How to become a special education teacher
Find out what special education teachers do, if this career matches your strengths, what you'll need to study, and your next steps to get there.
Quick facts
What do I need to study?
A Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education
How much can I earn?
$2,160 median weekly salary*
What’s the job market like?
Strong demand**
Is this career a good fit for you?
Special education teaching could be a great fit if you:
Are patient and adaptable, knowing no two students or days are the same
Are a current teacher looking for greater depth and impact in your work
Find more meaning in tailoring learning for an individual than delivering the same lesson to a whole class
Are coming from disability services, allied health, or early childhood and want to move into schools
Enjoy being part of a team, working alongside families, support staff, and allied health professionals
It’s worth knowing that special education teaching carries a heavier admin load than general teaching. Reports, compliance documentation, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are a real part of the job.
If you’re unsure if this is the right career path for you, talking to a student advisor is a good place to start.
How to become a special education teacher in Australia
Undergraduate pathways to becoming a special education teacher
If you haven't completed university study before, you will need to:
Choose and complete the pathway that best suits your level of experience below.
Apply for and complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary), or a Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education where available.
Apply for teacher registration in the state or territory where you plan to teach.
Complete postgraduate study in special and inclusive education. This is typically required to work in specialist roles.
Pathway Option 1: Open Access | Pathway Option 2: Undergraduate Certificate | Non-Pathway Option: Bachelor Degree |
Ideal if you: - Don’t have an ATAR. - Want to see how you handle a small amount of study to begin with. With this pathway option, you can gain entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary), or a Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education by successfully completing Open Access single subjects first. | Ideal if you: - Meet little to no entry requirements. - Want to achieve a standalone certificate to begin with. With this pathway option, you'll gain entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) by completing an undergraduate certificate first. | Ideal if you: - Already have the required ATAR score listed on the course page you are interested in. - Want to get started with a full degree straight away. With this option, you'll apply for entry into a Bachelor of Education (Primary or Secondary) or a Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education using your existing ATAR or relevant academic experience. |
Postgraduate path to becoming a special education teacher
If you completed university study in another field before deciding to become a special education teacher, you will need to:
Complete a Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary) to earn your teacher registration.
Complete a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree in special and inclusive education to specialise.
If you are already a registered teacher, you can complete a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree to upskill in special and inclusive education.
Because entry pathways can vary depending on your previous study, speaking with a student advisor can help clarify the most direct option for your situation.
Discover special education degrees
Undergraduate Certificate in Education Support
UndergraduateTAS-EDS-CTF
Help students to learn, gain confidence, and engage in the classroom
Learn core education support skills and play a vital role in the classroom. You’ll work on supporting children and adults with learning difficulties at school. Communicate clearly. Be inclusive. Collaborate. Prepare for work in the education sector.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
PostgraduateGRF-AUS-GCE
Bring a whole-of-life approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Engage with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including communication, learning style and behaviour management. Benefit from a multi-disciplinary, whole-of-life focus, leading to quality intervention and management for people with ASD.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
PostgraduateUOQ-EDS-MAS
Transform learning environments through strong research, leadership, and policy
Lead with impact in education. You’ll develop your expertise in practice, policy and leadership, while deepening your research skills. Graduate prepared for senior roles – from curriculum planning to school principal – ready to shape education’s future.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies
PostgraduateUOQ-EDS-GCE
Expand your career options in education
A postgrad qual for education professionals seeking a specialisation. Choices include leadership, inclusive education, and careers guidance. Step up to new roles or enhance your teaching career. Become a counsellor, advisor, or specialist teacher.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Discover special education subjects
Inclusion and Access in Online Spaces
PostgraduateUNE-EDIT513
- Study method
- 100% online
PostgraduateTUA-EEDUSD401
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Jun 2026
Theory in Practice: Inclusion and Differentiation
UndergraduateCUR-EDPR2009
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 31 Aug 2026
Digital Literacy and Technologies Across the Curriculum
UndergraduateUNE-EDIT124
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 22 Jun 2026, 19 Oct 2026
What does a special education teacher do?
Special education teachers design and deliver learning for students with disability or complex needs, working closely with families, support staff, and allied health professionals, meeting each student where they are and helping them reach their potential.
Special education teachers work across both primary and secondary settings, with many roles focused in primary schools where early support makes the biggest impact.
Daily tasks often include:
Assessing students’ learning needs and developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Designing and delivering differentiated learning programs
Communicating regularly with families about student progress
Collaborating with classroom teachers, support staff, and allied health professionals
Advocating for students within the school system for resources and adjustments
Supporting transitions between year levels and post-school pathways
Keeping documentation up to date in line with school, department, and legal requirements
Salary, career progression, and job demand
The average special education teacher salary in Australia
Special education teachers are usually paid on the same salary scale as classroom teachers, which means your salary will depend largely on experience, state, and school sector rather than the specialisation itself.
