Hawaii Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Hawaii: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Hawaii guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Hawaii
Hawaii certifies disability educators through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) under a three-tier licensure structure. Candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, complete a Hawaii State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP), and pass the required Praxis exams. Special education licensure is available at the PreK-12 level in two primary tracks: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Severe/Multiple Disabilities and Autism.
The three license tiers are: Provisional License (3-year, for new teachers who have completed a SATEP), Standard License (5-year, after at least three years of full-time P-12 teaching experience), and Advanced License (10-year, requiring at least five years of experience within the last eight years plus an advanced degree, National Board Certification, or Hawaii Teacher Leader designation). All applications are submitted through the HTSB online portal at no cost, Hawaii’s legislature funds licensure fees for all educators.
Explore how Hawaii compares to other states: Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
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Continuing Education & License Renewal in Hawaii
Hawaii’s license renewal process is performance-standards based rather than clock-hour based. To renew a Standard or Advanced License, educators must verify satisfaction of the Hawaii Teacher Performance Standards (Form RA 5010) and submit verification of teaching experience, all through the HTSB online portal. Renewal applications open on January 1 of the renewal year and expire June 30. Educators whose licenses expire that year should apply as early as possible, as processing can take up to six weeks.
NASET’s course library is built specifically for disability educators and aligns with the professional learning priorities that Hawaii’s performance standards emphasize, including ethical practice, differentiated instruction, IEP development, and student-centered planning. Contact your HTSB administrator to confirm how NASET coursework can support your performance standards documentation.
Become a NASET Member today and 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 Hawaii
Salary Overview
- Hawaii disability educators earn an average of approximately $61,804–$66,890 annually, based on Glassdoor and Salary.com data.
- Entry-level positions range from approximately $46,500 to $52,000 depending on license tier and experience, with top earners reaching $87,000–$93,000 or more.
Job Market
- Hawaii’s HIDOE offers a $10,000 shortage differential for licensed classroom teachers in special education, continuing through the 2025–26 school year, one of the most significant state-level incentives for disability educators in the country.
- Elementary-level special education is projected to see 10% job growth through 2030 in Hawaii, well above the national average.
- Career advancement through graduate-level coursework moves educators across salary lanes, making continued learning one of the most direct paths to improved earning potential in Hawaii’s statewide pay structure.
IEPs in Hawaii
Hawaii follows federal IDEA requirements for all Individualized Education Programs. Because Hawaii operates as a single unified school district under HIDOE, all IEP policies, forms, and procedures are standardized statewide, a unique advantage for disability educators moving between schools or islands.
Every IEP must include present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, measurable annual goals, a description of specially designed instruction, related services, placement in the least restrictive environment, and a progress reporting schedule. IEP teams must include at least one general education teacher, one special education teacher, an HIDOE representative, a person qualified to interpret evaluation results, and the parent or guardian.
NASET’s completed sample IEP and IEP goal-writing resources give Hawaii educators practical tools to strengthen every step of the IEP process.
Become a NASET Member today and earn the certifications that move you up the salary schedule, trusted by special educators across the country!Â
Key Resources for Hawaii Special Education Teachers
- Hawaii State Department of Education — Special Education
- Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB)
- HTSB License Renewal Information
- NASET IEPs from Around the Country
- NASET Completed Sample IEP (PDF)
- NASET Forms, Checklists & Procedures for Special Educators
- NASET Determining Measurable Annual Goals in an IEP
- NASET What Every Teacher Should Know About Annual and Triennial Reviews
- Complete State-by-State Special Education Teacher Guide
Advance Your Career With NASET
NASET special education resources give Hawaii educators a professional edge — from day-to-day IEP tools to nationally recognized credentials that support salary advancement and career progression.
The Membership gives you instant access to nearly 80 professional development courses, publications, IEP resources, and a job board built exclusively for disability educators. Contact your HTSB administrator or school principal to confirm how NASET coursework aligns with your Hawaii Teacher Performance Standards documentation.
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) is the nationally recognized credential for career advancement in this field. Members receive 15% off all certifications.
Explore all NASET certifications and take your career to the next level  NASET Certifications
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