Secondary Special Education Teaching: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Secondary Special Education Teaching prepares educators to support adolescents with diverse learning needs and disabilities in grades 7 through 12. This program emphasizes evidence-based practices in inclusive instruction, individualized academic planning, and the development of independent learning skills necessary for long-term success.
- Diagnosing Learning Disabilities: Focuses on identifying cognitive, emotional, and academic challenges through formal assessments and observational techniques to inform appropriate educational interventions.
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Teaches the creation, implementation, and evaluation of legally mandated IEPs tailored to meet the unique academic and developmental goals of each student.
- Curriculum Development and Instructional Strategies: Explores methods for designing adaptable, standards-aligned curricula and applying differentiated teaching approaches that accommodate varied learning styles and paces.
- Classroom Management in Special Education: Addresses techniques for fostering structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environments that promote engagement and reduce behavioral disruptions.
- Subject Area Modifications: Covers strategies for adapting content, teaching methods, and assessments in core disciplines—such as math, science, English, and social studies—to ensure accessibility and mastery.
- Vocational Education Integration: Examines frameworks for preparing students with disabilities for workforce entry, including career exploration, skill development, and transition planning.
- Postsecondary Transition Planning: Focuses on guiding students through the process of transitioning to college, technical training, employment, or independent living with appropriate supports and self-advocacy tools.
Secondary Special Education Teaching Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Secondary Special Education Teaching Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Secondary Special Education Teaching degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary and Special Education Teachers, Secondary School. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 221,870 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058 | $69,590 | $47,930 - $106,050 | 162,780 | N/A |
Secondary Special Education Teaching Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,285 in Hawaii to $93,405 in California—a 72% difference. The highest-paying states include California, District of Columbia, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 221,870 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Secondary Special Education Teaching by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 38 institutions offering Secondary Special Education Teaching programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Secondary Special Education Teaching is found at CUNY Brooklyn College (190 graduates), CUNY Hunter College (121 graduates), CUNY Lehman College (104 graduates), Henderson State University (HSU) (85 graduates), and Fordham University (55 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 833 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Brooklyn College |
Master's
|
190 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | brooklyn.cuny.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
121 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| CUNY Lehman College |
Master's
|
104 | Bronx, New York | Public | lehman.edu |
| Henderson State University (HSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
85 | Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Public | hsu.edu |
| Fordham University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
55 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| CUNY City College (CCNY) |
Postbac Cert.
|
27 | New York, New York | Public | ccny.cuny.edu |
| Adelphi University |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
21 | Garden City, New York | Private | adelphi.edu |
| Bank Street College of Education |
Master's
|
21 | New York, New York | Private | bankstreet.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Other Award
|
21 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Master's
|
19 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Upper Iowa University (UIU) |
Master's
|
13 | Fayette, Iowa | Private | uiu.edu |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
13 | Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Niagara University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | Niagara University, New York | Private | niagara.edu |
| Chestnut Hill College (CHC) |
Master's
|
10 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | chc.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Master's
|
9 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| Florida Memorial University (FMU) |
Master's
|
8 | Miami Gardens, Florida | Private | fmuniv.edu |
| Keuka College |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Keuka Park, New York | Private | keuka.edu |
| State University of New York |
Master's
|
8 | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| Assumption University |
Post-Master's
|
7 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | assumption.edu |
| CUNY Queens College |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
7 | Queens, New York | Public | qc.cuny.edu |
| SUNY College |
Master's
|
7 | Plattsburgh, New York | Public | plattsburgh.edu |
| Empire State University |
Master's
|
7 | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| College of Staten Island CUNY (CSI) |
Master's
|
6 | Staten Island, New York | Public | csi.cuny.edu |
| Manhattanville College |
Master's
|
6 | Purchase, New York | Private | mville.edu |
| Molloy College |
Master's
|
6 | Rockville Centre, New York | Private | molloy.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| State University of New York |
Master's
|
5 | Oswego, New York | Public | oswego.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Mercy University |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Dobbs Ferry, New York | Private | mercy.edu |
| Spring Arbor University (SAU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Spring Arbor, Michigan | Private | arbor.edu |
| SUNY Oneonta |
Master's
|
3 | Oneonta, New York | Public | suny.oneonta.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
|
2 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Lee University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
2 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| Seton Hall University (SHU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | South Orange, New Jersey | Private | shu.edu |
| Canisius University |
Master's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
| Elmira College (EC) |
Master's
|
1 | Elmira, New York | Private | elmira.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Master's
|
1 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Secondary Special Education Teaching programs
How much can I earn with a Secondary Special Education Teaching degree?
Salaries for Secondary Special Education Teaching graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn around $69,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $93,405 compared to $54,285 in Hawaii. Approximately 221,870 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Secondary Special Education Teaching programs?
Currently 38 accredited institutions offer Secondary Special Education Teaching degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include CUNY Brooklyn College (190 graduates), CUNY Hunter College (121 graduates), and CUNY Lehman College (104 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Secondary Special Education Teaching growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 46 in 2010 to 833 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,711% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Secondary Special Education Teaching degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, . Related occupations employ approximately 221,870 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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