Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AL Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Alabama
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Alabama
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character
- Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Present evidence of successful completion of a Board approved teacher education program or be a participant in an Alabama alternative certification program
- and, Pass the required Alabama (ABI) AND Federal Bureaus of Investigation (FBI) background clearance checks
- Passing scores on PRAXIS Tests and Assessments.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification applicants must
- be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of highe
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Alabama State Department of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,100 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's deg...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Teacher certification applicants must: be of good moral character; Present evidence of successful completion of at least a bachelor's deg...).
- 5. Submit the application to Alabama State Department of Education and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Alabama
With a median salary of $61,100, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Alabama earn 3% below the national median of $63,000. Alabama ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,201Median annual salary
$61,100Hourly estimate
$29.383% below national median
Difference: -$1,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#26 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,100 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $61,080 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Georgia | $67,710 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Florida | $52,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $48,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Florida | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Mississippi | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Alabama State Department of Education
P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, AL, 36104
Phone: 3346944900
Related Careers in Alabama
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,060 | Specific course required | 16 years |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,940 | Specific course required | 16 years |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,040 | Specific course required | 16 years |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,670 | Specific course required | 16 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Alabama?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Alabama?
Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Alabama?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Alabama.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Alabama?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Alabama is $61,100. Salaries range from $48,520 (10th percentile) to $74,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Alabama compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Alabama earn 3% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $61,100.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Alabama?
Alabama employs approximately 660 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Alabama from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Alabama?
The licensing agency is Alabama State Department of Education. Review agency details at https://www.alsde.edu/.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Alabama?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.