How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Singapore: Requirements and Pathway

In 2026, special education (SPED) teachers have become pivotal to Singapore’s inclusive education roadmap. They are now transitioning the sector from a conventional care-based model to one that focuses on long-term independence and rigorous educational outcomes. 

The importance of these professionals is further reflected in their salaries. For example, with 15 years’ experience, SPED teachers can earn anywhere between SGD 48,000 and SGD 72,000. In fact, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is expanding the network of government-funded SPED schools, with the 2030s set to be a pivotal decade. 

This blog will discuss how to become a special education teacher in Singapore. It will help you understand the role of such teachers and outline the requirements for working in this role.  

Source: Glassdoor, as of November 8, 2023

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How to be a Special Education Teacher in Singapore

Here is what you need to know about how to be a special education teacher in Singapore:

1. What Does a SPED Teacher Do?

The following table shows the various duties of a SPED teacher:

Main Factor	Smaller Factors
Core Responsibilities	Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)Curriculum Customization Behavioral InterventionCollaborative Case Management
Specialized Functions	Early Intervention (EI)Transition Planning Assistive Technology Integration
Daily Work Routine	Classroom InstructionFamily EngagementData Collection

IEPs

SPED teachers design, track, and implement IEPs for each student. These plans set measurable, specific behavioral and academic goals tailored to the unique cognitive, physical, or sensory profile of these students. 

Curriculum Customization

They also adapt specialized and national curricula to make them accessible. As part of this work, they often use creative instruction and Universal Design for Learning to help bridge learning gaps. 

EI

In the EI centers, SPED teachers focus on children under 7 years old using play-based learning to improve communication, motor skills, and cognition during critical developmental windows. 

Transition Planning

For students ages 13 to 21, job coaches and teachers provide vocational training, life-skills education, and job shadowing to prepare them for employment and independent living. 

Classroom Instruction

As part of their classroom instruction, these professionals conduct one-on-one or small-group sessions that prioritize high-frequency routines and feedback. 

2. MOE Training and Sponsorship

The table below outlines the training and sponsorship programs provided by the MOE for SPED teachers. 

Main Factor	Smaller Factors
Mandatory Sponsored Training	Full SponsorshipTraining Allowance Service BondEntry Pathway
Advanced Study and Scholarship	MOE Master’s Scholarship in Special EducationSpecial Education Leadership Development ProgramSpecialist Diplomas
Methods of Application	Direct School ApplicationSchool NominationGeneral Teaching Scholarships

Full Sponsorship

MOE provides full funding for tuition fees for the Diploma in Special Education (DISE) program. 

Training Allowance

While studying, trainees also receive a training allowance or a monthly salary from the SPED school that has employed them. 

MOE Masters Scholarship in Special Education 

The MOE Masters Scholarship in Special Education is available to SPED teachers who have served in this domain for at least 3 years and performed well. It helps them pursue postgraduate studies. 

Direct School Application

Interested candidates can apply directly to the school where they want to work as SPED teachers. 

3. Pathway to Becoming a SPED Teacher in Singapore

This is the pathway to becoming a SPED teacher:

Step	Requirement	Details
Education	Bachelor’s degree in education or a related discipline.	General degree holders can pursue the Advanced Diploma in Special Education of the National Institute of Education (NIE).
MOE Sponsorship	Certification and training.	MOE offers sponsorships for SPED teachers in government-funded schools.
Practical Training	Internship and teacher aide roles.	Hands-on classroom experience with children with diverse needs.
Skills	Patience, creativity, and communication.	Essential for designing IEPs.
Professional Development	Continuous learning.	MOE programs, international certifications, and private courses.

Also Read: Early Childhood Special Education in Singapore: Key Roles and Career Pathways

Understanding the Role of a Special Education Teacher

If you want to know how to become a special education teacher assistant, you must understand their role, and for that, you must understand the following:

Main Factor	Smaller Factors
Designing Individualized Journeys	Customized LearningAlternative PedagogyGoal Tracking
Holistic Student Support	Behavioral InterventionDaily Living Skills Transition to Adulthood
Collaborative Case Management	Multi-Professional Teams Family AdvocacyMainstream Inclusion
Career Progression Pathways	Teaching TrackLeadership Track

SPED teachers adapt lesson plans to suit various profiles, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and students with intellectual and physical issues.

Essential Skills and Qualities for SPED Teachers

You need the following skills and qualities to become a special education teacher in Singapore:

Main Factor	Smaller Factors
Core Functional Skills	Data Tracking and IEP DevelopmentBehavioral InterventionCurriculum AdaptationAssistive Technology Literacy
Critical Soft Qualities	Emotional Intelligence and Resilience Radical Patience Stakeholder CollaborationEmpathy and Cultural Competence
Professional Dispositions	Commitment to Lifelong Learning Advocacy Mindset

SPED teachers must be able to draft, monitor, and implement IEPs – this is a mandatory technical skill. They must also use data-driven insights to track learning progress and behavioral logs.

Career Pathways and Opportunities in Special Education

The following are leading career pathways and opportunities available in the domain of special education, and the salaries you can earn in those professions:

Job Profile	Annual Salary Range
School Principal	SGD 37,472 – SGD 181,247
EI Educator	SGD 48,000 – SGD 72,000
SPED Needs Officer	SGD 36,000 – SGD 60,000
SPED Teacher	SGD 22,152 – SGD 56,060
Job Coach	SGD 36,000 – SGD 48,000
Intervention Specialist	SGD 24,909 – SGD 40,731

Source: Indeed, as of November 1, December 7 & 10, 2025; Glassdoor, as of April 26, 2024, April 2, and July 1, 2025     

Also Read: Early Childhood Special Education in Singapore: Key Roles and Career Pathways

Build Your Special Education Teaching Career with upGrad Singapore

Through upGrad in Singapore, you can access specialized pathways to advance in the SPED sector through flexible, online higher education programs. They are designed for both working professionals and aspiring teachers seeking specialized and leadership roles. 

• Dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree, Edgewood University
• Master of Education (M.Ed.), Northeastern University 
• Master of Education (M.Ed.), University of Massachusetts Lowell
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Edgewood University 
• Master of Education (M.Ed.), Edgewood University

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