Special Education Teacher Resume Example & Writing Guide
I’ll be real with you: writing your Special Education Teacher resume can feel like trying to wrangle a classroom full of preschoolers on a sugar high — totally overwhelming, weirdly emotional, and occasionally, you just want to cry into your coffee.
Sound familiar?
If you’re nodding along, maybe even letting out a sigh, then hey — take a breath. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re just human. And being human, especially in the world of special education, is actually your superpower.
I’ve worked with hundreds of teachers like you — fresh grads, career changers, seasoned educators wondering if their 10 years of experience with individualized education plans (IEPs) even fits on one page. Every single one of them had the same question:
“How do I make everything I do on a daily basis look good on a resume?”
Spoiler alert: You already do so much. You juggle behavior management strategies, track data like a boss, communicate with parents, adapt on the fly, and somehow still find the emotional capacity to cheer on the smallest student victories.
Now we’re just going to put that beautiful, chaotic, transformational story on paper — and make it impossible for principals to ignore.
Special Education Teacher Resume Example: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s an engaging resume example to show how all the parts come together. It’s designed to be human, heartfelt, and results-driven — like you.
Jenna Thomas
jenna.thomas@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/jennathomas | Denver, CO
Professional Summary
Passionate and dedicated Special Education Teacher with 7+ years of experience designing inclusive classrooms for K–8 students with autism, ADHD, and emotional/behavioral challenges. Proven track record in developing and implementing effective IEPs, applying differentiated instruction, and leading school-wide behavior support initiatives. Collaborative team player who partners with therapists, paraprofessionals, and families to ensure student success in the least restrictive environment. Committed to equity, SEL, and empowering every learner.
Key Skills
- IEP Development & Implementation
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaboration with Therapists & Families
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Inclusive Classroom Practices
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Progress Monitoring & Data-Driven Instruction
- Co-Teaching & Push-In Support
Professional Experience
Horizon Elementary School — Denver, CO
Special Education Teacher (2018–Present)
- Managed caseload of 15 students with diverse disabilities; led development and implementation of IEPs in compliance with IDEA.
- Partnered with occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists to provide holistic, student-centered support.
- Created and delivered individualized literacy interventions using Orton-Gillingham strategies, boosting reading scores by 30% in one academic year.
- Trained and mentored three new SPED paraprofessionals on inclusive practices and behavior management.
- Reduced behavioral incidents by 50% through proactive classroom accommodations and SEL integration.
Maple Grove Learning Center — Boulder, CO
Instructional Assistant (2016–2018)
- Supported a multi-grade self-contained SPED classroom, providing 1:1 academic and behavioral support.
- Collaborated on classroom adaptations for students with complex sensory and communication needs.
- Contributed to progress monitoring and behavior tracking using data logs and teacher consultations.
Education & Certifications
Master of Arts in Special Education, University of Colorado — 2016
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Colorado State University — 2014
Colorado SPED License (K–12) — Active
CPI Certified — Renewed 2023
TEACCH Autism Training — 2022
Professional Development
- Trauma-Informed Teaching Workshop (Edutopia)
- SEL Implementation for SPED Students (CASEL)
- Google Classroom for Inclusive Learning (Google Educator Cert I)
Volunteer Experience
- Camp Inspire, Volunteer Counselor (Summer 2024–2025) — Supported teens with disabilities in art and outdoor learning
Let’s break this process down like you would for a student who thrives on structure and encouragement. Because, let’s be honest, most resumes suck the soul out of your experience. Not this one.
Here’s our game plan:
- Get crystal clear on your core strengths (yes, you have them)
- Highlight your experience with inclusive education, individualized strategies, and collaboration
- Use emotionally intelligent language to show your heart and your skill
- Structure everything in a way that’s both ATS-friendly and reader-friendly (because hiring managers are humans too)
And remember: you’re not bragging. You’re advocating for the role where you can make the biggest impact.
Special Education Teacher Resume Example
Build yours for free today with our Free Ats-friendly Resume Builder.
How to Format a Resume for a Special Education Teaching Job
Think of your resume like an IEP. It’s a personalized document, tailored to showcase your strengths and support your goals.
Recommended format? Reverse-chronological.
Why?
- It puts your best (and most recent) foot forward.
- It’s what hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) expect.
- It allows your growth as an educator to shine.
Here’s your formatting checklist:
- Header: Full name, phone number, email, LinkedIn URL
- Professional Summary: A warm, confident intro
- Key Skills: Focused on special ed, inclusion, IEPs, SEL, etc.
- Work Experience: Use action verbs, results, real examples
- Education & Certifications: Be specific with state licenses, endorsements
- Extras (optional): Volunteering, tech tools, languages, trainings
Pro tip: Keep it to one page if you’re newer, two if you have 7+ years of experience or varied roles. And yes, white space is your friend. Don’t cram. Let it breathe.
What to Include in a Special Education Teacher Resume
Here’s the thing — you can’t list everything you do. But you can shine a light on what matters most to hiring teams: impact, compassion, and adaptability. Let’s get real and break down exactly what makes a special ed resume powerful, memorable, and oh-so-you.
