2026 How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania: Requirements & Certification

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania means preparing for a role that combines instruction, legal compliance, family collaboration, behavioral support, and daily problem-solving. The need is real: approximately 21% of public school students receive special education services, and schools depend on qualified educators who can help students with disabilities access meaningful learning.

This 2026 guide is for high school students planning an education major, college students choosing a certification path, paraprofessionals considering licensure, and career changers who want to teach students with diverse learning needs in Pennsylvania. You will learn the education requirements, licensing steps, timeline, salary range, job outlook, professional development options, career alternatives, common challenges, and practical ways to choose a cost-effective path.

Quick answer: How do you become a special education teacher in Pennsylvania?

To become a special education teacher in Pennsylvania, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, student teaching experience, passing scores on required certification exams, background checks and fingerprinting, and approval for Pennsylvania teaching certification. Many teachers enter through a bachelor’s program in special education, while career changers may use approved post-baccalaureate or alternative pathways.

Key facts to know before you start

Special education teacher demand in Pennsylvania is supported by a projected growth rate of 5% through 2030.
The average salary is approximately $54,260 annually, while reported annual salaries may range from $50,112 to $83,252 depending on district, experience, education level, and location.
Public school districts, charter schools, private schools, and specialized organizations such as the Devereux Foundation are among the employers that may hire special education professionals.
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), PaTTAN, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education can help educators and school leaders stay current on professional development, compliance expectations, and evidence-based practices.
This career is best suited for people who are patient, organized, legally attentive, emotionally resilient, and willing to collaborate closely with families, administrators, general education teachers, and related-service providers.

Table of Contents

Education requirements for Pennsylvania special education teachers
How long the process usually takes
Pennsylvania licensing and certification requirements
Demand and job outlook in Pennsylvania
Salary expectations for special education teachers
Professional development options
Career alternatives for special education teachers
Advanced roles after classroom experience
Classroom strategies that improve special education outcomes
Leadership pathways for experienced teachers
Lower-cost ways to earn a teaching credential
Common challenges in special education teaching
Burnout prevention and well-being
Working with school psychologists
Supporting students affected by substance abuse
Preschool credentials and early intervention skills
Family collaboration strategies
BCBA certification for special education teachers
Moving from special education into school counseling
Ways to strengthen qualifications and career options
How special education law affects teachers
Related careers for Pennsylvania special education teachers

What are the educational requirements to be a special education teacher in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, special education teachers must build both instructional expertise and disability-specific knowledge. The standard route is to complete a degree and teacher preparation program that qualifies you for state certification. The exact requirements can vary by certification area and grade level, so candidates should confirm details with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the institution offering the teacher preparation program.

Requirement	What it means	Why it matters
Bachelor’s degree	Most candidates start with a bachelor’s degree in special education or a closely related education field.	The degree provides the academic foundation for lesson planning, disability categories, assessment, classroom management, and inclusive instruction.
State-approved teacher preparation program	You must complete an approved program that includes coursework and supervised field experience.	Pennsylvania uses approved preparation programs to verify that candidates are ready for classroom responsibilities.
Student teaching	Candidates complete supervised teaching in an actual school setting.	This is where future teachers practice IEP implementation, differentiated instruction, data collection, family communication, and collaboration with other educators.
Certification exams	Required exams typically include Praxis assessments related to pedagogy and certification area.	Exam scores help document professional knowledge before certification is issued.
Certification application	Candidates submit transcripts, program completion documentation, exam scores, and other required materials.	This step converts completed preparation into a Pennsylvania teaching credential.
Continuing education	Teachers must keep learning after certification through professional development.	Special education law, instructional technology, behavioral supports, and evidence-based interventions continue to evolve.

Before enrolling, ask the school whether the program is approved for the specific Pennsylvania certification area you want. Do not assume that a general education major, psychology degree, or online education program automatically leads to special education certification.

The chart below shows the common educational attainment of special education teachers in the United States.

How long does it take to become a special education teacher in Pennsylvania?

The typical route takes several years because candidates must complete college coursework, clinical practice, testing, and certification paperwork. For many students, the full process takes five to seven years, depending on whether they complete only a bachelor’s degree route or add graduate study.

