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Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Licensing in Alabama

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

Last verified: Feb 19, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Alabama

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  3. 3

    Certification: Certification required.

  4. 4

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  5. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama State Department of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,100 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 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. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 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. 5. Submit the application to Alabama State Department of Education and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $60,100, Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Alabama earn 14% below the national median of $69,590. Alabama ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$60,100

Hourly estimate

$28.89
14% below national median

Difference: -$9,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,870
  • P2525th percentile$53,930
  • P50Median$60,100
  • P7575th percentile$64,670
  • P9090th percentile$71,630

State vs National Median

State: $60,100
National: $69,590

Total employment: 680 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Secondary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$101,250
#2Washington$97,820
#3New York$91,830
#4Rhode Island$89,460
#5Massachusetts$82,580

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$60,100Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$58,580Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Georgia$71,050Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$60,570Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$50,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
Alabama58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-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

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Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$64,060Specific course required16 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$77,940Specific course required16 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$81,040Specific course required16 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,670Specific course required16 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary Schools in Alabama?

Alabama lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Secondary School licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Alabama is $60,100. Salaries range from $48,870 (10th percentile) to $71,630 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools in Alabama earn 14% below the national median of $69,590, with a state median of $60,100.

How many Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 680 Special Education Teachers, Secondary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Secondary 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, Secondary 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, Secondary School license in Alabama?

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