While the title of “Special Education Teacher” has been the norm for many years, districts and staff around the world have begun to shift the title to other things.
There is debate about whether removing “special education” from the teacher’s title also creates more of a gap in the understanding that a student’s rights are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). But, for the most part, teachers have adapted to and advocated for new titles if their districts bring up the issue.
So, what are some of the alternatives to being called a Special Ed Teacher? Check out some of the options below.
I’m Not a Special Ed Teacher, I’m a…
While the list below is not all-inclusive, there are a variety of different titles that Special Ed Teachers go by in different parts of the world.
Some put the focus on the intervention and others put the focus on the teacher’s specialization in special ed.
No matter what title you prefer or have been assigned by your district, know that your job is an important one!
Alternatives to Special Ed Teacher
- Intervention Specialist
- Exceptional Education Teacher
- Accessible Education Teacher
- Accessibility Specialist
- Learning Specialist
- Exceptional Student Education
- Individual Needs Teacher
- Learning Strategy Specialist
- Learning Support
- Learning Differences Liaison
- Student Support Teacher
- Diverse Learner Teacher
- Teacher of Students with Exceptionalities
Things to Consider
When selecting a job name, keep in mind that at the higher education level those titles might be used much differently.
For example, the coordinator of accommodations at the college level is often called the Accessibilities Coordinator or Accessibilities Specialist.
The role of Learning Support might also look very different in high school and college than it looks in elementary and middle school.
It’s important to make sure that families understand the exact role that you play in their child’s education – no matter what your title is!
