Back to Search
Add to favorites
Career Profile

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

What they do:

Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.

Also Called:

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE Teacher), Early Intervention Teacher, Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Handicapped Teacher, Preschool Special Education Teacher, Resource Teacher, Severe/Profound Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Teacher, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE Teacher), Early Intervention Teacher, Exceptional Student Education Teacher (ESE Teacher), Handicapped Teacher, Preschool Special Education Teacher, Resource Teacher, Severe/Profound Mental Handicaps Special Education Teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Teacher

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$49,570
Starting Salary (2025)
$74,110
Median Salary (2025)
1.4%
Projected Job Growth
750
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self-Control
Achievement/Effort
Dependability
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Common Activities

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 32%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 32%
  • Master's degree 24%
  • Professional degree 8%
  • Associate's degree 3%
  • Other 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
Special Education Teachers, Middle School
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Add Special Education Teachers, Preschool to your favorites?

Add to favorites
Back to Search  

More Info

Career-and-Transfer-Center logo

Grayson College Career and Transfer Center

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
wcidwtm logo

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
mynextmove-p-500 logo

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
careeronestop logo

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
blsooh logo

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
onet logo

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site
(opens in new tab)
*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.