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Special educators serve the same function as all other educators.  They serve the difficult task of educating youths to prepare them with the knowledge they need to be successful for the rest of their lives.  But special educators have to contend with an extra degree of complexity as their students have disabilities that inhibit them from learning with traditional teaching methods. 

Special educators learn alternative teaching methods designed to ensure that no one, not even someone with a learning disability is deprived of a good education.  They may be dealing with learners with learning disabilities like ADD, or behavioral disorders.  Special educators may also be called to teach students with mental impairments like Down Syndrome or autism.  A degree in Special Education should cover both categories of impairments and qulify the educator to teach students in either group.

Special educators teach at all levels, and a degree in special education should qualify the instructor to teach at any level.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for special educators in early childhoodeducation setting is $46,000.  That rate increases to $47,000 for middle school teachers, and again for special secondary educators who earn a median annual salary of over $48,000.  

And there are a plethora of other options for graduates with a degree in special education.  They can work in psychology, counseling, social work, speech-language pathology, or audiology.