Qualities of a Special Education Teacher [Infographic] | UWA Online (2024)

Qualities of a Special Education Teacher [Infographic] | UWA Online (1)

Embed this Image On Your Site

Infographic Transcript

Special education teachers need remarkable qualities to succeed. This infographic is focused on traits needed to be a successful special education teacher and celebrates those who thrive in this field.

Interested in a career teaching Special Education?

Did you know we offer multiple related fully online degrees?

Explore Degrees

The Qualities of a Special Ed Teacher –What it Takes to be Great

Adaptability

Classrooms can be unpredictable. Teachers need to be flexible and maintain professional standards in any situation.

Collaboration

Cooperating with other teachers, administrators, parents and community agencies is essential when developing supportive learning environments.

Communication skills

Teachers advocate for their students’ needs and for resources to help students reach their potential.

Compassion

People recognize when they are treated with love and respect. Teaching students who have special needs to value themselves and learn more about their disabilities can help educators reach them on multiple levels.

Devotion to improvement

Teachers should never stop learning and working towards professional development so that they can be role models for their students and their community.

Assessment skills

Determining a student’s unique strengths and needs is an important part of being a special education teacher. Teachers need be skilled at assessment and recommending the best course of action for their students.

Knowledge of theory and practice

Educational programs based on strong understanding of human development, learning theory and professional knowledge are the foundation of learning for children with special needs.

Listening skills

Great teachers are confidantes, mentors and advocates for their students. When students know their point of view is valued, their confidence grows.

Organization

Creating a structured, well-maintained classroom helps students progress and feel safe. Organization is the foundation of an effective learning atmosphere.

Patience

Working closely with people of all ages and abilities requires patience and being a special education teacher is no exception.

Perseverance

Special education teachers must be willing to make mistakes and keep trying, so that they can pass on these skills to their students.

Professionalism

Maintaining high levels of integrity and competence in their work helps children, parents, schools and communities feel respected and valued.

Trustworthiness

Consistently building trust and respecting confidentiality will help special education teachers reach students and parents.

Sources:

https://www.naset.org/naset.0.html

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

https://www.cec.sped.org/Standards/Ethical-Principles-and-Practice-Standards

Qualities of a Special Education Teacher [Infographic] | UWA Online (2024)

FAQs

What are the qualities of a special education teacher? ›

Being a special education teacher requires unique qualities, including patience, creativity, flexibility, empathy, and a deep understanding of each student's needs.

What skills do you need to be a special education teacher? ›

Important Qualities
  • Communication skills. Special education teachers need to explain concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand. ...
  • Critical-thinking skills. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Patience. ...
  • Resourcefulness.

What are the 3 most important roles of a special education teacher? ›

With that in mind, here's an overview of what a special education teacher does and their three most common responsibilities.
  • Develop and Maintain Individual Education Programs. ...
  • Assess Student Performance. ...
  • Communicate with Parents and Teachers.
Oct 11, 2023

What are three of the most critical characteristics of a special educator? ›

18. Working with children. Educators who are passionate about working with children will be most successful in this career. Patience, empathy, and the ability to build rapport are essential in establishing positive relationships with your students and recognizing their individual strengths and interests.

What are the 7 principles of teaching? ›

The Seven Principles:
  • Encourage contact between students and faculty.
  • Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.
  • Encourage active learning.
  • Give prompt feedback.
  • Emphasize time on task.
  • Communicate high expectations.
  • Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.

What are the defining characteristics of special education? ›

Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. The hallmark of special education is that it is individualized for student needs.

What are the teaching competencies required for inclusive classroom? ›

Instructional side of teacher's role in an inclusive classroom involves different presentations and communication skills the teachers provides like teaching, explaining, dramatizing, using audio visual aids and all that can enhance teaching and learning in an inclusive classroom.

What are the most important skills for a teacher of students with severe and multiple disabilities? ›

Ability To Adapt

adapt to a teaching environment that may change daily. A special education teacher must understand how to modify traditional generation education curriculums and instructional techniques to accommodate the individual needs of their children.

What's the difference between a special education teacher and a teacher? ›

A teacher chooses to teach because they want to see students grow. A Special education teacher wants to help those with special needs grow. Being a special education teacher takes additional training in how to modify instruction specifically in the areas of need limited by a disability.

What are the 3 components of special education? ›

Three main components of special education include qualifying students with disabilities, designing the education plan (IEP), and implementing the program in the determined placement setting. These components work together to ensure the student receives a quality education.

What are three key characteristics of teacher directed teaching? ›

Making Instruction Explicit Effective teacher-directed instruction includes clearly stating the purpose, providing structured instruction, and presenting content clearly and directly.

What is the role of a special education resource teacher? ›

Education resource specialists, also known as special education teachers, work with students with learning disabilities and behavioral issues. They serve as both teachers and advocates, ensuring that their students can access the curriculum and get the most out of their education.

What is the best three qualities of an ideal teacher? ›

The Top 14 Qualities that Make a Good Teacher
  1. Adaptability. Adaptability is a must for teachers, who need to continuously evaluate what's working for their students — and even more importantly, what isn't working. ...
  2. Empathy. ...
  3. Patience. ...
  4. Engagement. ...
  5. Active Listening. ...
  6. Lifelong Learning. ...
  7. Free of Bias. ...
  8. Respectful Attitude.

What are the disadvantages of being a special education teacher? ›

The disadvantages of being a special education teacher include a lack of peer support, difficulty assisting individuals with different disabilities, and dealing with stressful situations.

What are the three 3 most important traits characteristics or attributes a teacher should possess and why? ›

Traits of a good teacher.
  • Patience. Every student will have their own unique struggles. ...
  • Empathy. Empathy is an important quality for teachers. ...
  • Drive for self-improvement. A great teacher should be able to look at themselves objectively and see where they can improve. ...
  • Adaptable.
Jan 29, 2020

What do you think is the most important trait an educator should have? ›

1. Empathy and compassion. By trying to understand each student as unique, you'll not only build positive relationships, you'll make students feel valued and accepted. When students are confident of their place, they're more receptive to learning.

What disposition and traits will you need as a future teacher to meet the needs of the learners? ›

Demonstrate a commitment to learning and diversity. Build rapport and serve as a strong role model to peers, colleagues and learners. Display effective communication skills (oral and written) in all settings. Demonstrate professional competence and conduct.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6108

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.