Secondary school special education teachers are trained to teach children with special needs in grades K-12. Special education teachers must work with an individualized education plan. This plan is designed to help special education teachers properly teach each special needs child in a class. Typically, a special education teacher will work with students who are mentally, emotionally, or physically impaired.RequirementsSpecial education teachers must have adequate training to properly teach students with special needs. Typically, a special education teacher must possess a four year degree in special education. Many special education degrees focus on specific areas of the field such as children with mild, moderate or severe disabilities. Individuals must have a certain amount of student teaching time before they may officially teach in a classroom. Before any individual may begin teaching special education, the PRAXIS test must be successfully taken and passed. The amount of schooling required to become a special education teacher may vary from state-to-state.Teachers must also be state certified before entering a classroom. State certification information will vary depending on each state's requirements. Individuals may opt to become licensed in general special education, which enables teachers to teach students in kindergarten through twelfth grade or become licensed in a certain area such as behavior disorders.Certain students studying to become special education teachers may wish to obtain a master's degree in special education once a bachelor's degree is earned.SalaryMany teachers who just enter the field of special education are paid a salary of around $33,000. Certain special education teachers may earn less money depending on the school district. Experienced special education teachers can earn upwards of $70,000 depending on previous experience, as well as location of the school.The average salary for a special education teacher is around $50,000. Many special education teachers earn more money by coaching students, as well as teaching classes during the summer months.The demand for special education teachers is expected to grow in the coming years. More special needs students are entering the school systems. More teachers are needed to keep up with the growing amount of special needs students in the school system.