A good special education teacher resume focuses on your relevant skills like classroom management, parent relations, or differentiated instruction. Give examples of your success as a special education teacher or in similar roles, and show your knowledge base by citing any degree or certificate programs you’ve done. This guide provides expert tips to help you create a persuasive resume showing your best special education teacher qualifications.

Key takeaways: 

  • Brainstorm details about your work history on a separate document or sheet of paper. Then, identify the most relevant ones to feature in your experience section – this helps you focus your resume on the role of special education teacher.
  • Use bullet points to display your achievements. Start each bullet point with a strong verb like “Created” or “Enhanced.”
  • Spell out the positive impact of your work as a special education teacher. Describe how your efforts helped students, colleagues, and the school community.

General Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Joseph’s resume is strong because it clearly demonstrates his expertise in IEP development, behavior management, and effective parent communication.

Expert Tip:

Quantify your impact by citing improvements in student performance and parental involvement. For further tips, see How to List Education on a Resume.


Elementary Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Kevin’s resume is strong because it highlights his ability to drive improvements in student performance through tailored IEPs and effective classroom management.

Expert Tip:

Showcase measurable classroom successes and strong parent engagement. For further tips, see Resume Objective Examples.


Entry-Level Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Meera’s resume is strong because it effectively combines adaptive teaching strategies with collaborative support, resulting in quantifiable improvements in student outcomes.

Expert Tip:

Highlight collaborative teaching methods and quantify classroom improvements. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume with No Experience.


Special Education Resource Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Melissa’s resume is strong because it demonstrates her comprehensive support strategies and measurable impact on student learning through effective collaboration.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize cross-functional collaboration with specific metrics. For further tips, see Job Titles for Resume.


Special Education Substitute Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Daniel’s resume is strong because it highlights his flexibility and reliability in substitute teaching, ensuring consistency in student learning.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your adaptability and quick integration into diverse classrooms. For further tips, see How to Write Your First Job Resume.


Special Education Teacher Aide Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Emily’s resume is strong because it clearly outlines her supportive role with measurable contributions to student learning and classroom management.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your one-on-one tutoring and adaptive support skills with clear results. For further tips, see How to Write a Convincing Resume Profile.


Aspiring Special Education Teacher Aide Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Olivia’s resume is strong because it leverages her volunteer and internship experience to demonstrate her potential as a teacher aide.

Expert Tip:

Highlight your volunteer work and academic projects to build credibility. For further tips, see How to Write Your First Job Resume.


Middle School Special Education Teacher Assistant Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Marcus’s resume is strong because it clearly outlines his role in supporting middle school education with measurable improvements in student engagement.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your role in IEP support and one-on-one tutoring with specific outcomes. For further tips, see How to Tailor Resume to Job Description.


Elementary First-Year Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Natalie’s resume is strong because it highlights her smooth transition from student teaching to a full-time role with measurable improvements in student outcomes.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your fresh perspective and classroom impacts with clear metrics. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume Personal Statement.


High School Experienced Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Robert’s resume is strong because it showcases his extensive high school teaching experience and proven ability to enhance student outcomes through innovative strategies.

Expert Tip:

Use detailed performance metrics to emphasize your long-term impact on student success. For further tips, see How to Build a Professional Resume.


Inclusive Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Ava’s resume is strong because it emphasizes adaptive teaching methods and collaborative support, leading to measurable improvements in student performance.

Expert Tip:

Quantify the impact of your individualized instruction with clear metrics. For further tips, see How to Write a Convincing Resume Profile.


High School Special Education Teacher Assistant Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

William’s resume is strong because it outlines his supportive role in high school settings with measurable contributions to student learning and classroom management.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your role in IEP support and one-on-one tutoring with clear results. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume as a New College Grad.


Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Elena’s resume is strong because it demonstrates her ability to support early learners with adaptive teaching strategies that yield measurable developmental improvements.

Expert Tip:

Highlight your creative instructional strategies and early childhood achievements. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume Summary.


Middle School Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Dylan’s resume is strong because it effectively demonstrates his innovative use of technology and tailored instructional strategies to boost middle school student engagement.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your use of digital tools and measurable improvements in student engagement. For further tips, see Leadership Skills to Add to Your Resume.


Special Education Resource Specialist Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Grace’s resume is strong because it highlights her ability to assess student needs and implement effective resource strategies that lead to measurable improvements.

