Special education teachers are some of the most compassionate, skilled, and dedicated professionals out there, but the classroom isn’t the only place where your talents can shine.
If you’ve been considering a career change or a side hustle to complement your teaching, there are plenty of unique opportunities that can bring in over $5,000 a month!
In this post, we’re going to dive into 60 non-conventional career paths for special education teachers—each with the potential to earn a solid income while allowing you to use your skills in creative, fulfilling ways.
Special Education Related Jobs That Make Over $5,000 a Month!
1. Educational Consultant
If you’ve got years of experience in special education, consider becoming an educational consultant. Schools, districts, and parents often seek experts to advise on best practices for special education. You can charge a premium for your knowledge.
2. Private Tutor for Special Needs Students
One-on-one tutoring can be a lucrative venture, especially when you tailor your services to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Whether you’re helping with reading, math, or life skills, you can set your own rates and schedule.
3. Online Special Education Instructor
With the rise of remote learning, many online platforms are looking for special education teachers to create and teach specialized courses. Online teaching platforms like VIPKid, Outschool, or Skillshare allow you to reach a wide audience and work from anywhere.
4. Speech Language Pathology Assistant
If you’re interested in supporting students with speech and language challenges, training to be a speech language pathology assistant could be a rewarding career that allows you to work with special education students in a different capacity.
5. Special Education Blogger or Vlogger
Sharing your insights through a blog or YouTube channel is a fantastic way to reach fellow educators and parents. You can monetize your content with ads, affiliate marketing, or even offer paid resources for special education teachers.
6. Curriculum Designer
Curriculum design is an exciting opportunity for creative teachers who love to develop educational materials. You can create specialized content for schools, educational websites, or even self-publish your curriculum on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers.
7. Autism Specialist
If you have experience working with students on the autism spectrum, you can become an autism specialist. These roles typically involve working directly with schools or private companies, and they often pay well due to the high level of expertise required.
8. Behavioral Therapist
Special education teachers with experience in behavior management can transition into behavioral therapy. Working with children who have behavioral challenges, you can help them develop appropriate behaviors and social skills, all while earning a substantial income.
9. Social Skills Coach
Social skills are crucial for students with special needs. You can work with individual students or small groups teaching important life skills, all while offering a service that is in high demand. This career can be done part-time or full-time and has the potential to generate a solid income.
10. Education Program Director
If you’re looking for leadership roles, becoming a program director for educational organizations or nonprofits can be an excellent option. These positions involve overseeing educational programs and teams, and many offer competitive salaries.
11. Therapeutic Play Specialist
Play therapy is an important part of special education. As a therapeutic play specialist, you’ll work with students to address emotional and social development issues through structured play activities. This role can be highly rewarding and financially lucrative.
12. Special Education Advocate
Parents of children with special needs often need advocacy to navigate the complexities of the education system. By becoming a special education advocate, you can help families get the services and accommodations they need while earning a respectable income.
13. Special Education Coach
Some teachers thrive in a coaching role, offering guidance to other special education professionals. As a coach, you can help teachers develop strategies for managing classrooms, creating individualized education plans (IEPs), and navigating challenges.
14. Freelance Writer for Educational Publishers
Educational publishers frequently hire freelance writers who specialize in special education. This can involve writing textbooks, creating worksheets, or developing online content tailored to specific learning needs.
15. Speech-Language Pathologist
If you’re willing to pursue additional education, becoming a licensed speech-language pathologist allows you to work directly with students who have speech or language disorders, and it’s a high-paying role with a lot of job stability.
16. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Similar to speech therapy, occupational therapy focuses on helping children develop the necessary motor skills for daily life. As an occupational therapy assistant, you’ll work with students to improve skills like writing, feeding themselves, or managing fine motor tasks.
17. Life Coach for Students with Special Needs
Special education teachers are often the best-equipped to become life coaches for children and young adults with disabilities. You can help them navigate daily life, set goals, and stay on track with personal development—all while earning a healthy income.
