Exceptional Student Education Online
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Request InfoExceptional Student Education, B.A. Overview
The University of West Florida’s fully online exceptional student and elementary education bachelor’s degree program is a fully accredited program that prepares teachers to set high learning expectations for their students and address diverse, individual learning needs. Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible for a Professional Florida Educator’s Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (K–12) as well as Elementary Education (K–6) with endorsements in both Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
The Exceptional Student and Elementary Education program is a Florida Department of Education approved specialization that leads directly to state certification in Exceptional Student Education (K–12) and Elementary Education (K–6) with ESOL and Reading Endorsements (Students must pass FDOE exams prior to student teaching).
Eligibility for initial educator certification in most states is based on the completion of a state-approved educator preparation program. This program is approved in Florida. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for teacher advancement.
Requirements for teacher education programs may change due to legislative mandates. Therefore, the actual program requirements may differ from those listed in the catalog. Candidates must inquire with the chair or an advisor in the School of Education to obtain the most current program requirements. Students seeking initial certification must be degree-seeking.
Field Experience
The Exceptional Student and Elementary Education bachelor’s degree program includes two 100-hour field experiences in K–12 classrooms under the careful supervision of an experienced teacher prior to their student teaching capstone experience.
Field experiences are designed for UWF students to observe effective teaching practices and expand their knowledge base related to content, the learner and learning, instructional practice and professional responsibility. Students develop their planning and instructional skills as they tutor individuals and small groups of K–12 students, and provide whole group instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies. Field experience also includes an emphasis on teaching English language learners.
Student teaching is the capstone experience for students in the Exceptional Student and Elementary Education program. During the semester-long experience, students gradually assume full teaching responsibilities in a general or special education classroom with the guidance and support of an experienced teacher. Students will demonstrate that they can effectively provide all students with rigorous standards-based instruction, and are prepared for their first teaching position.
Fingerprinting is required for any placement in a school (including the field experience associated with EDF 1005: Introduction to Education). The Student Affidavit and Fingerprinting Application are required before any student can be placed in a school for field experiences or student teaching. Forms are available from the local school districts.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Future teachers who want to fulfill a critical shortage by making a difference in the lives of all students, including those with exceptionalities
- Those wanting to teach at the elementary or middle school level in general education
- Those wanting to teach at the elementary and secondary level in special education
You Will Be Able To:
- Create and manage an inclusive learning environment which facilitates positive social interactions and makes content accessible and developmentally appropriate for all students
- Plan instruction which sets rigorous learning goals, reflects knowledge of content area curriculum and pedagogy and facilitates critical thinking and problem solving
- Critically evaluate their instruction using multiple methods of assessment to monitor student progress and guide decision making and problem-solving
- Communicate relevant information using a variety of technologies during the learning process
- Take initiative to create professional learning opportunities and proactively seek feedback to improve professional practices
- Collaborate with colleagues, families and community members to provide effective instruction for students from diverse backgrounds
Accreditation
The B.A. in Exceptional Student Education is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through Spring 2025. CAEP is the only CHEA recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
CAEP’s annual outcome and impact measures and their trends, candidate performance data, and additional accreditation information is available on the UWF School of Education Accreditation web page.
Courses and Requirements
The University of West Florida’s B.A. in Exceptional Student Education online program includes a total of 132 credit hours. After completing 60 credit hours in general education, plus recommended lower-division prerequisite courses, you will need to complete a core of 60 credit hours in major courses. Then, student teaching will complete your degree program.
Students must satisfy 60 credit hours of general education requirements. The general education requirements are the basic studies that provide students with a broad educational foundation and are essential requirements for all baccalaureate degree programs. Included in the general education requirements are subjects in communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, multicultural studies and lower-level electives. If interested in the bachelor’s in exceptional student education, you can direct your electives toward the following common prerequisites.
Common Prerequisites (3 credit hours)
State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to admission to this program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
- EDF 1005 - Introduction to Education
3.0 Credit Hours
Introduction to Education
This course is for students who are considering teaching as a profession in the k-12 public education setting. The course will provide students with an introduction to the field of education: the structure of schools, historical/philosophical foundations of education, current challenges and requirements of the profession, and best practices for the k-12 classroom. This course requires a minimum of 15 hours of field experience in a k-12 school setting.