Expert Tip:

Highlight your data-driven approach and collaborative support with specific outcomes. For further tips, see How to List Skills on a Resume.


District-Level Special Education Substitute Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Ethan’s resume is strong because it demonstrates his capability to provide reliable support across diverse district environments with measurable success.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your rapid adaptation and consistent support across multiple schools. For further tips, see How to Put LinkedIn on Resume.


Special Education Intervention Specialist Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Isabella’s resume is strong because it clearly demonstrates her ability to improve student outcomes through targeted, data-driven interventions.

Expert Tip:

Highlight your use of data in designing interventions with measurable results. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume Summary.


Special Education Co-Teacher Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Ethan’s resume is strong because it demonstrates his collaborative approach to co-teaching and his ability to adapt instruction for diverse learners with measurable improvements.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your teamwork and co-teaching achievements with clear results. For further tips, see How to Write a Resume Summary.


Special Education Administrative Coordinator Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Olivia’s resume is strong because it clearly demonstrates her ability to manage administrative tasks effectively while supporting special education programs with measurable results.

Expert Tip:

Emphasize your organizational and communication skills with quantifiable improvements. For further tips, see How to List Skills on a Resume.


Special Education Support Services Coordinator Resume Example

Why This Resume Is a Great Example

Grace’s resume is strong because it demonstrates her comprehensive coordination of support services and her ability to improve program efficiency through effective management and compliance oversight.

Expert Tip:

Highlight your program management and compliance achievements with clear, measurable outcomes. For further tips, see How to Build a Professional Resume.


Special Education Teacher Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates

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  • General Special Education Teacher
  • Elementary Special Education Teacher
  • Entry-Level Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Resource Teacher
  • Special Education Substitute Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher Aide
  • Aspiring Special Education Teacher Aide
  • Middle School Special Education Teacher Assistant
  • Elementary First-Year Special Education Teacher
  • High School Experienced Special Education Teacher
  • Inclusive Special Education Teacher
  • High School Special Education Teacher Assistant
  • Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
  • Middle School Special Education Teacher
  • Special Education Resource Specialist
  • District-Level Special Education Substitute Teacher
  • Special Education Intervention Specialist
  • Special Education Co-Teacher
  • Special Education Administrative Coordinator
  • Special Education Support Services Coordinator
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Joseph Corbin
Seattle, WA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn

Profile

I am a special education teacher with proven experience in developing IEPs, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining active communication with parents. I am certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Education

  • Master of Education in Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN – Graduated May 2016
  • Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA – Graduated May 2014
  • Bachelor of Science in Special Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA – Graduated May 2012

Key Skills

  • Behavior management strategies
  • Cross-team collaboration
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Parent communication

Professional Experience

Special Education Teacher, Pearson Education, New York, NY | January 2018 – Present
– Developed and implemented IEPs for over 30 students, leading to significant academic and behavioral improvements.
– Collaborated with specialists to create comprehensive support plans.

Special Education Teacher, Kaplan, Los Angeles, CA | May 2015 – December 2017
– Designed and executed individualized education programs that boosted student performance by 25%.

Professional Development

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Certification
  • National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs Specialist (NBC-ENS)

How To Write a Special Education Teacher Resume

Your special education teacher resume should usually include these sections:

  • Contact information
  • Profile
  • Key skills
  • Professional experience
  • Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

Give your full name, phone number, email address, location, and links to any online professional profiles. Ensure your contact information is current so employers can reach you for an interview.

Example

Your Name
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | City, State Abbreviation Zip Code | LinkedIn

2. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your special education teacher qualifications

Impress hiring managers at the top of your resume by giving the three to five primary reasons you can excel as their next special education teacher. Consider what sets you apart from other candidates, such as your:

  • Years of related work experience
  • Main strengths or specialties as an educator
  • Work style or approach (diligent, patient, collaborative…)
  • Advanced degree(s) or certifications in your field

Example

Elementary special education teacher with a master’s degree in special education and extensive experience in developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs). Proven ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and maintain active communication with parents to support each student’s development. Recognized for strong classroom management skills and use of specialized instruction techniques, with a record of improving student performance and parent satisfaction.

3. Showcase your special education teacher experience

Over half a million Americans can say they’ve carried out the duties of a special education teacher. But only you can say you’ve carried out those duties to drive positive results for certain schools or student populations. Focus on those results in your experience section; your resume will be more distinctive and engaging.