18. Therapeutic Riding Instructor
If you’re passionate about horses and have an interest in helping students with special needs, becoming a therapeutic riding instructor could be an ideal choice. You’ll teach horseback riding, which has been shown to improve balance, communication, and emotional regulation.
19. Specialized Summer Camp Director
Running a summer camp for children with special needs is a fulfilling career option that allows you to plan engaging activities for kids while generating income during the summer months.
20. Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in special education. As an assistive technology specialist, you’ll help schools, parents, and students select the right tools to improve learning, offering technical support and training to maximize their use.
21. Therapist for Children with Trauma
Special education teachers are often skilled in working with children who have experienced trauma. If you pursue further training in trauma therapy, you can work as a therapist helping children process and overcome past experiences.
22. Private Special Education Consultant
For teachers who enjoy problem-solving, working as a private consultant to design specialized programs for students with unique learning needs could be the perfect fit. You can charge a premium rate for your expertise.
23. Non-Profit Founder
If you have a passion for serving the community, consider starting your own non-profit organization. You can focus on providing services to individuals with disabilities, developing programs that address their specific needs, and generating income while making a meaningful impact.
24. Parenting Coach for Special Needs Families
You can become a coach for parents navigating the complexities of raising children with disabilities. By offering advice, support, and practical strategies, you can create a service that empowers families and pays well.
25. Virtual Special Education Mentor
Virtual mentoring is a booming industry. As a virtual mentor for other special education teachers, you’ll provide one-on-one guidance and support for those new to the field, or even offer professional development workshops.
26. Professional Organizer for Special Needs Families
Special needs families often face unique organizational challenges. As a professional organizer, you can help families create systems to better manage their time, space, and daily routines.
27. Special Education Trainer
If you have a passion for teaching teachers, becoming a special education trainer could be an exciting opportunity. You’ll provide professional development workshops to educators across the country, helping them improve their skills and knowledge.
28. Clinical Psychologist for Special Education
After completing additional training, becoming a clinical psychologist specializing in special education is a lucrative career that allows you to offer both therapy and testing services to children with disabilities.
29. Autism Therapy Provider
With your expertise in special education, you can offer specialized autism therapy services to families or schools. These therapies can include behavior therapy, social skills training, and more.
30. Special Education Content Creator
Creating and selling content like worksheets, games, and lesson plans specifically tailored for special education is a great side hustle. You can sell your products on platforms like Etsy or Teachers Pay Teachers.
31. Therapeutic Art Instructor
Art therapy is a great way to help children with special needs express themselves and develop motor skills. As a therapeutic art instructor, you’ll guide students through creative projects that are both therapeutic and educational.
32. Special Education Administrator
For those interested in a leadership position, becoming a special education administrator lets you oversee special education services in schools or districts. This role often comes with a higher salary and additional perks.
33. Pet Therapy Program Coordinator
Pet therapy has been shown to be beneficial for children with disabilities. You can become a coordinator of pet therapy programs, matching trained animals with children in schools, hospitals, or private therapy sessions.
34. Freelance Curriculum Writer
As a freelance curriculum writer, you can create special education curricula for a variety of audiences, including homeschool families, schools, and educational websites. It’s a great way to make a living from the comfort of your home.
35. Virtual Learning Consultant
Many parents and schools are looking for ways to enhance virtual learning for students with special needs. As a virtual learning consultant, you’ll help schools adapt their programs to meet the needs of these students.
36. Youth Mentor
If you love working with kids in an informal setting, mentoring is a great way to give back. As a mentor, you can work with teens or young adults with special needs, providing guidance on life skills and goal-setting.
37. Social Media Influencer for Special Education
If you’re active on social media, why not turn your knowledge into an influencer platform? Share tips, tricks, and educational resources for special education teachers and families, and earn money through partnerships or sponsorships.
38. Special Education Policy Advocate
Special education policy is a constantly evolving field, and there’s a need for advocates who are passionate about making a difference. By working with advocacy groups or even running for office, you can influence the future of special education.