Stage	Typical length	Best for
Bachelor’s degree	About four years	First-time college students who want the most direct traditional route into teaching.
Teacher preparation program	One to two years	Candidates completing certification coursework, especially those entering through post-baccalaureate or graduate pathways.
Student teaching internship	12 to 16 weeks	Candidates who are ready to demonstrate classroom skills under supervision.
Optional master’s degree	One to two additional years	Teachers seeking deeper specialization, leadership options, or advanced roles in special education.

Institutions such as Temple University and Penn State offer programs for aspiring special education teachers, but program fit should be evaluated carefully. Compare certification alignment, field placement support, tuition, transfer credit policies, online flexibility, and graduate outcomes before committing.

Career changers should pay special attention to prior-credit evaluation. A candidate who already holds a bachelor’s degree may not need another full undergraduate degree, but still must complete an approved certification pathway and meet testing and fieldwork requirements.

What are the licensing requirements for special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Licensure is the formal process that authorizes you to teach in Pennsylvania public schools. For special education, it is not enough to like working with students or to have experience as an aide; you must document preparation, meet state requirements, and pass required reviews.

Complete required exams: Candidates must pass the required tests that measure teaching knowledge and special education competency.
Submit background checks and fingerprints: Pennsylvania requires screening for people who will work with children in schools.
Verify academic credentials: Transcripts and program completion records are used to confirm that you meet state education standards.
Apply for certification: After completing preparation and testing, candidates submit the required documentation through the state certification process.
Maintain the credential: Pennsylvania teaching licenses must be renewed every five years, and renewal involves continuing education requirements.

Licensing checklist before you apply

Confirm that your program is state-approved for Pennsylvania certification.
Ask which Praxis exams or other assessments apply to your certification area.
Keep copies of transcripts, field placement documentation, and test score reports.
Complete background checks early enough to avoid delaying student teaching or hiring.
Track professional development hours after certification so renewal is not rushed.

What is the demand for special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a meaningful need for special education teachers because schools must serve students whose learning, behavioral, communication, developmental, or physical needs require specialized support. Approximately 74,800 educators are currently employed in this field in Pennsylvania, and demand is also influenced by disability identification, retirements, staffing shortages, and the need to comply with federal and state special education law.

The job outlook for Pennsylvania special education teachers is projected at around 5% growth for elementary, secondary, and middle-level positions. That outlook represents an estimated 1,260 job openings annually, including both newly created roles and replacement needs.

Demand does not mean every applicant will receive the same opportunities. Hiring can vary by certification area, geographic region, school budget, grade level, and the applicant’s experience with IEPs, behavior plans, assistive technology, and inclusive practices. Candidates comparing state-specific routes can also review guides such as how teacher certification works in Oklahoma to understand how requirements differ across states.

How much do special education teachers in Pennsylvania earn?

Special education teacher pay in Pennsylvania varies by district, years of experience, education level, union agreements, grade level, and local cost of living. The average salary is approximately $54,260 annually, while reported annual pay may fall between $50,112 and $83,252.

Salary factor	How it can affect pay
Experience	Teachers usually move upward on salary schedules as they gain years of service.
Education level	A master’s degree or approved graduate credits may improve placement on some district salary scales.
School district	Compensation can differ substantially across districts because of local budgets, contracts, and cost of living.
Location	Urban areas such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may offer higher pay, but living costs may also be higher.
Specialized skills	Experience with behavior intervention, assistive technology, autism support, or intensive needs may strengthen hiring prospects.

When evaluating salary, compare total compensation rather than base pay alone. Health insurance, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid leave, mentoring, caseload size, and planning time can significantly affect the real value of a teaching position.

What professional development opportunities are available for special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Professional development is essential in special education because teachers must stay current on law, IEP documentation, disability-specific interventions, behavior supports, accessible curriculum design, and collaboration practices.

Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals (PASAP) Annual Conference: This conference can help educators learn about student support systems, intervention practices, and collaboration across school-based teams.
Pennsylvania Department of Education: The state provides resources such as Standards Aligned Systems and Early Intervention Technical Assistance to help educators strengthen instruction and remain aware of statewide expectations.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN): PaTTAN supports special education professionals through training, technical assistance, legal resources, and initiatives focused on evidence-based programming and leadership.
Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA): PASA can be useful for educators moving toward leadership because it connects school leaders with professional learning, advocacy, and policy discussions.
National Association of Special Education Teachers: National professional development can supplement state-based training, especially for teachers seeking broader perspectives on instructional methods and disability support.

