Special Education Teacher
Provide critical educational support to students with exceptionalities - an intensely rewarding niche.
Special Education Teacher Salary in Canada
Special Education Teachers in Canada earn about $55,000 at entry level and around $110,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $55,000
- Senior level: $110,000
Follows standard Canadian teacher union grids, but often with additional specialization allowances.
About the Career
Severe shortage of qualified Special Education / Resource teachers nearly everywhere in Canada.
Job Outlook
High Growth demand. Severe shortage of qualified Special Education / Resource teachers nearly everywhere in Canada.
How to Get There
- Undergrad + BEd (Ontario is moving to a 12-month BEd starting 2027) + Additional Qualification (AQ) courses in Special Education
- Time to career: 5-6 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Education (BEd) – high 70s to high 80s
- Psychology – mid to high 80s
Key Skills
- Individualised Program Planning (IEP)
- Adaptive Instruction
- Behaviour Management
- Collaboration with Support Teams
- Patience & Empathy
Typical Employers
- Public & Catholic school boards
- Special education schools
- Private & alternative schools
- Community programs
High School Roadmap
- Volunteer at camps or recreation programs for children with disabilities.
- Take introductory psychology or sociology courses if your school offers them.
- Join peer tutoring, specifically focusing on students who need extra help.
- Apply to concurrent education programs. Brock University has an excellent Child and Youth Studies stream.
Top Universities for This Path
- Brock University – St. Catharines, ON
- Queen's University – Kingston, ON
- York University – Toronto, ON
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
- University of Victoria – Victoria, BC
Insider Tips
- Ontario teachers must take AQ (Additional Qualification) courses after their BEd to specialize in Spec Ed.
- The role involves significant paperwork (IEPs) alongside direct student interaction.
- Special education AQs (Additional Qualifications) are in high demand in Ontario - strong job security.