1. A Purposeful Summary (Not Just Fluff)
Start with a punchy, heartfelt summary that sets the tone. This is your chance to say, “Hey, I care deeply about kids, and I know how to help them grow.”
Think of it like the intro to your teaching philosophy, except way shorter and packed with keywords like “inclusive education,” “IEP development,” and “data-driven strategies.”
Example: “Dedicated Special Education Teacher with 8+ years supporting students with autism, ADHD, and emotional and behavioral disorders in inclusive classroom settings. Expert in IEP development, SEL integration, and positive behavior interventions. Known for creating calm, structured environments where every student feels safe and supported.”
2. Experience That Shows Impact, Not Just Duties
Hiring teams don’t want a job description copy-paste. They want to see how your actions changed something. Did you help a nonverbal student gain confidence using AAC devices? Improve FBA documentation across your grade level? Close academic gaps in reading?
Include:
- Clear IEP-related duties (writing, implementation, tracking progress)
- Academic interventions (mention specific programs like Orton-Gillingham or Read 180)
- Behavioral strategies (PBIS, SEL, CPI techniques)
- Collaboration examples (with SLPs, OTs, paraprofessionals, or parents)
- Results: even small wins matter — “Reduced behavioral referrals by 35% over two semesters”
3. Skills That Reflect the Heart of SPED Work
You need more than just “good communication.” You need to highlight:
- Individualized learning strategies
- Functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
- Differentiated instruction across grade levels
- Inclusive classroom practices and accommodations
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) integration
- Technology use for accessibility (Google Classroom, IEPWriter, Boardmaker)
This is also the perfect spot to work in key terms like “behavior intervention resume sample” or “inclusive classroom teacher CV” naturally.
4. Certifications and Training That Make You Legit
Special education isn’t just a passion — it’s a profession with rigorous standards. Your resume should show that you meet (and exceed) them.
Include:
- Your state certification (e.g., California Clear Credential in SPED K-12)
- Additional credentials (Reading Specialist, Autism Endorsement, RBT)
- Crisis prevention training (CPI, Safety-Care)
- Evidence-based methodologies (TEACCH, ABA, PECS)
Each one of these credentials adds layers of credibility and trust. They’re like the receipts to your resume story.
5. Results-Driven Data (Even If It’s Small)
Don’t underestimate the power of numbers. Even if you’re in a self-contained classroom where growth is slow, you can still show impact:
- “Helped students with dyslexia improve reading fluency by 1.2 grade levels over one year”
- “Facilitated IEP goal achievement rate of 85% in math interventions”
- “Led team-based interventions that reduced classroom removals by 50%”
Quantifying your results helps translate the emotional value of your work into something concrete — a huge win when standing out among applicants.
6. Extra Sections That Show Your Passion
Your experience doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Add an “Additional Experience” section if you’ve:
- Volunteered at summer camps for kids with disabilities
- Organized SEL events or peer mentoring groups
- Tutored students with learning challenges outside of school
These aren’t fillers. They show a real, consistent heart for this work — and that speaks volumes to hiring teams looking for committed educators.
Optional but valuable: Add a “Professional Development” section for recent trainings, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended.
When all of these pieces come together — personalized, heartfelt, and strategically crafted — your resume does more than tick boxes. It tells your story. It proves you’re not just applying. You’re ready to make a difference.
Oh, and if you need some extra help tailoring your teaching resume based on your specific subject, we’ve got a handy Music Teacher Resume guide, too!
If you’re also curious about crafting resumes for other teaching roles, you might find our Montessori Teacher Resume guide especially helpful.
Resume Summary for a Special Education Teacher
Your resume summary isn’t just an intro — it’s your opening handshake, your first impression, your elevator pitch all rolled into one. It should feel like you’re sitting across from the principal, confidently saying: “Here’s who I am, what I’ve done, and why you should want me on your team.”
Here’s the trick: lead with heart, back it up with skill.
Example 1 (Experienced): “Empathetic and highly organized Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience supporting K–12 students with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral challenges. Expert in IEP development, inclusive education strategies, and behavior intervention planning. Proven track record of collaborating with therapists, implementing academic interventions, and boosting IEP goal achievement rates by 85%. Passionate about creating safe, inclusive learning environments that empower every student to thrive.”
Example 2 (New Grad): “Compassionate and driven recent graduate with a Master’s in Special Education and hands-on experience supporting inclusive classrooms during student teaching. Skilled in differentiated instruction, classroom accommodations, and social-emotional learning. Familiar with developing and monitoring IEPs, and passionate about fostering growth for students with diverse learning needs in the least restrictive environment.”
This isn’t the time to be shy — it’s your highlight reel. If you specialize in a particular area (like autism support or behavior intervention), say it! If you’re fluent in co-teaching or progress monitoring, bring that in. And always aim to express not just what you do, but why it matters.
Writing a Strong Cover Letter for a Special Education Job
Okay, let’s talk about that other intimidating document: the cover letter.