Teachers who are open to comparing preparation routes outside Pennsylvania can use resources such as Florida teacher preparation program guidance to understand how certification systems differ by state.

US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

What career alternatives exist for special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Special education teachers develop transferable skills in assessment, documentation, conflict resolution, behavior support, family communication, case management, and instructional design. Those skills can lead to several related careers inside and outside the classroom.

Alternative path	When it may make sense	Additional preparation to consider
Private school teacher	You want a different school setting, smaller classes, or a mission-specific educational environment.	Review private school teacher requirements in Pennsylvania because expectations may differ from public school certification rules.
Educational consultant or advocate	You want to help families and schools navigate IEPs, accommodations, and service planning.	Deep knowledge of special education law, mediation, documentation, and family systems is important.
Higher education instructor or researcher	You want to train future teachers or study interventions for students with disabilities.	A master’s or doctoral degree is typically important for college-level teaching and research roles.
Nonprofit program specialist	You want to work on educational equity, disability services, community outreach, or program design.	Grant writing, program evaluation, advocacy, and policy knowledge can strengthen your profile.
Speech-language pathology	You want to focus more directly on communication and swallowing disorders.	Review how to become a speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania to understand the credentialing path.

Are there advanced roles for experienced special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Experienced special education teachers can move into roles that influence services beyond a single classroom. These positions often require a master’s degree, specialized certification, leadership experience, or extensive knowledge of assessment and compliance.

Educational diagnostician: This role focuses on evaluating student learning needs and helping teams interpret assessment information for individualized planning.
Behavior intervention specialist: These professionals design, monitor, and adjust behavioral supports for students who need structured intervention plans.
Director or program manager: District-level leaders oversee special education programming, staffing, compliance, professional development, and strategic planning. Larger districts, including the Allentown School District, may need professionals with this background.
Independent consultant: Consultants may support districts, agencies, or families with compliance, program improvement, inclusive practices, and staff training.

The chart below shows common workplaces for special education teachers in the United States.

What innovative classroom strategies can boost special education outcomes in Pennsylvania?

Effective special education teaching is not one method. It is a structured combination of clear instruction, individualization, data review, accessibility, behavior support, and collaboration. Pennsylvania teachers can improve outcomes by using strategies that are practical, evidence-informed, and consistent with each student’s IEP.

Differentiated instruction: Adjust content, process, product, and pacing so students can access the same essential learning goals through different supports.
Universal Design for Learning: Offer multiple ways for students to engage with material, show understanding, and participate in lessons.
Assistive technology: Use tools such as text-to-speech, speech-to-text, visual schedules, communication devices, and accessible digital materials when appropriate.
Frequent formative assessment: Check progress regularly instead of waiting for major tests or annual reviews.
Peer-supported learning: Build structured collaboration between students while protecting dignity, participation, and learning goals.
Explicit instruction: Break complex skills into clear steps, model the process, provide guided practice, and gradually release responsibility.

Teachers who want to broaden their instructional range may also compare methods used in other content areas, such as those discussed in how to become an English teacher in Pennsylvania.

How can special education teachers in Pennsylvania advance into leadership roles?

Leadership roles are a strong fit for special education teachers who enjoy systems work, coaching colleagues, improving programs, and translating legal requirements into practical school procedures. Common pathways include department chair, instructional coordinator, mentor teacher, program specialist, compliance coordinator, and administrator.

Leadership goal	Skills to build	Possible next step
Mentor newer teachers	Coaching, observation, feedback, and IEP documentation support.	Volunteer for induction support or professional learning communities.
Lead a special education department	Scheduling, caseload management, compliance monitoring, and team facilitation.	Seek department chair responsibilities or school-based leadership roles.
Move into administration	Budgeting, supervision, law, policy, and staff development.	Consider graduate study in leadership, including an online master’s in organizational leadership.
Consult across schools	Program evaluation, adult learning, data analysis, and communication with stakeholders.	Build a portfolio of training, intervention, and program improvement projects.

Are there cost-effective pathways to obtain a teaching credential in Pennsylvania?

Yes. A traditional bachelor’s degree program is not the only possible route, especially for adults who already hold college credits or a bachelor’s degree. Lower-cost pathways may include public universities, transfer-friendly programs, post-baccalaureate certification, employer-supported tuition benefits, and programs with flexible scheduling.

