Delaware Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Delaware: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Delaware guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Delaware
NASET special education resources exist because becoming a certified teacher in Delaware, and staying sharp once you’re in the classroom; takes real ongoing support. Delaware is one of several states with a persistent shortage in this field, particularly for SPED, foreign languages, and secondary math and science.
To become certified, candidates need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (or at least 15 content-specific credits in special ed), a passing score of 151 or better on the Praxis II Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications exam, and a qualifying performance assessment such as edTPA or PPAT. New teachers receive a non-renewable four-year Initial License alongside a Standard Certificate in special ed, which does not expire once earned.
Become a NASET Member today for instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses you can submit to your district for renewal consideration!
Continuing Education & License Renewal in Delaware
Delaware’s Continuing License renews every five years and requires 90 clock hours of professional development, with at least 45 hours directly related to your teaching assignment. Your district’s human resources office reviews and approves clock hours before they count toward renewal.
Delaware doesn’t operate a state-level approval list for outside providers, so NASET special education courses are best submitted directly to your district’s HR office, alongside a syllabus showing direct relevance to your role, for hour-by-hour review.
Become a NASET Member today and save 15% on your Board Certification in Special Education — the gold standard credential for special ed teachers nationwide!
Special Education Teacher Salary in Delaware
The earning potential for Delaware SPED teachers varies by experience, location, and credentials:
- Average salary: $60,000–$65,000 per year
- Entry-level (0–3 years): around $50,000–$61,000
- Experienced (8+ years): up to $104,000
- Key factors: district pay scale, advanced credentials, location within the state
Districts like Lake Forest and Christina report some of the highest concentrations of students receiving special education services in the state, and pursuing board certification remains one of the more reliable ways to strengthen your case for career advancement.
IEPs in Delaware
Delaware’s IEP process follows federal IDEA requirements alongside the state’s own regulations, and every IEP must document present performance, measurable goals, and the specific services a student will receive. The Delaware Department of Education supports Standards-Based IEPs through its WRITES initiative, which aligns student goals directly with Common Core State Standards rather than generic templates. Districts like Lake Forest (11.29%) and Christina (10.72%) report the highest shares of students with IEPs statewide, underscoring how central this work is to daily classroom practice. Reviewing strong IEP models and assessment in special education practices can help new and veteran teachers alike write IEPs that hold up to review.
Become a NASET Member today for full access to our IEP toolkit, sample IEPs, and progress-monitoring resources!
Key Resources for Delaware Special Education Teachers
State Resources:
- Delaware DOE — Special Ed: state IEP guidance, autism resources, and educator tools
- Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware: training, advocacy resources, and professional development for educators and families
- Council for Exceptional Children — Delaware (DEBH): the state chapter of the national CEC, offering conferences and networking for special educators
- Professional Development for Special Education Teachers: NASET’s guide to ongoing PD planning
- Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
NASET special education courses and downloadable classroom tools give Delaware educators a way to keep building skills between district-run trainings, especially in a state where PD hours are closely tracked toward license renewal.
Advance Your Career With NASET
Wherever you are in your Delaware SPED career, NASET offers structured ways to keep growing. The Membership gives you year-round access to courses, downloadable classroom tools, and a community of practitioners navigating the same certification and renewal requirements you are. It’s built for educators who want ongoing, trackable support rather than a one-time credential.
For those ready to formalize their expertise, The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) credential signals advanced mastery to administrators and districts alike, and it’s a meaningful differentiator when pursuing leadership roles or negotiating career advancement.
Both paths connect back to the same goal: helping Delaware’s students with disabilities get the individualized support they’re entitled to, from educators equipped to provide it.
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