9 Special Education Teacher Resume Examples for 2024

Creating a good resume for a special education teacher role is key. This article offers proven resume examples and strategic advice. Learn how to highlight your skills, certifications, and experience to meet job standards. Whether you're new or experienced, our tips will help you present a clear and strong resume.

  Compiled and approved by Grace Abrams
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for special education teachers...

  • Show Impact Using Numbers: The best resumes show impact using numbers. Common metrics in special education are improved student performance, IEP goals met, reduced behavioral incidents, and increased parent satisfaction.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are IEP development, behavior intervention, adaptive technology, progress monitoring, and data collection. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Highlight Specialized Certifications: Certifications like special education certification or reading specialist help you break into this field.

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Education section placement

Place your education section near the top of your resume if you are new to the field of special education teaching or have recently completed a relevant degree or certification. This will show you have the necessary background and training for the role. However, if you have extensive experience in special education, the work experience section should come first to highlight your practical skills in the classroom.

Include details about any special education-specific training or certifications you have obtained. If you have experience with certain educational technologies or specialized teaching methods for students with disabilities, make sure to list those in your education or certifications section. These details are critical in special education and will be highly regarded by the hiring manager.

Highlight teaching certifications

Include your state teaching certification details, like the type and endorsement areas, under the education or a separate certifications section. This is crucial for teaching positions.

Mention any additional special education-specific training or workshops you attended. This shows your commitment to ongoing professional development.

Ideal resume length

As a aspiring special education teacher, aim to keep your resume concise. For less than 10 years of experience, one page will show you can prioritize important information. This length is good for you to highlight your skills and experiences without overwhelming the reader.

Should you have over 10 years of experience in this field, two pages are acceptable. Use the extra space to focus on your relevant special education roles and contributions that set you apart. Remember, whether one page or two, clarity and directness are key. Focus on your teaching successes and ways you've supported student growth.

Showcase classroom experience

Detail your classroom management skills and techniques, such as specific methods you use to handle different types of student behavior. This is important for special education teaching roles.

Include examples of individualized education programs (IEP) you have developed and implemented. This shows your ability to cater to diverse student needs.

Navigating resume screeners

When you apply for a job as a special education teacher, your resume might first be looked at by a computer program called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system scans your resume to see if you're a good match for the job. To help your resume get noticed, you need to make it easy for the ATS to read and understand.

  • Use keywords from the job description, like 'individualized education plans' or 'behavioral support,' to show you have the skills needed for the job.
  • Make sure your resume format is simple with clear headings. Avoid using tables or images that an ATS might not be able to read.

Remember, a resume that is easy for an ATS to read will also be easy for a person to read. This can help you get one step closer to the job you want.

Make your resume job-specific

To show you're a good fit, match your resume to the role of a special education teacher. Think about the specific skills and experiences needed for this job. Use words that show you understand the unique aspects of teaching students with varied needs.

  • List the types of special education programs you've worked in, like 'Supported inclusion classes' or 'Self-contained environments'.
  • Show how you tailor your teaching methods for different students. Use phrases like 'Adapted lesson plans for diverse learning needs'.
  • Include any special certifications, like a 'Certified Autism Specialist' or experience with IEPs and 504 plans.

Key skills for teaching success

When crafting your resume as a special education teacher, it's vital to highlight your expertise in specific areas. Focus on the skills that will show your ability to support diverse learners. Here's a list of critical skills to consider:

  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
  • Behavioral intervention techniques
  • Differentiated instruction strategies
  • Knowledge of disability types
  • Assistive technology proficiency
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Curriculum development for special education
  • Collaboration with parents and professionals
  • Crisis management skills
  • Understanding of special education law

You should select skills that match your experience and the role you're applying for. If you specialize in autism spectrum disorders, for example, include techniques and tools relevant to that area. Place these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to ensure they are easily seen. This helps with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) which scan for keywords related to the job. Remember, you don't need to list every skill—choose the ones that best represent your qualifications and the needs of the potential role.

Quantify teaching successes

When you apply for jobs, it's key to show your impact with numbers. Numbers help hiring managers understand the size and effect of your work. They make your achievements clear and strong.

Think about your time as a special education teacher. What did you do that you can measure? Here are some ideas:

  • How many students did you work with? Wrap this number in .
  • What was the increase in test scores or grades? Show this as a percentage in .
  • Did you cut down the time to create individual education plans (IEPs)? State how many hours you saved in .
  • How much did behavior incidents decrease? Show this as a percentage in .

Even if you're unsure of exact numbers, estimate. Think about before and after scenarios. For example, if your students started with low reading skills and improved, estimate that rise. Or, if you used new tools that helped students learn better, estimate how much more effective they were. Your estimates should be honest and based on your experience.

Use these suggestions to highlight your impact:

  • Count how many training sessions you led for other teachers and wrap this in .
  • If you won grants for your program, show the amount in dollars in .
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