Start by comparing affordable teaching credential programs in Pennsylvania. Then calculate the full cost of attendance, not just tuition. Fees, transportation, unpaid student teaching time, textbooks, testing costs, and lost work hours can change the real price of a program.

Questions to ask before choosing a certification program

Is the program approved for Pennsylvania special education certification?
Which grade bands and disability areas does the program prepare me to teach?
How are student teaching placements arranged?
Can I transfer prior credits?
Are courses online, hybrid, evening, or in person?
What are the exam pass expectations and support services?
Does the program publish placement or completion information?
Will financial aid, scholarships, grants, or employer tuition assistance apply?

What are the biggest challenges faced by special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Special education can be deeply meaningful, but it is also demanding. Candidates should understand the challenges before entering the profession so they can choose supportive schools, build sustainable habits, and avoid preventable burnout.

Heavy workload: Teachers may manage multiple IEPs, lesson plans, progress monitoring tasks, meetings, assessments, and communication responsibilities at the same time.
Emotional strain: Supporting students and families through difficult academic, behavioral, medical, or social situations can create compassion fatigue.
Resource limitations: Some teachers may lack sufficient materials, assistive technology, planning time, training, or staff support.
Administrative pressure: Teachers need school leaders who understand compliance, scheduling, staffing, and realistic caseload management.
Attrition concerns: Approximately 20% of special education teachers transition to other roles each year, which shows why mentoring and workload support matter.

Teachers comparing conditions across states can review guides such as Washington teacher preparation program guidance to see how certification and school systems differ elsewhere.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake	Better approach
Choosing a program before checking approval status	Confirm that the program leads to the Pennsylvania certification area you need.
Looking only at tuition	Compare total cost, field placement requirements, financial aid, commute, fees, and time away from paid work.
Assuming online programs automatically qualify for licensure	Ask whether the program meets Pennsylvania certification requirements and includes required fieldwork.
Ignoring caseload and support during job interviews	Ask about paraprofessional support, planning time, IEP systems, behavior teams, and administrator involvement.
Expecting salary outcomes to be guaranteed	Review district salary schedules and benefits instead of relying on statewide averages alone.
Waiting until burnout becomes severe	Build peer support, boundaries, documentation systems, and self-care routines early.

How can special education teachers in Pennsylvania sustain their well-being and prevent burnout?

Burnout prevention should be treated as part of professional practice, not as an afterthought. Special education teachers need systems that protect planning time, reduce unnecessary paperwork confusion, and provide emotional support.

Use templates for IEP notes, progress monitoring, parent communication, and meeting preparation.
Set clear communication windows so families know when to expect responses.
Build peer consultation routines with other special education teachers, school psychologists, counselors, and administrators.
Seek professional counseling or employee assistance resources when stress begins affecting health or daily functioning.
Use exercise, mindfulness, sleep routines, and scheduled recovery time as preventive tools rather than crisis responses.

Teachers interested in broader leadership or institutional roles may explore a best online higher education master’s degree program as one possible way to expand career options over time.

How can collaboration with school psychologists enhance special education strategies in Pennsylvania?

School psychologists can help special education teachers interpret assessment data, understand behavioral patterns, design interventions, and monitor student progress. Strong collaboration is especially valuable when students have complex academic, emotional, or behavioral needs.

Teachers should work with school psychologists before problems escalate. Useful collaboration points include evaluation meetings, functional behavior assessments, intervention planning, crisis prevention, social-emotional supports, and data review. For credentialing context, see the guide to school psychologist requirements in Pennsylvania.

How can special education teachers in Pennsylvania support students facing substance abuse challenges?

Special education teachers are not substance abuse counselors, but they may be among the first school professionals to notice changes in attendance, mood, behavior, peer relationships, or academic performance. The teacher’s role is to document concerns, follow school protocols, protect student dignity, and connect the student with qualified support professionals.

Schools should use clear referral processes that involve counselors, administrators, families when appropriate, and mental health or substance abuse specialists. Teachers who want to understand this related field can review how to become a substance abuse counselor in Pennsylvania.

Can special education teachers benefit from preschool teaching credentials?

Yes, especially if they work with young children, early intervention teams, developmental delays, communication needs, or transition planning. Preschool training can strengthen understanding of developmental milestones, play-based learning, family engagement, and early screening.