A lot of educators freeze up when they hear the word. It feels formal, stiff, and maybe a little pointless, right? But here’s the secret: your cover letter is actually the most human part of your application.
It’s not a regurgitation of your resume — it’s your chance to connect. To let the hiring manager peek behind the curtain and see the why behind the what.
Start With a Story That Shows Heart
Don’t begin with “I’m writing to express my interest…” That’s resume wallpaper. Instead, hook them emotionally.
Example: “Last spring, I watched a student who had been silently struggling finally read a full paragraph aloud — eyes wide, voice shaky, but determined. In that moment, everything else faded. That’s the magic of special education: turning daily moments into lifelong wins.”
That one paragraph already tells the reader: you care, you’re present, and you know the stakes.
Make It Personal (And Relevant)
Next, connect your story to the school’s mission or values. If they emphasize inclusive education or trauma-informed teaching, reference your alignment with those goals.
Example: “Your school’s commitment to social-emotional learning and inclusive access immediately stood out. In my current role, I’ve led SEL circles and coached general ed staff on differentiating for students with IEPs. I’d be honored to contribute to that vision.”
Highlight a Few Greatest Hits
Pick 1–2 resume highlights to expand on with a human twist:
- A time you collaborated with a therapist and saw a breakthrough
- How you adjusted instruction for a student with complex needs
- What your classroom culture feels like on a typical day
End With Warmth and Confidence
No need to sound robotic. Think of it like this: you’re wrapping up a chat with someone who could become a future teammate.
Example: “I’d love the chance to bring my passion for individualized learning and behavior support to your team. I’m eager to connect and learn more about how I can contribute to your school’s exceptional SPED program.”
Then sign off like a real person: “Warmly,” or “Thank you for your time,” work great.
For more guidance on tailoring cover letters to virtual roles, check out our Online Tutor Resume resource — it has some great crossover strategies!
FAQs: Special Education Teacher Resume
What should I include in a special education teacher resume?
You’ll want to include a compelling summary, detailed experience working with IEPs, skills in inclusive education, and collaboration with other professionals. Make sure to mention tools or strategies you’ve used, such as data-driven instruction, behavior intervention plans, and parent-teacher collaboration. Specific results (e.g., “reduced disruptive behavior by 30%”) are gold.
2. How do I write a resume for a special education teacher with no experience?
Focus on transferable experiences. This might include student teaching, volunteer work, or classroom assistant roles. If you participated in IEP meetings, implemented accommodations, or worked with children with learning differences in any setting, highlight that. Emphasize your knowledge of SPED frameworks and genuine passion for helping every student succeed.
3: What are the most important skills for special education teachers to include on a resume?
Absolutely include: IEP development and tracking, differentiated instruction, SEL integration, behavioral support strategies (like FBA and PBIS), tech fluency (Boardmaker, Google Classroom), and strong interpersonal communication. And don’t forget soft skills: patience, empathy, and adaptability.
4: How do you describe IEP experience on a resume?
Don’t just say “worked on IEPs.” Be specific. For example: “Developed, implemented, and monitored individualized education plans for students with diverse academic and behavioral needs; collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure IDEA compliance and measurable student progress.”
5: Should I use an objective or summary in a special education resume?
Use a summary if you have teaching experience — it gives you space to share your strongest assets. If you’re entry-level or making a career pivot, an objective helps frame your enthusiasm and purpose. Either way, be specific and speak from the heart.
6: What’s the best resume format for a special education teacher?
Reverse-chronological works best. It’s clear, familiar to hiring managers, and makes it easy to show progression. Make sure it’s ATS-friendly: simple fonts, clean layout, and no fancy columns or graphics.
7: What certifications should be listed on a special education teacher resume?
Start with your state-issued SPED license, then add any endorsements (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, K–12, Moderate to Severe Disabilities). Highlight specialized training like CPI, TEACCH, RBT, and ABA coursework. These show you’re prepared for real-world classroom demands.
8: Can I include volunteer work or internships on my resume?
Absolutely — and you should. Especially if you’re entry-level. Supporting students at camps, tutoring, shadowing behavior therapists, or any relevant unpaid roles count as experience. Just be honest about the scope and include the impact you made.
9: How do I tailor my resume to different special education roles?
Modify your summary, skills, and experience bullets to reflect each specific role. For example, if you’re applying for a position focused on behavioral support, emphasize your FBA experience and SEL strategies. For a resource room role, highlight academic interventions and small group instruction.
10: How do I make my resume stand out from other SPED teachers?
Tell your story. Add real-world results, use human language, and avoid generic descriptions. Show what makes you different — whether it’s your trauma-informed approach, love for tech-assisted learning, or ability to create calm in high-energy environments.
💡 Ready to build a resume that truly reflects the heart you bring to the classroom?
Start crafting your free Special Education Teacher resume now. Our tool is ridiculously simple, totally free, and built for humans (not robots). Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a SPED veteran, this is your moment to show them what you’re made of.
