MCPS special education (question for special education teachers)

[Anonymous]

I currently work in special education and will be (most likely) moving to Maryland. I have a few questions.

1. How is the job market for sped teachers/leaders? Is it competitive?
2. I will be coming with over 30 years of experience. Since I am not currently an MCPS employee, will that affect my chances of being hired? I have heard some systems like to hire within.
3. What is the role of the Resource Special Education Teacher? When I research it, I get a few different descriptions.

I am hoping to get a position for the 2026-27 school year, but want to learn more about the district. Any information is greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Schools will fight over you- every school needs sped teachers and cover those with experience.

RTSE’s are in charge of chairing all meetings- more of a admin role rather than directly instructing students.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the information. I am currently in a special education leadership role and think I would be a good fit for Resource special education teacher position, but I plan to apply for anything that comes up.

[Anonymous]

A lot of SpEd positions are not filled. You can start looking here:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/careers/

[Anonymous]

I'm a Special Education teacher in a neighboring district. The PP who said schools will fight over you is correct. A few things:

1. Do a lot of research about the administration at whichever schools call you for an interview. There are social media groups where people will answer questions via DM.
2. Ask about what the resource job will entail. Some schools bait and switch on this. They'll tell you it's resource and then stick you with four preps and a bunch of revolving subs in co-taught classes. This is a big problem in some of the larger districts with shortages.
3. Don't let them screw you on salary. If you have 30 years experience and a lot of leave banked at your current district they should put you at or above the same place on the salary scale and honor any leave you're trying to transfer.

[Anonymous]

You'll make more in DC if that matters to you.

[Anonymous]

Oh wow! Thank you.

Never thought about negotiating salary or possibly getting screwed regarding the position. I really appreciate all of the help and insight!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh wow! Thank you.

Never thought about negotiating salary or possibly getting screwed regarding the position. I really appreciate all of the help and insight!

Yep, in my area, the ONLY teachers who can negotiate about where they are placed on the salary schedule are special Ed teachers and bilingual teachers.

[Anonymous]

There is a difference between “Resource Teacher” and “Resource Teacher for Special Education “

Resource Teacher - case manager, and teaches resource class. Most often found in ES. Some MS and HS have this position but often co-teach and have 1 or 2 classes of resource. More of a leadership role in ES.

Resource Teacher for Special Education (RTSE) position in HS and MS. Department head and does not teach any classes. Runs meetings, manages behaviors, supports teachers and para educators. Very much like an administrator but not paid as one. They get an additional stipend (amount depends on size of the department) and are paid for 20 summer days at the hourly rate of pay. This position can be over a specific program (SESS, Bridge) or whole school with multiple programs or at some schools only LAD. This position is not created equal amount schools, size of school and amount of programs can vary.

You can look on the MCPS website for specific job descriptions.

You may also want to look at the MCPS thread on here to get insight into school specific questions.