Lower Division Recommended Electives (15 credit hours)
Students must complete sufficient 1000/2000-level advisor-approved electives to satisfy at least 60 credit hours in the lower division. Current UWF students may substitute courses at other levels (3000/4000) with permission. The following courses are recommended for aspiring teachers:
- MAC 1105 - College Algebra
3.0 Credit Hours
College Algebra
Provides the concepts and techniques of algebra that are needed to understand subjects such as statistics and economics which contain a considerable amount of quantitative reasoning. Is additionally a preparatory course for the study of calculus. Major topics include: the concept of functions, graphs of functions and relations, operations on functions, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms, systems of equations and inequalities, applications. Prerequisite course or appropriate score on placement test is required. Meets General Education requirement in Mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule Theoretical Mathematics Requirement. Prerequisite: MAT 1033 OR 123 PERT Math OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math
- PHI 2103 - Critical Thinking
3.0 Credit Hours
Critical Thinking
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of critical thinking, argument, conceptual analysis and evidence. Students will learn how to think critically, read actively, and write persuasively across a variety of contexts. Appropriate for and applicable to any major. Meets General Education requirement in Humanities. Meets Gordon Rule Writing Requirement.
- SPC 2608 - Public Speaking
3.0 Credit Hours
Public Speaking
Emphasizes the link between the fundamental theories in speech communication and effective public speaking. Includes practical training and study in public presentation skills, audience analysis, speech construction and problem solving using lecture and experiential learning format. Credit may not be received in both SPC 2608 and SPC 2016. Meets General Education requirement in Humanities.
- STA 2023 - Elements of Statistics
3.0 Credit Hours
Elements of Statistics
STA2023 covers descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, and basic statistical procedures, estimation, and inference. In addition to provide basic concepts in the mentioned areas it prepares the student for other more advanced statistical courses that are necessary for research. Meets General Education requirement in Mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule Applied Mathematics Requirement. Prerequisite: 35 ALEKS Proctored test OR MAC 1105 OR MAC 1105C OR 26 SAT15 Math Sub OR MAT 1033 OR MGF 1106 OR MGF 1107 OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math OR 123 PERT Math.
Choose one of the following:
- DEP 2004 - Human Development Across the Lifespan
3 Credit Hours
Human Development Across the Lifespan
Survey of major themes and recent findings in the area of human development across the life span. Emphasis will be on the major transitions from fetal development through death in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The impact of ethnic, gender and cultural factors on development will be examined. Meets general education requirement in social sciences.
- PSY 2012 - General Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
General Psychology
A survey of methods, theories, and body of knowledge of contemporary psychology, including such topics as learning, motivation, sensation and perception, development, thinking, personality, social behavior, psychological adjustment, and methods of therapy. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences.
- EDF 1005 - Introduction to Education
- EDF 3234 - Applied Foundations of Education
3.0 Credit Hours
Applied Foundations of Education
The course focuses on principles of growth and development from birth through adolescence. Students examine personal, social and moral development as well as cognitive learning and motivation. The course contains an emphasis on learners from diverse backgrounds and with special needs.
- EDG 3945 - Field Experience 1
3.0 Credit Hours
Field Experience 1
This field experience includes carefully planned and designed course assignments and activities, with students working in a classroom setting for a minimum of 75 hours in a field placement. This experience includes: focused and specific introductions, observations and identification, demonstration, and reflection. In order to receive a C- or above in the course, students must earn at least a "Needs Improvement" or above rating on the Danielson evaluation tool for the critical elements, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1f, 2a, 2c, 2d, 3a, 4a, & 4f and at least a "partially meets" score on all dispositions. Permission is required and a 2.5 Program GPA for those in the ESE/Elem or Elem Ed. degrees. Prerequisite: EDF 3234 AND 1 FTCE General Ed.
- EDG 4351 - Educational Assessment
3.0 Credit Hours
Educational Assessment
This general assessment course is designed for all students in Teacher Education and focuses on assessment concepts that are critical for good teaching. Topics include (1) measurement issues to determine assessment quality; (2) teacher-constructed assessments such as paper and pencil assessments, informal assessments, and performance and product assessments; (3) interpreting standardized assessments commonly used in public schools; (4) using assessment data to develop instructional plans; and(5) using specialized assessment tools to meet varied student needs.
