Teaching in special education with Queensland state schools offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with diverse needs, while growing professionally. Every day brings new opportunities to celebrate progress, build strong relationships and work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to helping every student thrive.
Whether you're beginning your teaching career or considering your next opportunity, special education may offer the unique and rewarding teaching experience you’re looking for.
What makes special education so rewarding
For many teachers, it's the relationships, teamwork and chance to see every student succeed that can make special education so rewarding.
Ashlee Scholz, teacher at Mackay District Special School, says special education provides the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of students and their families.
‘The smaller class sizes and working as a team allow us to provide individualised learning experiences and give each student the attention, support and care they deserve.’
She says collaboration is part of everyday life.
‘Whether you are part of the leadership team, a teacher or a teacher aide, everyone works together to problem-solve, share ideas and support one another.’
For Ashlee, it's the everyday moments that make the profession so rewarding.
‘There is something incredibly rewarding about celebrating progress, no matter how small and recognising the unique strengths of every learner. There is never a shortness of joy found at my school either! I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day.’
Stella Porta, a teacher at Cairns State Special School, says building relationships is one of the highlights of her role.
‘I find so much joy in building relationships with my students and their families. I love the challenge and problem solving that comes with special education and the glimmers of progress and connection in each day make it incredibly rewarding.’
She encourages anyone considering the profession to take the leap.
‘Go for it! It is so much fun! There is so much humour, teamwork and thinking outside of the box in special education.’
Every student's journey matters
Progress in special education can look different for every learner, but that's exactly what makes the work so meaningful.
Rachel Dougherty, Principal of Woogaroo Creek State School, says inclusion is central to every learning environment.
‘Inclusion is everybody's business, so it doesn't really matter what setting you're working in, whether it's a primary setting, a high school setting, or a special school setting.’
She says the greatest rewards often come from seeing long-term growth.
‘Sometimes we don't see huge gains in a short period of time, but when you step back and you look at how far that student has come across a number of years, it's a real positive feeling, because you can see that you were a part of that.’
Transitioning into special education
One of the misconceptions about special education is that you need a specialist degree before stepping into the classroom. In reality, teachers from primary and secondary backgrounds bring valuable skills that transfer readily into special education settings.
Rachel explains, ‘It's just about being the very best educator you can be to meet the needs of the students that you're working with daily. You just need an openness to learn, to be student-focused with everything you do and to put those students at the heart of your teaching and learning.’
Teachers are supported by experienced colleagues, multidisciplinary teams and professional learning opportunities that help build confidence and capability.
Rachel says new teachers are never expected to know everything from day one. Alongside professional learning, the support of peers through mentoring and induction helps teachers new to special education to build their confidence.
‘You can learn from others who maybe have more experience in that field. You can engage in mentoring and induction processes. In fact, we have found that teachers coming from primary settings or high school settings with an openness to learning make fantastic special education teachers.’
Reflecting on her own career, Rachel says: ‘I feel as a special educator that I am constantly on my learning edge to new skills. I think there's been lots of opportunities for me to develop a variety of skills.’
Is special education a good fit for you?
If you're looking for a teaching career where you can make a lasting difference while continuing to grow professionally, special education could be your perfect fit.
Learn or read more, including
‘Inside special education: What teaching in a special school is really like’.