What does an emotional and behavioral disorders teacher do?

What is an Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Teacher?

An emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) teacher is a specialized educator who works with students who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges that affect their learning and social interactions and impact their ability to succeed in a traditional classroom setting. These students may have conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), or conduct disorder. Without the guidance of EBD teachers, they may face academic failure, social isolation, or disciplinary actions that hinder their long-term success.

What does an Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Teacher do?

Duties and Responsibilities
EBD teachers create structured, supportive environments that help students develop coping strategies, improve behavior, and build self-confidence. Their job encompasses:

• Individualized Instruction – Adapting lessons to meet academic needs while also addressing emotional and behavioral challenges
• Behavior Management – Implementing strategies like positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and structured routines to help students develop self-control and coping skills
• Emotional Support – Providing a safe, supportive environment where students can express emotions and learn regulation techniques
• Collaboration – Working with general education teachers, counselors, psychologists, parents, and special education teams to create and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Crisis Intervention – Managing and de-escalating behavioral outbursts in a constructive and professional manner
• Teaching Social Skills – Helping students improve communication, problem solving, and peer relationships and interactions

Different Types of Behavioral and Emotional Disorders Teachers
There are various kinds of EBD teachers, based on their work setting, the student population they serve, and their level of specialization:

• Self-Contained Classroom Teachers work in dedicated classrooms for students who need a highly structured environment due to severe emotional and behavioral challenges. They teach in small-group or one-on-one settings, focusing on both academics and behavior management.
• Inclusion or Co-Teaching Specialists support students with emotional and behavioral disorders in general education classrooms. They collaborate with general education teachers to modify lessons and implement behavioral supports and strategies.
• Alternative School Teachers work in juvenile detention centers or specialized schools for students with significant behavioral issues. They often combine academics, vocational training, life skills, and therapeutic approaches.
• Crisis Intervention or Behavior Support Teachers specialize in de-escalation techniques and emergency behavior management. They work across multiple classrooms or schools to assist students with severe behavioral outbursts.
• Trauma-Informed Educators specialize in working with students who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. They use trauma-sensitive teaching approaches to help students feel safe and supported.
• Autism and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders Specialists work with students who have both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and emotional/behavioral challenges. They use strategies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), visual supports, and structured teaching methods.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialists focus on teaching students emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social skills. They work in both general and special education settings to integrate SEL into the curriculum.

What is the workplace of an Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Teacher like?

Emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) teachers can work for various organizations and institutions that provide support for students with emotional and behavioral challenges. These are among their most common employers:

• Public and Private Schools – Most EBD teachers work in public schools, private schools, or specialized charter schools, either in self-contained special education classrooms or inclusive settings.
• Special Education Schools – These schools serve students who struggle in traditional school settings due to severe emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Specialized Therapeutic Schools – These schools are designed for students with significant emotional and mental health needs.
• Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) – These residential facilities provide education, therapy, and support for children with severe behavioral disorders.
• Juvenile Detention Centers – These centers employ EBD teachers to help students continue their education while in detention.
• Online and Virtual Learning Programs – Some online schools and virtual academies hire EBD teachers to provide specialized instruction and behavioral support remotely, through video calls, interactive lessons, and digital behavior management tools.
• Government and Community-Based Programs – State and local education agencies hire EBD teachers for specialized programs.
• Non-profit Organizations – Some non-profits run education programs for at-risk youth that require EBD teachers.
• Hospitals and Mental Health Facilities – Some psychiatric hospitals and mental health centers employ EBD teachers to work with children receiving inpatient treatment.

The workplace of an emotional and behavioral disorders teacher is intended to provide a safe, supportive, highly structured, and adaptable atmosphere that meets the needs of students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Regardless of the specific setting, the environment is carefully designed to help students regulate emotions, develop social skills, and succeed academically. Classrooms often include visual schedules, quiet areas for de-escalation, behavior charts, and sensory tools to support students' individual needs.

While the job can be demanding, it is also deeply rewarding, as EBD teachers play a vital role in helping students develop skills and behaviors that will benefit them in school and beyond.