JOB REPORT / 25-2058 · 40 TASKS

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School.

Can AI do the work of Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports…
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects…
Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Special Education Teachers, Secondary School work. It covers the 34 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

34 of 40 tasks reviewed

This job has 40 core tasks. We went through 34 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
AI DOES
Drafts progress report text, fills standard form fields, flags missing data, and summarizes IEP goal progress from notes
YOU DO
Verify every detail is accurate and legally compliant for each unique student
TASK 02
Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
AI DOES
Drafts learning objectives, suggests plain-language wording, and aligns goals to standards
YOU DO
Tailor every objective to your specific students' IEPs, communication levels, and real classroom moments
TASK 03
Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
AI DOES
Drafts modified lesson plans, suggests accommodations, and recommends assistive tech options
YOU DO
Apply your deep knowledge of each student's IEP, personality, and real-time classroom needs
TASK 04
Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.
AI DOES
Generates lesson plan drafts, activity ideas, and documentation templates
YOU DO
Adapt every plan to each student's unique needs and legal IEP requirements
TASK 05SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
AI DOES
Tracks attendance, grades, and behavioral patterns automatically
YOU DO
Notice what the data misses
About this analysis
79% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 06
Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.
AI DOES
Drafts program outlines, summarizes best practices, and organizes meeting notes
YOU DO
Build consensus with colleagues and make decisions based on students' real needs
TASK 07
Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.
AI DOES
Tracks inventory lists, drafts purchase orders, and suggests supply needs based on usage patterns
YOU DO
Physically check stock levels, store items safely, and hand out materials to students
TASK 08SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.
AI DOES
Generates progress reports and suggests discussion points
YOU DO
Build trust and guide tough conversations
About this analysis
65% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 09SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
AI DOES
Generates test questions and auto-grades objective assessments
YOU DO
Design fair tests that truly measure learning
About this analysis
62% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 10
Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, and social development.
AI DOES
Drafts IEP goal language, summarizes assessment data, and suggests accommodations based on student needs
YOU DO
Build trust with families and make judgment calls about what each unique student truly needs
TASK 11
Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
AI DOES
Suggests research-backed strategies, generates practice activities, and helps plan lessons tailored to specific learning needs
YOU DO
Watch each student closely and adapt your approach on the spot based on what you see and feel in the room
TASK 12
Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.
AI DOES
Suggests differentiated strategies, helps draft IEP-aligned lesson plans, and pulls research on specific disabilities
YOU DO
Watch each student daily, build real relationships, and adjust strategies on the fly based on what you see and feel in the room
TASK 13
Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.
AI DOES
Suggests lesson plan outlines, aligns content to curriculum standards, and drafts scheduling options
YOU DO
Bring your knowledge of each student's needs and build real agreement with your colleagues
TASK 14
Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.
AI DOES
Suggests resources, flags patterns in student data, and drafts communication plans
YOU DO
Show up, listen deeply, and build the real trust students need to open up
TASK 15
Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine students' strengths and needs.
AI DOES
Scores tests quickly and flags patterns in student performance data
YOU DO
Sit with each student, notice anxiety or confusion, and turn cold scores into a real support plan
TASK 16SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
AI DOES
Generates course outlines from curriculum standards
YOU DO
Shape learning for your specific students
About this analysis
57% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 17
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.
AI DOES
Drafts classroom rule templates, behavior policy documents, and procedure guides tailored to secondary special education settings
YOU DO
Stay present in the room, read each student's needs, and build the real relationships that make rules stick
TASK 18SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
AI DOES
Analyzes student data and suggests intervention strategies
YOU DO
Build trust and navigate sensitive conversations
About this analysis
50% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 19
Teach personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.
AI DOES
Suggests lesson plans, practice scenarios, and self-advocacy scripts tailored to different learning needs
YOU DO
Build the trust and human connection that makes teens feel safe enough to grow
TASK 20
Provide additional instruction in vocational areas.
AI DOES
Suggests lesson plans, adapts materials to learning levels, and finds vocational skill resources
YOU DO
Read each student's needs in the moment and build the trust that makes learning stick
TASK 21SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
AI DOES
Generates lesson plans and activity templates
YOU DO
Know your students and adapt accordingly
About this analysis
45% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 22
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
AI DOES
Suggests behavior plans, tracks progress data, and recommends reinforcement strategies
YOU DO
Build real trust and read each student's needs in the moment
TASK 23
Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
AI DOES
Suggests motivational strategies, growth mindset activities, and personalized learning resources
YOU DO
Build the trust and relationships that make students want to keep trying
TASK 24
Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.
AI DOES
Drafts placement summaries, organizes student data, and flags scheduling conflicts
YOU DO
Build trust with families and make judgment calls about each child's unique fit
TASK 25
Monitor teachers and teacher assistants to ensure that they adhere to inclusive special education program requirements.
AI DOES
Helps organize compliance checklists, track documentation, and flag missing paperwork
YOU DO
Observe classrooms directly and build trust with staff through real relationships
TASK 26
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
AI DOES
Drafts meeting agendas, writes announcements, and suggests activity ideas
YOU DO
Show up, build trust, and guide students through real experiences
TASK 27SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
AI DOES
Generates slides, visuals, and multimedia content quickly
YOU DO
Choose what resonates with your audience
About this analysis
43% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 28SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.
AI DOES
Generates activity ideas and logistical checklists
YOU DO
Shape the experience and guide reflection
About this analysis
38% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 29
Provide interpretation and transcription of regular classroom materials through Braille and sign language.
AI DOES
Converts printed text to Braille-ready format and suggests sign language vocabulary
YOU DO
Show up in person, read student reactions, and adapt communication on the fly
TASK 30SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
AI DOES
Generates lesson plans and activity ideas
YOU DO
Read student needs and adapt in real time
About this analysis
33% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 31
Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.
AI DOES
Summarizes student progress data and drafts talking points before the meeting
YOU DO
Bring personal knowledge of each student and build trust with the team in the room
TASK 32SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
AI DOES
Creates lesson plans and practice materials
YOU DO
Connect with students and adapt in real time
About this analysis
21% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 33
Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation.
AI DOES
Suggests lesson plans, activity ideas, and visual supports for daily living skills instruction
YOU DO
Stay present to physically guide, support, and keep students safe during hands-on practice
TASK 34
Meet with parents and guardians to provide guidance in using community resources and to teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.
AI DOES
Helps prepare resource lists, talking points, and background info before the meeting
YOU DO
Show up, listen deeply, and build real trust with each family

