Special services personnel provide specialized services that allow teachers and other education professionals to focus on meeting the general academic, emotional, and social needs of students. Whereas general education teachers normally deal with students in large groups, these skilled professionals usually assist students individually with unique needs that may be academic, physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral in nature.

Teachers, principals, and superintendents depend on these specialists to help students with special needs succeed in general education classrooms and enjoy their educational experience.

Employment projections vary according to specialty, but opportunities for special services professionals are generally expected to increase through the year 2008. Contributing factors include growing school enrollments, new legislation emphasizing training and employment for individuals with disabilities, and an educational trend toward mainstreaming children with special needs. The growing number of students who speak English as a second language will also add to the demand for special education services.

Individuals who choose a career in special services must have a strong interest in helping others and an ability to inspire respect, trust, and confidence. They must be able to relate to students from a wide range of backgrounds and be very perceptive of their educational and emotional needs.

Special services professionals should also be team players who are organized, self-motivated, patient, creative, and able to maintain good relationships with administrators, faculty, parents, and students.

Required skills vary according to specialty, but all special services personnel must be knowledgeable in their area of responsibility and able to properly assess and meet the needs of students under their care.

Special services providers are educational professionals who generally need at least a bachelor’s degree, and possibly teacher education courses and a state license. Those who function at a support level under the direction of trained professionals may be qualified with less training and/or experience.

It can be very rewarding to see students succeed in school, discover new abilities, and enjoy the process of learning. Special services professionals should also realize, however, that this career can at times be very challenging and sometimes tiring or frustrating due to the unique needs of the students they serve.

Like other education professionals, most special services personnel work the traditional 10-month school year and take a 2-month vacation in summer, during which they are free to travel, work in other jobs, or continue their education.