As a guide, salaries typically range from around $79,000 for graduate teachers up to $131,000 for those in senior roles. But a few things can affect where you land in that range, such as:
Your state, because scales vary across Australia
Your sector, since government, Catholic, and independent schools have different pay structures
Your setting, because if you're working in a specialist school or support unit, some states pay a little extra on top of the standard scale
Read our guide to teacher salaries in Australia for a full breakdown.
Career pathways for special education teacher
Special education opens doors in a lot of directions. It’s common for special education teachers to move into:
Head of department, learning support coordinator, or inclusion lead roles
Broader school leadership
Further specialisation in areas such as autism, behaviour support, or sensory impairment
Advisory or consulting roles within education departments
Tertiary education or research in inclusive education
Is there demand for special education teachers in Australia?
There’s real demand for special education teachers in Australia, and it’s been that away for a while.
Special education teachers are listed in national shortage by Jobs and Skills Australia, with demand driven by rising diagnoses, the growing overlap between the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and school settings, and persistent gaps in regional and remote areas.
Accreditation and professional bodies
You must be registered with your state or territory's teaching body before you can step into a classroom. Find yours below:
State | Teaching body |
|---|---|
New South Wales | |
Victoria | |
Queensland | |
Western Australia | |
South Australia | |
Tasmania | |
Australian Capital Territory | |
Northern Territory |
Learn more in our guide to teacher registration.
Your degree must also be accredited by the AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership).
Through Open Universities Australia, you can choose from a range of courses with leading Australian universities that meet the study requirements for teacher registration in different states and territories. A student advisor can confirm which programs align with your goals.
Related careers
Special education sits within a broad ecosystem of support, inclusion and learning in school settings. If you’re drawn to this field, you might also like to explore a career as a:
Teacher’s aide: Play more of an assisting role in the classroom, helping students and teachers with learning activities and individual needs.
Early intervention specialist: Support children with developmental delay or disability in early childhood.
School counsellor: Provide therapeutic and wellbeing services within a school setting.
Disability support worker: Provide direct support across age groups, with a less formal qualification pathway.
Private tutor: Support individual students’ learning needs outside the classroom environment.
Education advisor: Shape teaching practice and school approaches to inclusion by working within education departments.
Sources (accurate as of March 2026):
Salary data is sourced from state Departments of Education.
* The Australian Government's Jobs and Skills website - Special Education Teachers
** The Australian Government's Jobs and Skills website - Occupation shortage list
FAQs about becoming a special education teacher
Can I move into special education if I’m already a qualified teacher, without losing pay or status?
Yes, you can. Your teacher registration stays valid and your salary level doesn’t change, so you’re still paid on the same scale. Postgraduate study in special education will add to your qualifications without you needing to start over. In some states, you may even earn a little more.
Do I need to choose a disability specialisation early, or does that develop over time?
It’s common to find your niche through experience rather than upfront study in a specific area. Postgraduate programs cover a wide range of abilities and approaches. Some universities offer specialisations, such as autism support, but they’re optional rather than a requirement.
Can I work in mainstream schools as a special teacher, or only in specialist settings?
You can do both. Special education teachers work in mainstream schools supporting classes as well as in specialist schools. There’s a growing demand in schools of all kinds to expand their inclusion programs.
How physically and emotionally demanding is special education compared to general teaching?
It can be more intense, but it can be more rewarding, too. You may work with students who have complex behaviours, communication needs, or medical requirements. Good team culture and school leadership can make a big difference to how sustainable it feels.
Is it suitable if I need part-time or flexible hours?
Part-time roles exist in both specialist and mainstream schools, though this varies by school and location. The fact that students who need extra support really rely on consistency is worth thinking about alongside your own scheduling needs.
What if I specialise and later want to return to general classroom teaching?
Your registration stays valid no matter where you're teaching, and moving between specialist and general classrooms is more common than you might think. Many schools see inclusive education experience as a real asset.
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
How teacher placements work in Australia
Planning your path into teaching? Find out how placements fit into your degree and what you can expect along the way.
Teaching scholarships: a state-by-state guide
Curious about teaching scholarships in your state? From fee support to programs that help you turn the classroom into a career, here’s what’s on offer and how to get started.
How online learning can empower students with school refusal
If school refusal (or 'school can't') is affecting your family, there is hope. Learn more about this growing issue, and how online learning might help.
5 inclusive teaching strategies to know
Start practising these strategies in your classroom now, or bookmark them for your learning journey. Inclusive school communities equal inclusive societies, period.