Teach elementary and secondary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Include teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally retarded. Some districts pay bonuses for advanced degrees or extra duty. Special Education Teachers in public schools work a minimum of six hours a day in the classroom for a nine month school year. Some districts have year-round classes where teachers work for 45 days followed by 15 days off throughout the year.
Teachers work many hours in nonteaching functions.
They plan lessons, confer with parents and resource teachers, and participate in PTA activities. On their own time, they attend continuing education coursework to qualify for credential renewal. Employment Trends by California County Special Education Teachers rank among the top fifty largest and fastest growth occupations in California. Shortages exist in some areas of the State, particularly in Los Angeles and many of the rural counties . Advancement Teachers usually advance through regular salary increases based on additional education and experience.