meet the individual needs of students.
Participated in IEP meetings, developed IEPs, and followed through with required implementation.
Conducted assessments and tracked student data to monitor student progress.
Collaborated regularly with general education teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and other staff members.
Utilized effective behavior management techniques to create a positive learning environment.
Incorporated assistive technology and accommodations into the classroom to better serve the needs of students.
Created and implemented strategies to assess student learning and modify instruction as needed.
Attended professional development and training opportunities to stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.

Special Education Teacher resume education example

A Special Education Teacher needs at least a bachelor’s degree in special education; some states require a master’s degree. They also need to have a valid teaching license from the state in which they are teaching. Many states also require additional coursework in special education, such as methods and assessment, behavioral management, and classroom technology. Special Education Teachers should also be knowledgeable about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and other special education programs.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Special Education Teacher resume:

University of Massachusetts - Bachelor of Science in Education, Special Education, 2019
University of California - Master of Science in Special Education, 2020
Special Education Certificate - University of California, 2020
Certified Special Education Teacher - State Board of Education, 2020

Special Education Teacher Skills for a Resume

Adding skills to a resume for a special education teacher is important because it helps to showcase the teacher's expertise in the field. By listing relevant skills, a hiring manager can see at a glance the teacher's qualifications and experience. These skills can include areas such as classroom management, working with students with disabilities, curriculum development, and assessment and evaluation. Examples of specific skills should not be included in a resume as they should be discussed in more detail during an interview.

Soft Skills:

Patience
Interpersonal
Communication
Organizational
Adaptability
Collaboration
Compassion
Creativity
Flexibility
Problem-solving

Hard Skills:

Behaviour Management
Classroom Instruction
IEP Development
Differentiated Instruction
Assessment Administration
Instructional Design
Collaboration Skills
Intervention Strategies
Technology Integration
Behaviour Analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Special Education Teacher Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Special Education Teacher resume

Highlight your experience working with students with special needs
Demonstrate your understanding of the IEP process and special education regulations
List any certifications or special training you have relevant to the field
Include any awards or recognition you’ve received
Describe the strategies you use to help special needs students learn
Showcase your ability to collaborate with parents, teachers and administrators
Mention your success in developing and implementing behavior management plans
Discuss the methods you use to assess students’ progress
Highlight your work in creating Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Include any special technology or assistive devices you’re trained to use

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.