College of Education, University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaCareers

Special Education Teacher

Career Outlook
  • Special education teachers are the highest area of need, with approximately 30% of new teachers hired each year being in special education positions
    • Refer to the 2020-2021 Hawaii DOE Employment Report
      • A total of 1,274 teachers were hired, with 176 hired as elementary special education teachers and 179 hired as secondary special education teachers
Salary Info
  • Refer to the DOE Teacher Salary Schedule
    • In SY 2020-2021, licensed special education teachers made $49,100 – $91,948
  • Pay Differentials* to address shortage areas
    • + $10,000 for special education teachers
    • + $3,000 – $8,000 for hard-to-staff geographic locales

*Contingent on annual renewal of funds

Employers

Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) is the largest employer of new teachers in Hawaii. The HIDOE hires an average of 1,288 new teachers each year (HIDOE Employment Report, 2020).

Education / Skills Needed
  • Must obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Must complete State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP)
  • Ideal qualities/skills: compassionate, dedicated, organized, committed, intelligent, and creative. Passion for impacting students and advocating for equity and equality.
Related COE Profiles
Relevant Degree(s)
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Janet Kim