39. Syndicated Columnist
If you enjoy writing, becoming a syndicated columnist who specializes in special education can be a great way to build a career. Write articles for newspapers, magazines, or online publications, and monetize your expertise.
40. Therapeutic Massage Therapist for Special Needs Students
Therapeutic massage has proven benefits for children with special needs. By becoming a certified massage therapist, you can offer services designed to help children relax and improve motor function, all while building a rewarding career.
41. Special Education Travel Consultant
If you have a passion for travel and special education, you could combine both into a unique career. As a special education travel consultant, you could help families or schools plan accessible and inclusive trips for children with special needs. This niche market is growing, and there’s a demand for travel itineraries that cater to specific disabilities.
42. Therapeutic Dance Instructor
Dance is a fun and effective way to improve both physical and emotional health, especially for children with special needs. By becoming a therapeutic dance instructor, you can teach students how to express themselves through movement, develop coordination, and build confidence. This role can be done in schools, private practice, or through online courses.
43. Special Needs Fashion Designer
Fashion and design aren’t just for adults! Special education teachers with a flair for creativity can design adaptive clothing for children with special needs. Clothing that’s both fashionable and functional can make a big difference in a child’s daily life, and this career path can lead to a highly profitable business.
44. Educational Escape Room Designer
Escape rooms are a fun, interactive way to engage students and develop problem-solving skills. As an escape room designer specializing in special education, you can create escape room challenges that are tailored to meet the cognitive and social needs of students with disabilities. These can be used in classrooms or sold to schools as educational tools.
45. Inclusive Fitness Trainer
Special education teachers who are passionate about fitness and health can work as inclusive fitness trainers, developing exercise programs that cater to children with disabilities. Whether in-person or virtual, these programs could include yoga, strength training, or adaptive sports—helping students build physical skills and confidence.
46. Special Education Resource Creator for Video Games
Video games are not just for entertainment—they can also be a powerful educational tool. If you’re tech-savvy, you can develop or collaborate on creating video games specifically designed to help students with special needs. These games can focus on skills like social interaction, communication, or emotional regulation, and they have massive potential for success in the educational technology industry.
47. Special Needs Pet Trainer
For animal lovers, becoming a pet trainer specializing in service animals for children with special needs can be a fulfilling career. Service animals can provide emotional support and help children with physical or cognitive disabilities, and you can train these animals to meet specific needs. This role requires specialized knowledge, but it’s a unique career option with a solid income potential.
48. Virtual Reality (VR) Special Education Developer
With the rise of virtual reality, there’s an opportunity to create VR experiences specifically designed for students with special needs. By developing VR programs or apps that simulate real-world environments or social situations, you can help children practice life skills, social interaction, and more—all in a safe and controlled virtual space. This is an innovative and highly marketable career path in the tech world.
50. Special Education Virtual Reality (VR) Therapist
As technology continues to evolve, virtual reality (VR) therapy has become a cutting-edge tool for helping students with special needs. If you’re tech-savvy and passionate about innovation, you could train as a VR therapist, using immersive experiences to help children with disabilities practice social skills, coping mechanisms, and real-world scenarios.
VR can offer an engaging and safe way to simulate real-life situations for students who may struggle with in-person interactions or environments. By offering specialized VR therapy sessions, you can cater to a growing market that values both creativity and results, all while generating a healthy income.
51. Special Education Travel Companion
Traveling can be an intimidating experience for children with special needs, but as a special education travel companion, you can provide much-needed support and guidance during trips. This role involves accompanying families or schools on vacations, field trips, or special educational outings to ensure that children with special needs are safe, comfortable, and engaged.
You would assist with behavior management, communication, and any specific accommodations the child may need. As more families seek travel experiences that are tailored to their children’s needs, this job offers a fulfilling and lucrative opportunity that combines both adventure and education.
52. Special Education Camp Counselor for Therapeutic Camps
Special education teachers can work as camp counselors at therapeutic camps, where they support children with disabilities in various outdoor or recreational activities. These camps often focus on social skills, independence, and emotional growth. As a counselor, you’ll provide specialized care, while creating an inclusive and enriching environment for kids. This role can be particularly rewarding during the summer months, with the potential for a well-paying seasonal income, plus the joy of making a real impact in the lives of kids.