Teachers considering this direction can review preschool teacher requirements in Pennsylvania to see whether early childhood credentials align with their career goals.

How can special education teachers in Pennsylvania strengthen collaboration with families?

Family collaboration is central to effective special education. Parents and guardians often understand a student’s history, communication preferences, behavior triggers, strengths, and support needs better than anyone else on the school team.

Communicate in clear, jargon-free language.
Share progress updates before formal meetings whenever possible.
Ask families what has worked at home, in therapy, or in previous classrooms.
Respect cultural, language, work schedule, and transportation barriers.
Document decisions and next steps after meetings.
Invite families into the IEP process as partners, not passive recipients of school decisions.

Teachers who enjoy broad family engagement may also find value in exploring how to become an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania.

Can special education teachers expand their impact through BCBA certification?

Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification may be useful for special education teachers who want advanced expertise in behavior assessment, intervention planning, and data-based decision-making. It can be especially relevant for educators working with students who need intensive behavioral support.

BCBA preparation is a separate professional path with its own requirements, so teachers should evaluate the time, supervised experience, coursework, and career goals involved. For more detail, review how to become a BCBA in Pennsylvania.

Can special education teachers in Pennsylvania transition into school counseling roles?

Yes, but school counseling is not simply a lateral move from teaching. It requires counseling-specific coursework, supervised experience, and credentialing. Teachers who enjoy student advocacy, social-emotional support, college and career readiness, and crisis response may find the transition appealing.

Before pursuing this route, compare the daily responsibilities of counseling with classroom teaching. The guide to school counselor requirements in Pennsylvania explains the preparation expected for that profession.

How can special education teachers in Pennsylvania enhance their qualifications and career opportunities?

Special education teachers can strengthen their careers by building expertise that schools actually need: behavior support, assistive technology, autism support, transition planning, literacy intervention, data analysis, inclusive instruction, and leadership.

Earn a master’s degree in special education: Graduate study can deepen instructional and assessment expertise and may support movement into advanced roles.
Pursue specialized credentials: Areas such as Assistive Technology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or National Board Certification may improve professional credibility and classroom effectiveness.
Build leadership skills: Teachers interested in administration, higher education, or program coordination may explore graduate pathways such as a higher education master’s degree online.
Document results: Keep examples of IEP progress systems, intervention plans, professional development presentations, collaboration projects, and program improvements.
Stay active in professional learning: Workshops, conferences, peer mentoring, and technical assistance can help teachers keep practice aligned with current expectations.

How do special education laws in Pennsylvania impact teachers?

Special education teachers must understand the legal framework behind their daily work. Laws shape how students are evaluated, how services are documented, how families participate, and how schools provide access to education.

Law or framework	How it affects special education teachers
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)	Requires eligible students with disabilities to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and individualized services through IEPs.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)	Teachers must help develop, implement, monitor, and revise student-specific goals, accommodations, services, and progress measures.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act	Protects students with disabilities from discrimination and may require accommodations that support equal access.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)	Requires careful handling of student education records and confidentiality when communicating with families and school teams.
Pennsylvania special education funding and initiatives	State-level structures, including the Special Education Funding Commission, influence how resources may support services, staffing, materials, and training.

Legal compliance is not separate from teaching. A strong special education teacher must connect law to practice: write measurable goals, provide required accommodations, document services, communicate with families, and adjust instruction based on student progress. To compare legal and preparation differences elsewhere, see Nevada teacher education course guidance.

Can special education teachers in Pennsylvania pursue related careers?

Yes. Special education teaching can lead to related professions in student support, therapy-adjacent services, counseling, administration, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and educational consulting. The best next step depends on whether you want to remain in classrooms, work one-on-one with students, support families, or influence programs at a broader level.

Some educators consider child development and healthcare-adjacent support roles. Before changing direction, compare responsibilities carefully; for example, review a child life specialist job description before deciding whether that path fits your interests.

Are there scholarships and grants available for special education teachers in Pennsylvania?

Financial aid can make a major difference for aspiring special education teachers, especially because certification may require unpaid or low-paid student teaching time. Candidates should search for aid from colleges, school districts, professional associations, state programs, federal aid sources, and private scholarship databases.

