BCBA vs Special Education Teacher: Honest Career Comparison
The career paths of a BCBA and special education teacher might seem similar at first glance, but they’re moving in different directions faster than ever. Board Certified Behavior Analysts have seen an incredible demand surge – 4,209% growth in the last 11 years. Special education teaching shows a modest 4% growth rate in comparison.
Your choice between these roles might come down to the practical stuff – money and future prospects. BCBAs make quite a bit more, with average salaries hitting $76,000. That’s a big deal as it means that special education teachers’ typical earnings of $64,000. On top of that, the BCBA field is growing by 14%, offering many more job opportunities than the 4% growth in special education positions. Both careers need different levels of education though. BCBAs must complete a master’s degree and clock 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. Special education teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree plus state licensure.
This guide gives you a straightforward look at what makes these roles different – from daily tasks to work settings and job satisfaction. You’ll find everything you need to match your personal goals and priorities, whether you’re starting fresh or thinking about switching careers.
Role Comparison: What Do BCBAs and Special Education Teachers Do?
The main difference between a BCBA vs special education teacher shows in what they do best: BCBAs excel at behavior analysis and intervention, while special education teachers focus on teaching academics and managing their classrooms.
BCBA Responsibilities: Behavior Plans, FBAs, and ABA Therapy
BCBAs use behavior analysis science to create personalized interventions. Their daily work includes:
They create detailed behavior intervention plans based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles. These plans help address challenging behaviors and teach appropriate skills. BCBAs conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to learn about the mechanisms of problematic behaviors and design targeted interventions. The core team develops systems to track baselines and measure how well their programs work.
BCBAs play a vital role in training direct support professionals, paraprofessional staff, and families about behavior strategies. They look at the collected data to adjust treatment approaches and track progress toward behavioral goals.
Special Education Teacher Duties: IEPs, Curriculum, and Classroom Management
Special education teachers put their energy into educational instruction and classroom support. Their main duties include:
They design and put into action Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that spell out specific academic goals, services, and accommodations for students with disabilities. These required documents help deliver educational services and keep track of how students progress.
Special education teachers modify the general curriculum to help students with various learning challenges. This ensures all students can use educational materials effectively. They work together with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and school psychologists to provide an all-encompassing approach to support.
They create structured learning environments to manage classroom behavior and step in with appropriate interventions when needed. Special educators stay in touch with parents about their children’s progress and challenges.
Overlap in Student Support Roles
BCBAs and special education teachers often work together in schools to help students with disabilities, even though they focus on different areas. Both professionals:
- Help develop support plans for students. BCBAs substantially involve themselves in behavioral practices and attend FBA/BIP meetings. Special educators spend more time in eligibility and problem-solving team meetings
- Join forces on IEP teams. BCBAs share their expertise in behavior management strategies while special education teachers give input on curriculum implementation
- Want to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, though they use different methods to get there
This teamwork creates better and more complete treatments, especially for students with complex needs. The choice between a BCBA or special ed teacher represents two ways to support students with disabilities – one tackles behavior modification while the other handles academic instruction.
Work Settings and Daily Routines
The way BCBAs and special education teachers do their jobs depends a lot on where they work. Let’s take a closer look at these environments to help you choose between a BCBA vs special education teacher career path.
BCBA Work Environments: Clinics, Homes, and Schools
BCBAs work in three main settings, and each one has its own advantages. ABA clinics are well-equipped spaces with specialized tools that help them assess and work with clients. These spaces let BCBAs work together with other professionals like speech therapists and occupational therapists.
Working in clients’ homes is another big part of what BCBAs do. This setup makes it easier for families to get involved and helps clients use their new skills in everyday situations. BCBAs can also customize their approach based on what they see in the home environment.
BCBAs who work in schools have their own set of challenges. They need to deal with tight schedules and get educational staff on board. Notwithstanding that, they are essential in supporting IEPs, watching classroom behavior, and building social skills in school settings.
Special Ed Teacher Settings: Inclusive and Self-Contained Classrooms
Special education teachers usually work in two types of classrooms. The first type brings together students with and without disabilities in inclusive classrooms. This gives children with special needs the same chances to learn as other students. These rooms often have two teachers – one for general education and one for special education – who work together in the same space.
