What Does a Special Education Administrator Do?
One in 7 students between the ages of 3 and 21 receives special education services, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That adds up to 7.5 million students. And nearly 560,000 dedicated special education teachers work with these students.
Special education administrators coordinate with students, educators, and schools to ensure that each student receives the services and resources they need to succeed. These school administrators often hold a master’s in special education or a related field, and need to have specific work experience to qualify for the job.
What Is the Role of Special Education Administrators?
School administrators of all types manage the daily operations and long-term planning at all levels of education, from early childhood through higher education. Special education administrators focus on students with special needs, developing programs for them, implementing policies, and mentoring teachers.
The job duties of special education administrators vary depending on their position. Public schools rely on special education coordinators and individualized education plan (IEP) compliance coordinators to connect with families and ensure that students’ IEPs — the legal documents developed for every public school student with a learning, intellectual, or physical disability — comply with regulatory requirements.
These roles require a deep understanding of special education services, IEP standards, and the resources available to families.
Once they gain some experience, some administrators pursue senior-level positions such as director of special education roles. Professionals in these leadership roles develop and implement special education programs, evaluate special education service delivery, and manage special education staff.
Where Do Special Education Administrators Work?
Many special education administrators work in public elementary, middle, and high schools and school districts. Positions in public K-12 schools may require individuals to have a teaching license and a special education endorsement.
Early learning facilities, including preschools, child care centers, and Head Start programs, also rely on special education administrators to oversee their screening processes and manage their early childhood special education programs.
In higher education, special education administrators help colleges and universities lead centers that prioritize accessibility and provide services for students with disabilities. Special education administrators also work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community-based programs that serve students with special needs.
Requirements to Become a Special Education Administrator
What are the requirements to become a special education administrator? While that can depend on the work setting and job title, special education administrators typically need a master’s degree and relevant experience. Job requirements also vary by state.
Education
Most school administration jobs require a master’s degree. Among K-12 education administrators, 61% require a master’s degree, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s O-Net OnLine database.
Before pursuing a graduate degree in special education, future administrators need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Majoring in education, teaching, or special education enables individuals to develop the pedagogical knowledge and classroom skills needed to work in special education. Degrees in these disciplines also typically meet the education requirement for a teaching credential to become a special education teacher.
Completing an education master’s program can help prospective school administrators develop the evaluation and management skills required for leadership roles in education. Master’s in special education programs incorporate coursework in clinical assessment, special education program management, and teaching methods.
Experience and Credentials
Education administrators generally bring several years of experience to their roles. In many cases, K-12 schools require or prefer candidates with classroom teaching experience. Special education teachers typically need a teaching credential to work in public schools. The special ed administrator requirements in California often include an education specialist instruction credential.
Those pursuing a career in early childhood education can benefit from working as a preschool special education teacher, early intervention specialist, or behavior support specialist. Those interested in higher education roles can gain experience working as a disability specialist, student accessibility services coordinator, or disability support coordinator.
Special Education Administrator Salary
Education administrators typically earn higher salaries than teachers. While K-12 special education teachers had a median annual salary of $64,270 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school administrators’ median annual wages ranged from $89,040 to $104,070, depending on their job title and work setting. For example, for kindergarten through secondary school administrators, the median salary was $104,070, while for college administrators, it was $103,960.
An administrator’s location can affect their earning potential as well. For example, California ranks among the highest-paying states for education administrators at both the K-12 and postsecondary levels. Among California K-12 administrators, only 10% earn less than $100,000, according to the BLS. And elementary and secondary school administrators in the state are projected to see significantly faster job growth than is projected nationally.
Earn a Master’s in Special Education at Notre Dame de Namur University
Notre Dame de Namur University has a long history of training educators. The Master of Arts in Special Education program is designed to prepare individuals for careers as special education teachers or administrators. Those enrolled in the professional learning degree program can build applied program management, teaching, and assessment skills. These skills meet the requirements for a California education specialist credential.
NDNU prioritizes personalized attention, field-oriented programs, and job placement support for its students. Future students can choose between in-person, hybrid, or fully online courses. Whether choosing to earn a master's degree as a full-time or part-time student, NDNU works with your schedule.
Contact NDNU's admissions office to learn more about the Special Education master’s program. Fill out the form below to start making a difference today.
Recommended Readings
Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary?
Deciding on the Best Master’s in Education Programs
Master’s in Education Requirements
Sources:
CareerOneStop, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary
Epic Special Education Staffing, Administration Roles in Special Education
National Center for Education Statistics, Students With Disabilities
O-Net OnLine, California Employment Trends: Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary
O-Net OnLine, California Wages: Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary
O-Net OnLine, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary
Teach California, Prepare to Be a Special Educator in California
Teach California, Special Education Credential Requirements
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles