Special Education Resume Examples & Templates

By Nilda Melissa Diaz, Career Advice WriterLast Updated: April 12, 2024

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You understand every student learns differently and adapt your teaching to fulfill their needs. You continue to improve your skills to benefit your students and career. It’s time to write a resume to highlight your commitment to the special education community and the qualifications that make you a great candidate.

We’re here to help you build the perfect special education resume or CV, and create an effective cover letter to accompany it. We offer some great resume examples, CV examples and cover letter examples to get you started.

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Special education resume FAQ

What are some common skills required for special education jobs?

Hiring managers and recruiters look for special education job applicants who have a mix of soft and hard skills, such as:

Curriculum development
Assessment skills
Cultural competence
Collaboration
Relationship building
Excellent communication
Creativity
Leadership
Empathy
Adaptability
Instructional design
Relationship building
Creativity
Organization

What qualifications and certifications do employers look for in this industry?

The main qualification for special education teachers is to complete a bachelor’s degree and obtain a state-issued certification.

In addition, you can pursue certifications to strengthen your resume. For example, the American Board’s Special Education Teacher certification, the NASET/AASEP Board Certification in Special Education or the Microsoft Certified Educator, among others.

What is the salary potential for a special education professional?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the media pay in special education is $61,820. These are average salaries for similar occupations:

Childcare workers: $27,490 per year
High school teachers $61,820 per year
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers: $61,350 per year
Occupational therapists: $85,570 per year
Recreational therapists: $47,940 per year

What does the career progression for a professional in special education look like?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in special education employment, which is on par with the 5% all occupations projected growth. The BLS projects an average of 37,600 job openings per year until 2031.

What’s the ideal resume format for a special education job resume?

The ideal resume format will highlight your strengths and value as a candidate. Choose one according to your years of experience and career goals.

Functional format: The choice for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase everything that you can do.
Combination format: Ideal for those with a few years under the belt, this format balances skills and work experience.
Chronological format: Perfect for candidates with 10+ years experience. This format showcases expertise through a detailed work history section.

How we reviewed this article

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