53. Adaptive Sports Coach
Adaptive sports programs allow children with disabilities to engage in physical activities, fostering teamwork, socialization, and fitness. As an adaptive sports coach, you would teach sports such as basketball, soccer, or swimming with modifications that cater to the abilities of each child. This role is perfect for special education teachers passionate about athletics and can be done through schools, non-profits, or sports organizations, offering both personal satisfaction and substantial income.
54. Special Needs Home Organizer
For families with children with special needs, managing a home can be a challenge. You can turn your organizational skills into a business by offering home organization services specifically tailored for these families. Whether it’s arranging sensory-friendly spaces, creating systems to manage daily routines, or helping with decluttering, your expertise in both organization and special education will be highly valuable, making this a lucrative and impactful career.
55. Special Education Crisis Intervention Specialist
Special education teachers with strong behavioral management skills can work as crisis intervention specialists. These roles often involve supporting schools, families, or organizations in moments of crisis, helping students manage emotional outbursts or behavioral challenges. It’s a highly specialized career that requires expertise in de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health, but it can be financially rewarding and offers the chance to make a profound difference in urgent situations.
56. Inclusive Event Planner
Inclusive event planning focuses on organizing events—such as birthday parties, conferences, or community gatherings—that are accessible and enjoyable for children with special needs. As an event planner specializing in inclusivity, you would handle everything from accessible venues to sensory-friendly accommodations, ensuring that all participants can have an enjoyable experience. This niche can be a lucrative business, especially as awareness around inclusive events grows in schools, corporations, and communities.
57. Special Education Workshop Facilitator
If you have a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, becoming a special education workshop facilitator might be the right fit. These workshops can be for teachers, parents, or caregivers, providing professional development on topics such as IEP development, behavior management, or effective teaching strategies for students with disabilities. As an expert, you can charge for hosting these workshops, either in person or virtually, creating a steady income stream while educating others.
58. Adaptive Technology Developer
Special education teachers who are interested in technology can pursue a career in adaptive technology development. This involves creating software or tools that assist students with disabilities in overcoming learning barriers. Whether it’s apps designed to help with reading, speech, or social skills, or creating custom devices for students with mobility issues, the need for adaptive technology is growing. By leveraging your knowledge of special education, you can develop and market products that significantly improve the learning experience for children with disabilities.
59. Special Education Job Coach
Special education job coaches work with teenagers or young adults with disabilities to help them find and maintain employment. You would assist with job training, resume building, interview coaching, and on-the-job support. These positions can be found in schools, vocational rehabilitation centers, or as private consultants, offering a meaningful career path that blends special education with workforce development.
60. Sensory-Friendly Designer for Public Spaces
Designing sensory-friendly public spaces, such as libraries, museums, or malls, is an emerging career for those with a background in special education. As a sensory-friendly designer, you would help businesses or organizations create environments that accommodate children and adults with sensory sensitivities. This could involve things like lighting adjustments, quiet spaces, and calming activities. It’s a creative and impactful career that can be quite lucrative, especially as more businesses strive to be more inclusive and accessible.
Conclusion: Unlocking Lucrative and Unconventional Career Paths for Special Education Teachers
As a special education teacher, you’re equipped with a unique skill set that goes beyond the classroom. Whether you’re interested in technology, outdoor activities, or working with families, there are countless unconventional career opportunities that can help you earn over $5,000 a month, all while making a lasting impact on the lives of children with special needs.
From designing adaptive technology and becoming a special education travel consultant to leading inclusive fitness programs or therapeutic dance classes, the options are both varied and fulfilling.
By thinking outside the traditional educational roles, you can leverage your passion for helping others and turn it into a rewarding career that aligns with your interests and values. Whether you’re seeking flexibility, creativity, or adventure, these career paths offer exciting possibilities to explore.