- EDG 4373 - Integrated Arts and Contemporary Educational Tools
3.0 Credit Hours
Integrated Arts and Contemporary Educational Tools
Prepares students to effectively integrate the arts and contemporary tools into instruction delivered in K-12 classrooms and community settings. Emphasis is on engaging learning experiences for learners that are designed to deepen and integrate their knowledge and understanding of subject matter across disciplines and support teaching and learning in inclusive settings.
- EDG 4442 - Effective Learning Environments
3.0 Credit Hours
Effective Learning Environments
This course focuses on strategies for creating and maintaining effective learning environments with activities related to building relationships, organizing groups, developing and implementing rules and procedures, teaching effectively, utilizing positive behavior support strategies, and implementing individual behavioral interventions.
- EDG 4949 - Field Experience 2
3.0 Credit Hours
Field Experience 2
Students in this course will complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised work in an assigned educational setting, with 25 hours devoted to an ESOL placement. Students will continue to build connections between theory and practice, demonstrating competency on the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs) and ESOL Performance Standard. Specific learning activities include observation, planning, implementation of planned learning experiences, and assessment of students from diverse backgrounds including students identified as culturally and linguistically diverse (English Language Learners - ELL). In order to receive a C- or above in the course, students must earn a "Needs Improvement" or above rating on 16 or more elements of the Danielson evaluation tool and a passing score on all dispositions. Students must have a 2.5 program GPA and satisfactorily complete the FTCE General Knowledge exam as well as submit an application by the deadline listed on the department website and in the Student Guide in order to be eligible for placement. Permission is required. Prerequisite: TSL 4081 AND 1 FTCE General Ed.
- EEX 3070 - Methods in Inclusion and Collaboration
3.0 Credit Hours
Methods in Inclusion and Collaboration
This course is required for all education majors. The course provides students with background knowledge related to Special Education issues including laws and regulations, terminology, disability categories, and common educational practices. Students are also challenged to learn the skills necessary to work collaboratively within an educational environment to include students with disabilities, while meeting their individual educational, behavioral, and social needs. Evidence-based instructional and behavior strategies will also be presented.
- EEX 4141 - Teaching Students with Language and Communication Disorders
3 Credit Hours
Teaching Students with Language and Communication Disorders
This course is designed to help teachers (ESE and general education) better understand the nature of speech and language development and common problems that students may experience during their developing years. Characteristics of common speech & language problems and interventions for classroom teachers are highlighted.
- EEX 4254 - Instructional Strategies for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
3.0 Credit Hours
Instructional Strategies for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
Through lecture, discussion, and projects, this course provides an introduction to a comprehensive knowledge base pertinent to the nature and needs of students with exceptional needs. Course content focuses on current legislation, professional practices, trends, and research, and students will learn about and explore current evidence-based practices that support student success. Additional emphasis is placed on identifying specific instructional strategies developed for students who struggle in subject-specific content areas. Prerequisite: EEX 3070
- EEX 4255 - Curriculum for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
3.0 Credit Hours
Curriculum for Teaching Students with Exceptionalities
This course prepares pre-service teachers to effectively utilize specialized curriculum and research-supported practices for teaching students with high incidence disabilities (learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities) in inclusive, general education environments; to analyze and evaluate curriculum standards and resources; and to interpret assessment results to generate data-based decisions for individualized, instructional programs. Prerequisite: EEX 3070 AND EEX 4254 AND RED 3310
- EEX 4474 - Curricula for Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities
3.0 Credit Hours
Curricula for Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities
This course provides an introduction to curricula pertaining to students with severe disabilities including intellectual disabilities, physical impairments, and autism. Emphasis is placed on person-centered planning, team approaches, access to the general education curriculum, integrating life skills and academic skills instruction, activity-based instruction, and community-based instruction. Course content includes curriculum and instructional strategies related to communication, motor and self-care skills. Prerequisite: EEX 3070 AND EEX 4141.
- EEX 4772 - Personal, Social and Employment Skills for Exceptional Students
3.0 Credit Hours
Personal, Social and Employment Skills for Exceptional Students
A primary goal of this course is building capacity with regard to identifying holistic needs, as well as strategies to promote and maximize independence, to identify career goals that are consistent with the career aptitudes and interests of children and youth. Related components of this focus include: self-awareness, self-determination, transition planning for independent living, selective placement and social skill development. Emphasis throughout is placed on identifying access points to available community, state and federal resources. A required field experience requires students to develop a Transition Plan for an at-risk youth or adult that is an application of the essential course content.
