A doctorate degree in special education can allow you to pursue higher-level careers. This is the primary motivation for most EdD students. Not only do these higher-level positions typically offer higher salaries but they also enable professionals to make a greater impact on the lives of the students who depend on special education services. There are many careers in education you might consider pursuing. Some are listed below.
If you want a higher-level position but still want to directly inspire and empower students, you might consider becoming a lead special education teacher. The lead special education teacher is responsible for coordinating the department’s special education services, supervising staff members and developing program policies and procedures.
It would be your primary responsibility to ensure that every child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) is administered properly and that the students are on track to meet their individual goals. You’ll lend your expertise to troubleshoot problems in collaboration with other teachers and parents, as well as related professionals such as social workers and school psychologists. You’ll also spend some time working directly with students, to implement their IEPs and help them reach their full potential.
Some special education teachers decide that their talents would be best utilized by guiding the next generation of teachers. If you enjoy the thought of influencing and inspiring future special education teachers, you might consider becoming a professor. As a professor, your job duties would include:
- Developing a syllabus for each course you will teach that aligns with the curriculum standards
- Developing lesson plans and assignments
- Giving lectures and leading intellectually stimulating classroom discussions
- Working one-on-one with future special education teachers during office hours, helping them shape their career goals and excel in their coursework
- Evaluating students’ assignments and providing needed guidance
- Serving on collegiate committees within the department or the college
You’ll also be expected to stay abreast of the latest trends, legislative initiatives and scientific research in the special education field. Since professors are also expected to periodically publish research in journals and books, this is an ideal career for those who want to continue making original contributions to the special education field.
The role of a special education director is another option for doctoral graduates. These professionals are responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing all of the activities of the special education services department within a school. Some directors may even oversee all special education departments for the entire school district.
Most special education directors are former special education teachers who earned an advanced degree and moved into administration. Their years of classroom experience, coupled with a doctoral degree in special education, give these professionals broad perspectives on shaping the lives of students. A special education director’s duties may include:
- Developing departmental budgets, tracking expenditures and verifying that services billed by external providers were properly delivered
- Supporting and mentoring special education teachers and other administrators and offering guidance on implementing IEPs according to each child’s best interests
- Developing annual benchmarks and compliance goals, forecasting student enrollment and developing new programs as needed
- Planning professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom
- Analyzing the latest research and scientific findings in the special education field to optimize students’ progress
Special education consultants are highly educated individuals who have extensive experience in this field. They also have considerable expertise with the many complex regulations of special education services. Their role is primarily to assess students and their needs and ensure that each student’s IEP will allow them to achieve their full potential.
A special education consultant may work for a school board or a governmental agency that supports the school board. Alternatively, consultants may be employed privately by families to advocate for their children with special needs.
Consultants who work as advocates for families will collaborate closely with them, answering their questions and guiding them through the complicated process of obtaining special education services and developing an IEP.
In contrast, special education consultants who work for school boards will, in addition to assessing students, focus on working with teachers and other staff members. In this capacity, a consultant may provide teacher training and guidance on developing IEPs.
