What does a learning disabilities teacher do?

What is a Learning Disabilities Teacher?

A learning disabilities teacher helps students with learning challenges, such as dyslexia (trouble with reading), dyscalculia (trouble with math), and other processing difficulties. They work closely with students to identify their specific struggles, create personalized learning plans, and teach strategies to make schoolwork easier. These teachers use different methods, like breaking lessons into smaller steps, using hands-on activities, or providing extra time for assignments, to help students understand and retain information.

What does a Learning Disabilities Teacher do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The role of a learning disabilities teacher involves providing specialized support to help students overcome learning challenges and succeed academically. Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assess Students’ Learning Needs – Identify students’ specific learning challenges through tests, observations, and discussions with parents and teachers.
• Develop Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs or IEPs) – Create customized teaching strategies and accommodations tailored to each student’s strengths and difficulties.
• Provide Targeted Instruction – Teach reading, writing, math, and study skills using specialized techniques that help students understand and retain information.
• Use Adaptive Teaching Methods – Modify lessons by breaking them into smaller steps, using visual aids, hands-on activities, or assistive technology to support learning.
• Monitor Student Progress – Track improvements, adjust strategies as needed, and regularly communicate progress with parents, teachers, and school staff.
• Collaborate with Other Educators – Work with general education teachers to ensure students receive the right support in their regular classrooms.
• Advocate for Students – Help students get the accommodations they need, such as extra time on tests or alternative ways to complete assignments.
• Build Students’ Confidence – Encourage self-advocacy, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude toward learning.
• Stay Updated on Teaching Strategies – Keep up with new research, teaching techniques, and assistive tools for helping students with learning disabilities.
• Support Transition Planning – Assist older students in preparing for high school, college, or careers by teaching essential skills for independence and success.

Different Types of Learning Disabilities Teachers
There are different types of learning disabilities teachers, often based on their specialization, their age group focus, and their specific role within a school or educational system:

• Special Education Teachers work directly with students who have learning disabilities in a classroom setting. They provide individualized instruction and support, teaching in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, or inclusive settings.
• Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultants (LDT-C) are typically found in schools as part of a Child Study Team. They assess students, develop IEPs, and provide guidance to teachers and parents, working more as a consultant rather than a direct classroom instructor.
• Reading Specialists (for Learning Disabilities) focus on helping students with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. They use phonics-based programs, structured literacy methods (e.g., Orton-Gillingham), and reading comprehension strategies to improve reading comprehension and fluency.
• Math Specialists (for Learning Disabilities) support students with math-related learning disabilities like dyscalculia. They teach strategies for problem solving, number sense, and mathematical reasoning.
• Assistive Technology Specialists help students with learning disabilities use technology tools like speech-to-text software, audiobooks, sensory tools, and adaptive learning devices. They train students and teachers on how to integrate assistive technology into learning.
• Transition Specialists work with older students with learning disabilities to prepare them for life after high school. They focus on vocational training, college readiness, independent living skills, and career planning.
• SLD (Specific Learning Disability) Specialists focus on students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and auditory/visual processing disorders. They use targeted interventions to improve reading, writing, math, and comprehension skills.
• Behavior and Social Skills Specialists work with students who have learning disabilities and struggle with executive functioning (a set of mental skills that help manage thoughts and actions), attention, and social-emotional skills. They help students develop self-regulation, organization, and social interaction strategies.
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teachers focus on young children (preschool to early elementary) with early signs of learning disabilities. They use play-based and developmental strategies to support learning.

What is the workplace of a Learning Disabilities Teacher like?

Learning disabilities teachers work for a variety of organizations, primarily in the education sector. These are among their most common employers:

• Public Schools – Elementary, middle, and high schools hire learning disabilities teachers to work in special education classrooms, resource rooms, or inclusion settings.
• Private Schools and Special Education Schools – Some private schools have dedicated special education programs. Specialized schools serve only students with learning disabilities or neurodiverse needs.
• Charter Schools – Many charter schools focus on individualized learning and hire specialists to support students with disabilities.
• Early Childhood Education Centers – Preschools and early intervention programs hire ECSE teachers to support young children with developmental and learning challenges.
• Online Schools and Virtual Learning Programs – Online schools and remote learning platforms employ special education teachers to provide virtual instruction and support for students with learning disabilities.
• Colleges and Universities – Some universities employ disability support specialists to help students with learning disabilities succeed in higher education.
• Private Tutoring and Learning Centers – Tutoring services and centers like Sylvan Learning, Lindamood-Bell, and Orton-Gillingham programs hire specialists to work one-on-one with students.
• Government Agencies and Public Programs – State and local education departments employ learning disabilities teachers for early intervention programs, special education services, and policy development.
• Non-profit Organizations – Many non-profits focus on supporting students with learning disabilities, such as the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA).
• Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers – Some children’s hospitals and therapy centers employ educational specialists to support students with learning disabilities in medical or therapeutic settings.
• Corporate and Workplace Training Programs – Companies with inclusive hiring practices may hire specialists to train employees with learning disabilities or neurodiverse needs.

The work environments of learning disabilities teachers vary depending on their role and the students they support. In general, however, their class sizes are smaller. In hospital and therapy centers, they work alongside speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists. Learning disabilities teacher-consultants often work in government and school district offices.

Regardless of the setting, the special education workplace is focused on creating a positive, structured, and inclusive atmosphere. It often includes specialized resources for student needs, including assistive tools, quiet spaces, and modified and flexible teaching materials tailored to different learning styles. Whether physical or virtual, the environment can be dynamic and fast-paced, requiring patience, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills.