How to Become a Special Education Director

More than 7 million students with disabilities and special needs attend public schools across the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. Professionals in the special education space play a critical role in the education system. There are several types of special education professionals, each with their own focus.

Special education teachers work closely with learners in the classroom, while special education administrators manage special education programs. Special education directors, however, sit at the top of the special education career ladder. They develop and implement special education programs at the district level, while overseeing teams that include special education administrators and teachers.

Becoming a special education director requires both teaching and administrative experience, along with a Master of Education (MEd) degree. By taking on administrative roles, special education teachers can increase their responsibilities, boost their earning potential and enhance their ability to become special education directors.

What Does a Special Education Director Do?

Schools across the country offer special programs for exceptional learners, a category that includes both students with disabilities and high-ability learners. While special education teachers specialize in classroom learning, special education directors oversee the administration of special education programs.

Director-level roles require an in-depth understanding of special education, from the classroom to the policy level. These leadership roles typically require a master’s degree, classroom experience and administrative experience.

Special education directors plan and develop programs, including evaluating the effectiveness of those programs. They work closely with teachers and administrators to implement programs designed to improve learning outcomes for children with special needs.

Directors need a strong understanding of the laws and regulations that govern special education. They also draw on fiscal skills to manage special education budgets.

Steps to Become a Special Education Director

To become a special education director, educators need specialized training and classroom experience. The following steps prepare educators for careers as special education directors.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education

Special education directors typically bring several years of teaching experience to their role. Earning a bachelor’s degree in education prepares graduates for licensure as a special education teacher.

During a bachelor’s in special education program, learners complete courses in differentiated instruction, assessment methods and classroom management. Programs may also incorporate content area knowledge, particularly for careers in secondary education. Education majors gain hands-on experience during a student-teaching program.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates can apply for a teaching license with an endorsement in special education.

2. Gain Experience as a Special Education Teacher

With a teaching degree and state licensure, educators can qualify for special education teaching jobs. Candidates for a special education teaching license or certification typically need a bachelor’s degree, student teaching experience and passing scores on a special education certification exam.

Many states report a shortage of special education teachers, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Prospective special education teachers considering what grade to teach can research shortage areas in their state.

Gaining classroom experience as a special education teacher prepares educators for career advancement into director-level roles.

3. Earn a Master’s Degree in Education

Most special education director jobs require a master’s degree in education. Earning an MEd in instruction, special education or educational administration can prepare educators for director-level responsibilities.

During an MEd program, educators strengthen their administrative and leadership abilities. Master’s students explore the impact of behavioral disorders and learning disabilities on teaching while examining trends in special education. Coursework also covers special education theory and practice, with an emphasis on research-based approaches.

Graduate programs strengthen administrative skills by examining systematic approaches to instructional assessment, adaptive instruction and curriculum design. With a master’s degree and teaching experience, an educator can pursue administrative careers and become a special education director.

4. Gain Administrative Experience

When hiring special education directors, districts often look for a track record of excellence in the classroom and in administrative roles. As a result, candidates often need educational administrative experience to apply for jobs as a director of special education.

Special education teachers can gain experience by becoming a lead teacher, special education coordinator or special education administrator. In these roles, educators strengthen their abilities to implement and assess learning programs.

Some districts may also require licensure as a school administrator or special education director. After gaining administrative experience, special educators can pursue opportunities as a director of special education.

Special Education Director Salary

Moving into leadership roles helps special education teachers increase their earning potential. For example, special education teachers at all educational levels had a median annual salary of $62,950, according to May 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In contrast, education administrators, which include directors of special education, earned higher compensation. They had a median annual salary of $96,400 at the kindergarten through secondary levels and $99,940 at postsecondary schools, according to the BLS.

In addition to increasing earning potential, director-level roles offer opportunities to shape policy and improve educational outcomes for students.

Earn an MEd at Augusta University Online

A master’s degree can help you become a special education director. Augusta University Online offers a Master of Education in Instruction with a concentration in special education. During the MEd program, graduate students experience a robust curriculum that includes educational research, differentiated instruction and instructional technology.

Special education teachers can advance their expertise and gain administrative skills with an MEd from Augusta University Online, thereby boosting their ability to grow into director-level roles.

Reach out today to learn how an MEd from Augusta University Online can advance your career.

Sources:
Eau Claire Area School District, Job Description, Director of Special Education
Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Directors’ Responsibilities and Related Duties
Pew Research Center, “What Federal Education Data Shows About Students With Disabilities In The U.S.”
Sequoia Union High School District, Job Description, Director of Special Education
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Special Education Teachers
U.S. Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas