Special Education Teacher Resume Example

Male teacher leading classroom activity
Hero Images / Getty Images

When applying for a job as a special education teacher, it's important to emphasize your education and certifications in your resume. as well as all previous classroom experience.

You should also consider preparing a cover letter specifically tailored to the position you're applying for and the resume you are submitting.

Your job application materials will help make the case to the hiring manager that you're an excellent fit for the job. Here's information on what to include in your resume, a template to download, and tips for writing a winning resume that will catch the hiring manager's attention.

What to Include in Your Resume

Highlight your education and credentials: Teaching jobs typically require specific degrees and certifications, so be sure to highlight your education. Include an “Education” resume section towards the top of your document, so it is one of the first things an employer sees.

Include all teaching experiences: It is essential to especially highlight your experience working in special education settings.

If you have limited teaching experience, you can also include student teaching, internships, volunteer work, and co-curricular activities that are relevant to teaching.

Emphasize your accomplishments: Rather than simply state your duties under each work experience, also include specific accomplishments or successes. You might mention that you helped improve student test scores, or include information or quotes from your supervisors' evaluations of your classes. When possible, include data to show your successes.

Tips for Writing Your Resume

Choose a format: Explore formatting options. Sometimes an updated format can be what makes your resume stand out. It might be the difference, in a competitive field like teaching, that will get you the interview.

Add a Resume Summary: Consider including a summary at the top of your resume. This is a great way to include a brief statement of your teaching philosophy, and emphasize what makes you a great special education teacher.

Tailor your resume to fit the job and school: Individualize each resume to fit the specific job, as well as the school. Include keywords from the job listing in your resume (you might include these words in your resume summary or job descriptions).

If the job requires particular skills, be sure to highlight these in your resume.

Special Education Teacher Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a special education teacher. Download the special education teacher resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a special education teacher resume sample

Special Education Job Resume Example (Text Version)

Gwen Applicant
123 East Street
New London, CT 99999
(123) 456-7890
gwen.applicant@email.com

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Helping special needs students achieve success via functional and life-skills teaching.

Experienced, award-winning teacher with 15+ years experience working with special education students, with a history of improving test scores in reading and math, seeks position with a top school district.

Key skills include:

  • Able to Run Well-Organized Classrooms
  • Focused on Classroom Success and Achieving Individual Student Goals
  • Skilled in Functional and Life Skills Curriculum
  • Experience Working with Students with Autism, Speech Impairments, and Physical Disabilities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC CHARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Hartford, CT
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER (September 2007 – Present)
Develop and implement lesson plans for a class of fifth-grade students with high-functioning autism, speech impairments, dyslexia, and other physical and learning disabilities.

Notable accomplishments:

  • Differentiate activities and goals to meet each student’s individual needs and abilities.
  • Achieved an average of 25% improvement on student reading and math exams.

A+ LEARNING CENTER, Hartford, CT
SPECIAL EDUCATION INTERN (September 2006 – June 2007)
Adapted middle school English and History curriculum materials to suit students with autism.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • Administered all pull-out testing for students with special needs.
  • Conducted seminars for teachers on how to implement tailored curricula in their classrooms.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

XYZ UNIVERSITY, Hartford, CT
Master of Education (GPA: 3.90; Concentration in Special Education), May 2007

XYZ UNIVERSITY, Hartford, CT
Bachelor of Arts (GPA: 3.80; Dean’s List Every Semester; Major: Psychology), May 2006

Certifications and Skills

Connecticut Teaching Credential • Special Education Certified • Fluent in Spanish and French

How to Get Your Resume Noticed

HIGHLIGHT YOUR CREDENTIALS: Your teaching credentials and certification are key aspects of your qualifications, so make sure they have a prominent position in your resume.

SHOWCASE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Use student achievement and test scores to quantify your contributions in past positions.

TAILOR YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB: Always take the time to customize your resume, so it focuses on the specific qualifications for the position.