ESE Teacher
Love helping people discover what they’re capable of?
ESE teachers find creative ways to make learning work for every student. From making a tough lesson easier to understand to helping a student master a new skill, you’ll get to think outside the box, build relationships, and celebrate the wins along the way.
Your impact: Be the person who helps a student say, “I did it!” Help students build confidence, reach their goals, become more independent, and discover their own strengths.
Could This Be Me?
You might enjoy being an ESE Teacher if you:
- Love helping people reach their goals
- Are patient, creative, and encouraging
- Enjoy finding different ways to solve problems
- Like building strong relationships
- Celebrate small victories
- Enjoy working with children or teenagers
- Are flexible and willing to try something new
- Want a career where you can see the impact you make every day
What Would My Day Look Like?
Every day can be different! An ESE Teacher might:
- Teach students individually, in small groups, or in a classroom
- Adapt lessons to meet different learning needs
- Create hands-on and creative learning activities
- Help students build academic and life skills
- Track student progress and celebrate milestones
- Work with families, teachers, therapists, and other professionals
- Help students develop independence and self-advocacy skills
- Use technology and other tools to support learning
- Create a classroom where every student feels valued and included
How Do I Get There?
High School → Bachelor's Degree/Teacher Preparation Program → Florida Teacher Certification → ESE Teacher
There are also multiple pathways into teaching, including Grow Your Own programs and alternative certification options.
While you're in high school, explore courses and experiences related to education, psychology, child development, communication, and human services. Working with children through volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, or coaching can also give you a chance to see if teaching is right for you.