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Verified by IN Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Indiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Indiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Indiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    In order to obtain a standard teaching license, the candidate must: Have completed an approved teacher preparation program at a state- or regionally-accredited institution.

  6. 6

    Possess a Bachelor's degree from a state- or regionally-accredited institution.

  7. 7

    Have completed a minimum of six semester hours of college course work in education or the major or minor area of the candidate's license within the past five years.

  8. 8

    Submit an application.

  9. 9

    Pay all application and examination fees.

  10. 10

    Graduates of out-of-state teacher education programs my be required to have their credentials evaluated by the Board or an outside credentialing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • passing scores on the applicable teacher exams

Continuing education and program notes

  • certain continuing education requirements

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Indiana Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensing & Development

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,910 median (8% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Indiana eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required passing scores on the applicable teacher exams.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Submit an application.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Indiana Department of Education~Office of Educator Licensing & Development and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Indiana

With a median salary of $57,910, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Indiana earn 8% below the national median of $63,000. Indiana ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$57,910

Hourly estimate

$27.84
8% below national median

Difference: -$5,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,710
  • P2525th percentile$47,700
  • P50Median$57,910
  • P7575th percentile$66,480
  • P9090th percentile$77,430

State vs National Median

State: $57,910
National: $63,000

Total employment: 3,710 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Indiana$57,910Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$75,520Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$64,060Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$57,090Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$76,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio68MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated. Continuing education compliance is required.
Kentucky60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review 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

Indiana Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensing & Development

115 W. Washington Street, South Tower, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN, 46204

Phone: 3172329010

Related Careers in Indiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76,790Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$82,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$82,870Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$63,870Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Indiana?

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 Indiana?

Indiana 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 Indiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Indiana.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Indiana?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Indiana is $57,910. Salaries range from $45,710 (10th percentile) to $77,430 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Indiana compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Indiana earn 8% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $57,910.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Indiana?

Indiana employs approximately 3,710 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Indiana 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 Indiana?

The licensing agency is Indiana Department of Education / Office of Educator Licensing & Development. Review agency details at http://www.doe.in.gov/educatorlicensing/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Indiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.