New Hampshire Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in New Hampshire: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete New Hampshire guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in New Hampshire
National Association for Special Education Teachers membership is one of the most valuable investments a New Hampshire educator can make, and the need has never been more urgent. In 2023–24, 1 in 5 New Hampshire students (31,469 total) received IEP services, yet only 16.65% of IEP costs are covered by state and federal funds, placing enormous pressure on local districts.
To earn your New Hampshire teaching license with an endorsement in this field, meet requirements set by the NH Department of Education (NHDOE):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution through an NHDOE-approved educator preparation program
- Pass the Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) — Praxis Core or equivalent ACT/SAT/GRE at or above the 50th percentile
- Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area
- Apply for a Beginning Educator License (BEL) through your myNHDOE Educator Information System (EIS) account
New Hampshire offers two license types: the Beginning Educator License (BEL) for new teachers and the Experienced Educator License (EEL) for those with a proven classroom record. Endorsement options include Elementary/Secondary General Special Education (ages 5–21) and Early Childhood General Special Education (birth–age 8). An Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) is also available for career changers.
👉 Become a NASET Member today to get instant access to nearly 80 CEU-eligible courses!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in New Hampshire
New Hampshire teachers renew their BEL or EEL every three years by completing 45 continuing education units (CEUs) per endorsement area, following an individualized plan set by their district or SAU through an NHDOE-approved Professional Development Master Plan (PDMP).
NASET is not yet a state-level approved provider in New Hampshire, approval is handled at the district or SAU level. Submit NASET course information to your district coordinator for review, using AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 as evidence of quality. For NH educators, National Association for Special Education Teachers membership delivers the board certifications and coursework your district can approve for CEU credit.
Contact careercenter@naset.org to request a formal support letter for your NH district, or download NASET’s free Admin Approval Guide.
Become a NASET Member today save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education, which is the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!Special Education Teacher Salary in New Hampshire
New Hampshire educators in this field earn competitive compensation across the state’s 170+ school districts.
- Average statewide salary: ~$59,419–$63,088/year (ZipRecruiter/Talent.com, 2025–26)
- Typical range: $48,600–$64,200
- Top earners (90th percentile): up to $81,690
- Exeter Region Cooperative: $90,103 district average, among the highest in the state
- Projected job growth: 5.67% through 2030
Earning potential grows with credentials, experience, and board certifications. New Hampshire’s educator shortage means those affiliated with the National Association for Special Education Teachers are strongly positioned for statewide career advancement.
Explore the State-by-State Guide to compare New Hampshire with other states.
IEPs in New Hampshire
New Hampshire follows all federal IDEA requirements through the NHDOE Bureau of Special Education:
- All eligible students must have an IEP developed collaboratively with caregivers and reviewed annually
- New Hampshire has no mandated statewide IEP platform, districts select their own
- Transition planning begins at age 14, earlier than the federal standard of 16
- Parents hold full procedural safeguard rights under IDEA and NH state law (RSA 186-C)
- The Disability Rights Center – NH (DRC-NH) provides free legal advocacy for families navigating the IEP process
Browse real-world IEP examples at NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country and download the NASET Completed Sample IEP, two of the most practical resources the National Association for Special Education Teachers offers New Hampshire educators.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!
Key Resources for New Hampshire Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
- NHDOE Bureau of Special Education: education.nh.gov/student-support/special-education
- NHDOE Educator Licensing (myNHDOE): education.nh.gov/educator-support/educator-licensing
- Disability Rights Center – NH: drcnh.org/education
- NASET Forms & Checklists: naset.com/forms
- NASET Annual & Triennial Reviews: naset.com/annual-triennial
Advance Your Career With NASET
The National Association for Special Education Teachers is the most trusted professional organization for disability educators in the U.S. For New Hampshire educators navigating district-level CEU approval, membership is your most powerful professional asset.
All certifications — including the BCSE, BCASE, and BCIEP — can be submitted to your district or SAU with AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014. With 1 in 5 NH students on an IEP and district budgets under pressure, the skills you build through the National Association for Special Education Teachers make a direct difference in your classroom and career.
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