The second type, self-contained classrooms, are just for students with disabilities. These rooms have fewer students, one lead teacher, and several paraprofessionals. Students get extra support through adapted lessons, flexible schedules, and targeted testing.
One-on-One vs Group Instruction Models
Each profession takes a different approach to teaching. BCBAs often work one-on-one with clients, especially in clinics and homes. This lets them give quick feedback and adjust their plans for each child. The individual attention creates a space where they can work on communication, social skills, and behavior issues effectively.
Special education teachers mostly teach groups, particularly in inclusive classrooms. This helps students develop social skills, learn to play together, and pick up behaviors from their classmates. They might also use resource rooms where students get special instruction for part of the day before going back to regular classes.
Both careers need to weigh the good and bad points of their teaching methods when helping students with different needs.
Education, Certification, and Licensing Requirements
The educational requirements for BCBA vs special education teacher roles show their unique professional paths and responsibilities. These different credentials lead to distinct career opportunities.
BCBA Pathway: Master’s Degree, Supervision, and BCBA Exam
The path to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst demands several steps. You need to get a master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field from an accredited institution. Your coursework must cover BACB-approved content about ethical considerations, behavioral assessment, and research methods.
After graduate school, you’ll need supervised fieldwork under a qualified BCBA. This hands-on experience requires 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork or 1,500 hours of concentrated supervised fieldwork. A supervisor will meet with you at least once every two weeks.
The final step requires passing the BCBA certification exam. The test has 185 multiple-choice questions about behavior analysis foundations and applications. Your certification needs renewal every two years. You must complete 32 continuing education units, with 4 units focused on ethics.
Special Education Teacher Pathway: Bachelor’s Degree and State Licensure
Special education teachers need a bachelor’s degree in education with special education emphasis. States require completion of approved teacher preparation programs and student teaching experience.
Each state sets its own license requirements. Illinois teachers must pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System exams and Communication and Literacy Skills Test. Massachusetts requires both MTEL General Curriculum and Foundations of Reading tests.
Licensed special education teachers usually renew their credentials every five years. Massachusetts teachers must earn 150 Professional Development Points during each five-year period.
Can a BCBA Become a Special Education Teacher?
BCBAs can move into special education teaching roles. Many already have master’s degrees in education or related fields, which fulfills some teacher licensure requirements.
Some universities combine special education teaching credentials with BCBA certification. These programs feature verified course sequences (VCS) that meet BACB requirements and teacher preparation coursework.
BCBAs can pursue classroom teaching through additional coursework and student teaching experiences that meet state requirements. Special education teachers can also add BCBA certification by completing a master’s program with the right verified course sequence and required fieldwork hours.
Salary, Job Outlook, and Career Growth
Financial rewards and career stability are vital factors in choosing between professional paths in special education support. The BCBA vs special education teacher comparison shows key differences in these significant areas.
Average Salaries: $76,000 vs $64,000
BCBAs earn more than special education teachers. The national median annual salary for BCBAs is around $76,000, and experienced professionals can earn up to $90,500. Top-earning BCBAs can make over $120,000 in markets where they are in high demand.
Your location affects how much you earn. BCBAs make the most in New Jersey ($95,532), Wisconsin ($94,521), and Nevada ($91,642). Special education teachers earn a median annual wage of $64,270, while top performers in the field can reach $103,290.
Job Growth: 14% for BCBAs vs -1% for Special Ed Teachers
Career prospects look better for behavior analysts than special education teachers. Labor market data shows BCBA positions will grow by 22% over the next decade. This growth rate is nowhere near the average for other professions. Job postings have jumped from 789 positions in 2010 to over 57,596 by 2022.
Special education teaching positions show some decline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects little to no change between 2023 and 2033. Despite that, about 35,900 positions should open up each year during this period.
Work-Life Balance and Burnout Rates
Each profession comes with its own work-life balance challenges. BCBAs report lower burnout levels compared to other professionals. However, those who experience higher burnout also show more negative attitudes toward their jobs.
Burnout remains a serious issue in both fields. It shows up as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Special education teacher’s burnout directly affects their students’ performance. Studies show that students meet fewer individualized education program goals when their teachers report higher burnout.
