Special education schools specialize in children with learning disabilities, autism and other special needs, and their work requires specialized training, knowledge, and skills. They may work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, and their job responsibilities may include developing individualized education plans, adapting and modifying curriculum materials, and working with other professionals to ensure that pupils receive the services and support they need.
Given the specialized nature of their work, some schools of thought believe that special education teachers should receive special remunerations, such as higher salaries or additional benefits. Proponents argue that this would recognize the unique challenges and demands of their job, and help to attract and retain qualified professionals in the field.
However, others argue that all teachers should be fairly compensated for their work, regardless of their specialty or the population of students they serve. They also point out that special education teachers often work in under-resourced schools and face additional challenges such as lack of training and support, which should also be addressed.
The salary structure for special education teachers in Nigeria can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the level of education, years of experience, and the particular institution or organization they work for.
In general, teachers in Nigeria are paid according to a salary scale set by the government, known as the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS). This salary scale is divided into different levels or steps, with each step corresponding to a certain level of education and years of experience. Thus, the exact salary for a special education teacher would depend on their qualifications, experience, and the level at which they are employed.
It is worth noting that salaries for teachers in Nigeria can be relatively low, and many teachers struggle to make ends meet. In addition, special education teachers may face additional challenges due to lack of resources, training, and support, which can make their job even more difficult.
The question of whether teachers in special schools should earn a higher salary than regular teachers is a matter of debate and can depend on various factors.
Teaching in special schools can require additional training and expertise in working with students with disabilities or special needs. These teachers may also have to develop specialized curricula and individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet the diverse needs of their students. Therefore, it is reasonable that that they should be compensated at a higher rate for their specialized skills and knowledge. On the other hand, it is reasonable to state that all teachers face their own unique challenges and responsibilities, regardless of the type of school they work in. Regular classroom teachers may also have to deal with issues such as large class sizes, diverse student populations, and increasing demands on their time and resources, a reason why some argue that all teachers should be paid equally, regardless of the type of school they work in.
Reality is, there is demand for more special education schools and special education teachers are more scarce than regular teachers. No doubt, special education is not the regular education, it requires something more and it is fair to support a salary schedule that will pay more to their teachers. This could be a factor in the shortage of special education teachers in schools and it is reasonable to support a favorable salary differential for them as a possible solution to this problem.
However, the decision to pay teachers in special schools a higher salary should be based on various factors, including the level of expertise and training required, the demands of the job, and the availability of qualified candidates. Having said so, It’s important to recognize the important work that all teachers do and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their contributions to education.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
