Special Education Resume Examples & Templates

Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW
By Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last 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

Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm

American Board:https://www.americanboard.org/special-education/

Learn MIcrosoft https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/microsoft-certified-educator/

National Association of Special Education Teachers.

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