- LAE 3314 - Literacy for the Emergent Learner
3.0 Credit Hours
Literacy for the Emergent Learner
This course introduces pre-service teachers to the development of early literacy from birth through the primary grades. It focuses on the development of language skills, phonological awareness, word identification, fluency, and comprehension. Students will examine theories of early literacy development along with effective practices for instructing young children.
- MAE 4310 - Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
3.0 Credit Hours
Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School
This course is a requirement for the elementary education teacher preparation program. The course is designed to provide students with the methodology requisite to effective mathematics teaching in elementary school classrooms. The coursework centers on utilizing mathematics content knowledge and process skills in the development of effective instructional strategies for the elementary level learners. This course addresses B.E.S.T. Standards for K-12 Mathematics within lesson planning assignments. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- RED 3310 - Literacy Instruction for the Intermediate Learner
3.0 Credit Hours
Literacy Instruction for the Intermediate Learner
This course prepares educators for effective literacy instruction in the intermediate grades. Learning activities focus on research based instructional approaches that incorporate the major components of reading, including word study, guided reading, and guided writing. Additionally, students will examine instruction that provides appropriate accommodations for students with special needs. Prerequisite: LAE 3314
- RED 4542 - Assessment and Differentiated Instruction in Reading
3.0 Credit Hours
Assessment and Differentiated Instruction in Reading
This course prepares the pre-service teacher in the areas of differentiated reading and language arts instruction based on appropriate assessment practices. A major component of this course is building capacity with regard to providing individualized instruction in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course meets the requirements for Competencies 3 and 4 of Florida's Reading Endorsement. Prerequisite: LAE 3314 AND RED 3310
- SCE 4310 - Teaching Science in the Elementary School
3.0 Credit Hours
Teaching Science in the Elementary School
This course incorporates current research and best practices in science education to prepare prospective teachers to foster meaningful science learning in the elementary (K-6) classroom. In the course, prospective teachers reflect on and develop their competence in the three dimensions of science learning, and their understanding of the nature of science. They also explore subject-specific pedagogy with an emphasis on planning inquiry-based instruction that engages elementary learners in experiencing and explaining phenomena, and builds on their prior knowledge. Furthermore, the course develops prospective teachers' awareness of strategies to assess science learning, and promote equitable participation of underrepresented populations in science learning experiences. A material and supply fee is assessed for an elementary science materials kit. A material and supply fee is assessed for an elementary science materials kit.
- SSE 4113 - Social Studies for Elementary Teachers
3.0 Credit Hours
Social Studies for Elementary Teachers
This course will provide students with instructional strategies and materials for teaching a contemporary program in social studies in the elementary school. Students will creatively interact with history, geography, civics and economics. Particular attention will be paid to citizenship education, multicultural understandings and 21st century models for teaching social studies.
- TSL 4080 - ESOL Principles and Practices
3.0 Credit Hours
ESOL Principles and Practices
The course provides an overview of information and skills concerning the education of students who are English Language Learners (ELL). The course focuses on cross-cultural understanding and methods of teaching English to speakers of other languages, as well as curriculum and materials to support such work. It provides an introduction to linguistics and builds capacity with regard to working with families of students learning English. Offered concurrently with TSL 5085 and graduate students will complete additional higher-level work.
- TSL 4081 - Teaching English to ESOL Students
3.0 Credit Hours
Teaching English to ESOL Students
This is the second in a sequence of two courses designed to provide students with knowledge and skills related to the education of English Language Learners (ELLs). The course addresses cross-cultural communication and methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with emphasis on second language acquisition theories, the role of applied linguistics in second language teaching and learning, and the assessment of ELL students. Prerequisite: TSL 4080
- EDF 3234 - Applied Foundations of Education
Option 1
- EDG 4936 - Senior Seminar and Reading Practicum
2.0 Credit Hours
Senior Seminar and Reading Practicum
Integrates theory, and general professional preparation with actual school practice. Includes a supervised reading practicum that provides opportunities to apply knowledge of reading instruction and assessment in order to increase reading proficiency of struggling readers. Prepares student for achieving initial certification and continuing success in the classroom. Prerequisite: EDF 3234. Co-requisite: EDG 4940.