Example:

Special Education Teacher, ABC Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA | January 2020 to present

  • Develop IEPs for a caseload of 15 students, resulting in improved academic performance and social skills
  • Collaborate with a team of speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists to provide comprehensive support for students
  • Maintain regular contact with parents, providing updates on their child’s progress and strategies for at-home learning support

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

When possible, cite relevant performance data and metrics to show the results you’ve achieved as a special education teacher. Hard numbers put your work in context and give recruiters a better sense of your scope and impact.

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume to each application

For each job posting you respond to, note any details given about the school’s size, mission, or students. How do these areas compare to your recent experience? You can make a stronger first impression on the hiring manager by citing these similarities in your profile.

What if you don’t have work experience?

Focus on your other credentials. Omit the “Professional Experience” section, and instead fill the page with details on relevant skills you’ve gained or projects you’ve worked on as an intern, volunteer, or student.

Regardless of your background, know that resumes are flexible. They can and should take whatever shape and structure is necessary to present your qualifications for the job, whether you’re at the entry or senior level.

4. Outline your education and special education teacher-related certifications

With the education and certifications sections, you can show you have a strong knowledge base in your field. Each degree or credential also serves as a formal endorsement of your skills and professionalism. Below are templates to help you organize this information on your resume (note, years are optional).

Education

Template:

[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
[Relevant coursework or honors]

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Special Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Certifications

Template:

[Certification Name] | [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Date]

Examples:

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Behavior Analyst Certification Board

5. Outline your most useful special education teacher skills and proficiencies

A skills section lets you quickly show the different ways you can serve a school community. It also helps your resume perform well on applicant tracking systems (ATS) employers use to screen candidates. Below, you’ll find some key terms and skills to consider for this section:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Adaptive teaching methods Behavior management techniques
Classroom management Cross-functional collaboration
Differentiated instruction Parent and guardian relations
Reporting and documentation Specialized instruction techniques
Student engagement Time management

Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs

One of the best ways to enhance your resume is by starting each bullet point with a strong action verb. Dynamic verbs help you make your resume more clear, concise, and engaging than with nouns or noun phrases.

Do
  • "Managed and motivated a 12-person team "
Don’t
  • "Responsibilities included management of a 12-person team "

The following list can help you find a good mix of action verbs for your special education teacher resume:

Action Verbs
Clarified Created
Decreased Defined
Engaged Enhanced
Fostered Generated
Grew Improved
Increased Introduced
Lowered Managed
Mentored Prevented
Ranked Reduced
Reinforced Streamlined
Supported Taught
Updated Won

How To Pick the Best Special Education Teacher Resume Template

The best resume templates are simple and easy to edit. Choose one that lets you quickly add, delete, flesh out, rearrange, and reorder sections. With a flexible design, you can tailor and optimize your resume for each job application.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a special education teacher job posting?

Focus on editing your skills section. With just a few quick changes to this section, you can further hone your resume and help it get past screenings by ATS.

First, look closely at the job posting and highlight any required skills. Then, compare those highlighted terms against your resume’s existing skills section. Delete any skills from your list that don’t appear in the job posting, and add any missing skills of yours that do.

What is the best special education teacher resume format?

The combination (or hybrid) format, because it lets you present yourself both clearly and strategically. According to job search experts Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, this format “gives you many opportunities to share your specific successes, valuable contributions, and unique qualifications. It offers immense flexibility in an easy-to-follow structure.”

A combination resume is any resume with these two features:

  1. An introduction describing your strengths. The traditional resume intro comprises a profile paragraph and skills list, as in the examples on this page. But there are many variations. Depending on your job search, you may omit one or both of these sections in favor of a one- or two-sentence career headline. You may also add other elements like graphs or client testimonials. Whatever approach you choose, your introduction should tell why you’re a strong candidate for the job opening.
  1. One or more experience sections. Hiring managers want to know your latest career activities. The combination format lets you provide that information with sections for your recent years’ work, internship, education, or other experience. For most job seekers, the bulk of their combination resume will be a “Professional Experience” section with detailed job descriptions in reverse chronological order.
Expert advice:

Include a cover letter with your resume

A good cover letter can enhance your job application. To write a standout letter, get specific. Tell the hiring manager why you’re interested in their organization and the special education teacher role they hope to fill.

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Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.

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