START LEARNING AI

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.

There are 34 short lessons for this job, about 15 minutes each. Each one starts from a task above and teaches the part that stays with you.

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
SOC code: 25-2058
Tasks reviewed: 34 of 40

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $74,260 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $67,240 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 163,930
Employed in Colorado: 2,970
Job outlook: −1.6% by 2034 · ~11,100 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Maintain accurate and complete student records, and prepare reports on children and activities, as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.

Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.

Modify the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.

Prepare for assigned classes, and show written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate supervisors.

Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

Collaborate with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of secondary school programs.

Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies.

Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.

Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.

Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual educational plans (IEPs) for students' educational, physical, and social development.

Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.

Develop and implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of handicapping conditions.

Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula.

Guide and counsel students with adjustments, academic problems, or special academic interests.

Administer standardized ability and achievement tests, and interpret results to determine students' strengths and needs.

Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.

Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students.

Confer with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.

Teach personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, and self-advocacy.

Provide additional instruction in vocational areas.

Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.

Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.

Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.

Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.

Monitor teachers and teacher assistants to ensure that they adhere to inclusive special education program requirements.

Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.

Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities, and guide students in learning from those activities.

Provide interpretation and transcription of regular classroom materials through Braille and sign language.

Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress.

Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.

Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, and food preparation.

Meet with parents and guardians to provide guidance in using community resources and to teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.