- EDG 4940 - Student Teaching
3.0-12.0 Credit Hours
Student Teaching
The course involves a minimum of ten weeks of supervised teaching in a public or private school assigned to the student by the School of Education (SOE) Field Placement Office and approved by the SOE Director. This is a full-time assignment, and students may not take additional coursework or maintain employment during the student teaching experience without prior approval from the SOE Director. In order to receive a "satisfactory" in the course, students must earn at least a "Developing" rating on the Danielson evaluation tool for all elements and a passing score on all dispositions. Performance in student teaching is graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Prerequisite: 1 FTCE Professional Ed AND 1 FTCE General Ed AND 1 FTCE Special Ed AND 1 FTCE Subject Area Test Two AND 1 FTCE Elementary Ed AND 1 FTCE Subject Area Test One Co-requisite: EDG 4936.
Option 2
- EDG 4936 - Senior Seminar and Reading Practicum
2.0 Credit Hours
Senior Seminar and Reading Practicum
Integrates theory, and general professional preparation with actual school practice. Includes a supervised reading practicum that provides opportunities to apply knowledge of reading instruction and assessment in order to increase reading proficiency of struggling readers. Prepares student for achieving initial certification and continuing success in the classroom. Prerequisite: EDF 3234. Co-requisite: EDG 4940.
- EDG 4941 - Teaching Internship I
1.0-12.0 Credit Hours
Teaching Internship I
Teaching Internship I is designed to be the culminating experience for those preparing to become a professional educator. This elite program will provide the student with a 10 month placement in which they will apply all the knowledge they have gleaned from their coursework. The placement will provide opportunities for students to practice skills under careful observation and in cooperation with a master teacher. Phase 1 of this year-long supervised teaching experience in public and private schools will focus on planning and executing effective instruction. (Students will register for this series in successive semesters) Graded on Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis only. In order to receive a "satisfactory" in the course, students must earn at least a "Developing" rating on the Danielson evaluation tool for all elements and a passing score on all dispositions. (See Teacher Education/Admission to Student Teaching) Permission is required.
- EDG 4942 - Teaching Internship II
1.0-12.0 Credit Hours
Teaching Internship II
Internship Internship II is designed to be the culminating experience for those preparing to become a professional educator. This elite program will provide the student with a 10 month placement in which they will apply all the knowledge they have gleaned from their coursework. The placement will provide opportunities for students to practice skills under careful observation and in cooperation with a master teacher. Phase 2 of this year-long supervised teaching experience in public and private schools will focus on classroom management and professional development. (Students will register for this series in successive semesters) Graded on Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis only. (See Teacher Education/Admission to Student Teaching) Prerequisite: EDG 4941
- EDG 4936 - Senior Seminar and Reading Practicum
Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
Admission Requirements
Prior to applying to UWF’s online B.A. in Exceptional Student Education, you must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all previously attempted college work
- Receive a passing score on the general knowledge test of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam
- Successfully complete EDF 1005: Introduction to Education with a grade of C or better
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit ACT or SAT scores
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $28,905.36 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) | $218.98 per credit hour | $9,197.16 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $85,584.84 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $45,100.44 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 75% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 48 months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
Para-to-Teacher Tuition Support Program
The Para-to-Teacher Tuition Support Program provides financial assistance for paraprofessionals who are currently working in Florida’s public schools to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Exceptional Student Education. Upon completion of the program, participants agree to fulfill a service obligation and teach students with disabilities in a Florida public school.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our online special education degree program, you can pursue a variety of careers in education. More opportunities and better pay will become available with licensure and certificates.
* Salary and job information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional or 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. In 2021, special education teachers made a median annual salary of $61,820, and jobs are expected to grow 4 percent through 2031.
Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers
These educators teach basic subjects in order to prepare children for their future education. They create and teach lesson plans, observe students, grade assignments, develop and enforce classroom rules and communicate with parents and guardians. In 2021, kindergarten and elementary teachers made a median annual salary of $61,350. Available jobs are expected to grow 4 percent through 2031.
High School Teachers
High school teachers prepare their students for colleges, universities, trade schools and future employment. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, grade assignments, assess behaviors and strengths, supervise students and collaborate with other teachers. Usually, high school teachers have a specialty in one or more subject areas. These teachers made a median annual salary of $61,820 in 2021, and jobs are expected to grow 5 percent through 2031.