They adapt and develop materials to match the special needs of each student. They work to ensure that students with disabilities reach their learning potential. There are specialty areas within special education. As students with disabilities are more routinely included in general education classrooms and in their neighborhood schools, special education teachers often work in teams with general education teachers. Special education professionals also provide consulting services to general education teachers.
Special educators work in many settings.
Settings in public schools include general education classrooms, resource rooms, and self-contained classrooms. Other public or private school settings include hospitals, medical centers, private practice environments, correctional facilities, and the child's own home. Some public and private school settings also include direct services to the youngest of students with disabilities- infants and toddlers ages birth to three.