Staff turnover is another big challenge, especially in behavior analysis. ABA services’ direct care staff turnover rate hit 48% in 2018. This rate is almost triple the general workforce’s turnover intention rate of 17.9%.
Collaboration and Impact in School Settings
Strong partnerships between behavioral specialists and educators are the substance of successful interventions for students with special needs. The BCBA vs special education teacher relationship becomes a powerful collaborative force in well-laid-out school settings.
BCBA Role in IEP Teams and Behavior Support
BCBAs bring unique expertise to Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams. They share behavioral data, develop measurable goals, and design evidence-based interventions. Their skills shine in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and creating Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that tackle challenging behaviors in educational environments. Studies show that only 11.51% of BCBAs focus primarily on education. This suggests schools aren’t making full use of their potential. BCBAs help teams spot behavioral disruptions early and set up proper conditions, especially during tough transitions.
Teacher Perceptions of BCBAs in Schools
The relationship between special educators and behavior analysts has many layers. Teachers value BCBA expertise, but some roadblocks exist. Teachers often point to BCBAs’ condescending attitudes and feel blamed when interventions fall short. They also find some recommendations hard to use in their classrooms. School-based BCBAs get better reviews from teachers than outside consultants. This shows how trust and regular presence matter in building strong partnerships.
How BCBA Special Education Collaboration Improves Outcomes
BCBAs and special education teachers create real benefits when they work well together. Teachers spend more time teaching and feel less stressed. Students apply their skills better across different settings and respond well to interventions. This teamwork strengthens behavioral support and keeps education on track. Teachers manage their classrooms better and see fewer challenging behaviors after BCBA training. Regular talks between these professionals help match interventions with curriculum goals and classroom needs. This creates a strong support system for students with complex needs.
Comparing BCBAs and Special Ed Teachers
| Aspect | BCBA | Special Education Teacher |
| Average Salary | $73,616 | $54,290 |
| Job Growth Rate | 14% | 4% |
| Educational Requirements | Master’s degree or higher | Bachelor’s degree |
| Field Experience | 2,000 hours supervised fieldwork | Student teaching experience |
| Primary Work Settings | – ABA clinics – Homes – Schools | – Inclusive classrooms – Self-contained classrooms |
| Instruction Model | We worked one-on-one therapy | Group instruction |
| Core Responsibilities | – Creating behavior intervention plans – Conducting FBAs – Developing data collection systems – Supervising support staff | – Designing/implementing IEPs – Adapting curriculum – Managing classroom behavior – Teaching academic content |
| Certification/License | – BCBA certification exam – Recertification every 2 years – 32 continuing education units | – State teaching license – State-specific exams – License renewal every 5 years |
| Professional Focus | Behavior analysis and intervention | Academic instruction and classroom management |
| Collaboration Role | – Behavioral expertise in IEP teams – Developing behavior support plans | – Lead classroom instruction – Coordinate with service providers – Manage IEP implementation |
Make Your Move
Your career choice between becoming a BCBA or special education teacher depends on your professional goals, salary expectations, and ideal workplace. BCBAs make substantially more money – $73,616 on average compared to $54,290 for special education teachers. The BCBA field also provides better job security with a strong growth rate of 14%, while special education teaching positions grow at just 4%.
These roles have different educational paths. You’ll need a master’s degree and 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork to become a BCBA. Special education teachers typically need a bachelor’s degree and state licensure. This reflects how each role serves a unique purpose – BCBAs focus on behavior analysis while teachers handle academic instruction.
Day-to-day work looks quite different in each career. BCBAs spend most of their time working one-on-one with clients in clinics, homes, and schools to analyze and address behavioral challenges. Special education teachers work in classrooms where they create lesson plans and implement IEPs for groups of students.
These careers may seem different, but they share a common goal – helping people with special needs. Special education teachers and BCBAs who work together create strong support systems that tackle both behavioral and academic challenges. This teamwork helps students while helping teachers avoid burnout.
The choice comes down to what suits you better – the analytical world of behavior analysis or the classroom-based world of special education teaching. Both careers let you make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.