New Futures Scholars Program: This opportunity provides up to $7,800 for eligible students pursuing degrees in education, including special education.
Knowles Teaching Fellows Program: This five-year leadership development experience emphasizes practitioner inquiry, mentoring, community-building, and access to a network of over 500 educators.
Institutional scholarships: Colleges may offer aid for education majors, transfer students, graduate students, or candidates in high-need teaching areas.
Employer support: Paraprofessionals and school employees should ask districts about tuition assistance, partnerships, or grow-your-own teacher programs.

Always confirm eligibility, deadlines, service commitments, and whether funds apply to tuition, fees, books, testing, or living expenses.

Is becoming a special education teacher in Pennsylvania worth it?

For the right person, yes. This career offers the chance to support students who need individualized instruction, advocacy, patience, and consistency. It can also provide stable school-based employment, opportunities for advancement, and pathways into leadership, consulting, counseling, behavior analysis, or higher education.

However, it is not an easy career. The workload can be heavy, documentation is demanding, and emotional stress can be significant. The strongest candidates are those who enter with realistic expectations, choose an approved preparation program, ask detailed questions during job interviews, and build professional support early.

Key Insights

To teach special education in Pennsylvania, you need approved preparation, student teaching, required exams, background checks, and state certification.
The typical timeline is five to seven years, though career changers with prior degrees may be able to use post-baccalaureate or other approved routes.
Projected growth is around 5% through 2030, with an estimated 1,260 annual openings, but opportunities vary by district, certification area, and specialization.
Salary expectations should be based on district salary schedules and benefits, not only statewide averages. Reported annual pay ranges from $50,112 to $83,252, with an average of approximately $54,260.
Program approval is the most important factor when choosing a degree or credential pathway. An affordable or online program is only useful if it meets Pennsylvania certification requirements.
Strong special education teachers combine instructional skill with legal knowledge, documentation discipline, family collaboration, and emotional resilience.
Advanced career options include educational diagnostician, behavior intervention specialist, program manager, independent consultant, school counselor, BCBA, and higher education roles.
Burnout prevention matters. Ask employers about caseloads, administrative support, planning time, behavior teams, mentoring, and resources before accepting a position.

References:

Salary.com (2024). Special Education Teacher Salary in Pennsylvania. salary.com https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/special-education-teacher-salary/pa
National Association of Special Education Teachers (2018). PDP - Professional Development Courses. naset.org http://www.naset.org/career-center/professional-development-program-pdp/pdp-menu/pdp-professional-development-courses
Teach Tastic (2024). What Are The 10 Most Important Challenges Facing Special Education Today: Insights from a TeachTastic. teachtasticiep.com https://www.teachtasticiep.com/post/the-top-10-challenges-of-special-education-teachers-teach-tastic
PaTTAN (n.d.). Special Education Law. pattan.net https://www.pattan.net/Legal/Federal-Laws-and-Regulations
Scholarships.com (n.d.). Special Education Scholarships. scholarships.com https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/academic-major/special-education
U.S. Department of Education (2023). 45th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2023. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/45th-arc-for-idea.pdf
Kolmar, C. (2024). Special education teacher salary by State: Highest-Paid Special Education Teachers by State [2024]. Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/advice/special-education-teacher-salary-by-state
O*Net OnLine. (n.d.). Pennsylvania employment trends: 25-2058.00 - Special education teachers, secondary school. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/25-2058.00?st=PA
O*Net OnLine. (n.d.). Pennsylvania employment trends: 25-2057.00 - Special education teachers, middle school. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/25-2057.00?st=PA
O*Net OnLine. (n.d.). Pennsylvania employment trends: 25-2056.00 - Special education teachers, elementary school. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/25-2056.00?st=PA
Related salary comparison source: https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/special-education-teacher-salary/ga
Related special education career source: https://www.pointloma.edu/resources/education/9-careers-you-can-pursue-masters-special-education

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

What is the process to receive my special education teaching certification in Pennsylvania in 2026?

To be certified as a special education teacher in Pennsylvania in 2026, you need to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, pass the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) for Special Education and the Praxis tests, and apply for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

What exams are required for special education teachers in Pennsylvania in 2026?

In 2026, prospective special education teachers in Pennsylvania must pass the Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) specific to Special Education, covering the appropriate grade levels. These exams assess the candidate's knowledge and skills necessary for effective teaching.