Special Education Teachers

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Special Education Teachers, Preschool — one of 6 occupations here: Special Education Teachers, Preschool, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten, Special Education Teachers, Elementary School, Special Education Teachers, Middle School, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, Special Education Teachers, All Other.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.94
Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.94
Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.94
Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.92
Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, or changing their diapers.90
Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.89
Develop individual educational plans (IEPs) designed to promote students' educational, physical, or social development.89
Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.88
Meet with parents or guardians to discuss their children's progress, advise them on using community resources, or teach skills for dealing with students' impairments.88
Modify the general preschool curriculum for students with disabilities.88
Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.87
Read books to entire classes or to small groups.86

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Confer with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, or other professionals to develop individual education plans (IEPs).86
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment or materials to prevent injuries and damage.86
Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.86
Provide assistive devices, supportive technology, or assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.86
Monitor teachers or teacher assistants to ensure adherence to special education program requirements.85
Administer tests to help determine children's developmental levels, needs, or potential.84
Teach students personal development skills, such as goal setting, independence, or self-advocacy.83
Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.83
Encourage students to explore learning opportunities or persevere with challenging tasks to prepare them for later grades.82
Confer with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, or administrators to resolve students' behavioral or academic problems.82
Arrange indoor or outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, or safety.81
Serve meals or snacks in accordance with nutritional guidelines.80
Organize and supervise games or other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, or social development.80
Establish and communicate clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects to students, parents, or guardians.79
Coordinate placement of students with special needs into mainstream classes.77
Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration.76
Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, or teacher training workshops to maintain or improve professional competence.76
Organize and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their perceptual skills.75
Collaborate with other teachers or administrators to develop, evaluate, or revise preschool programs.75
Prepare objectives, outlines, or other materials for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements.74
Plan and supervise experiential learning activities, such as class projects, field trips, or demonstrations.70
Present information in audio-visual or interactive formats, using computers, television, audio-visual aids, or other equipment, materials, or technologies.67
Prepare assignments for teacher assistants or volunteers.66
Control the inventory or distribution of classroom equipment, materials, or supplies.62

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Learning Strategies75
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring75
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness75
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning72
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing72
Teaching others how to do something.
Writing69
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation66
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Complex Problem Solving60
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making53
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Negotiation47
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Management of Personnel Resources41
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Analysis19
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Material Resources13
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Monitoring13
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting10
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources6
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service82
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training82
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language74
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management62
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Psychology61
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Administrative59
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics49
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Sociology and Anthropology49
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling46
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Personnel and Human Resources45
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security41
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Law and Government38
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Communications and Media36
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Philosophy and Theology36
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language35
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Telecommunications34
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics32
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry26
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sales and Marketing25
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Biology24
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Economics and Accounting24
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Fine Arts24
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production23
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Transportation22
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
History and Archeology21
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Design20
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Production and Processing19
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Geography18
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Chemistry17
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mechanical15
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics15
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Engineering and Technology14
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Building and Construction8
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity75
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity75
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning69
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Information Ordering66
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

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Originality53
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Auditory Attention44
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Perceptual Speed38
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination31
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Extent Flexibility25
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength25
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength22
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Multilimb Coordination22
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed19
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Depth Perception16
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Sound Localization16
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Control Precision13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Peripheral Vision6
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Assisting and Caring for Others87
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing and Building Teams82
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Documenting/Recording Information81
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information80
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships79
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work76
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Coaching and Developing Others71
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization70
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Thinking Creatively70
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Training and Teaching Others69
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings67
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing Objectives and Strategies65
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge64
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates62
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing General Physical Activities62
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Processing Information62
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers62
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Scheduling Work and Activities61
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events59
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public58
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others58
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others57
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Analyzing Data or Information56
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others55
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials54
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others54
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Handling and Moving Objects49
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People44
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Performing Administrative Activities43
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information39
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Staffing Organizational Units31
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources27
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others23
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment19
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment19
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes17
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment14
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment10
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Cooperation100
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Empathy100
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Optimism86
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Self-Control82
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity81
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation80
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Adaptability77
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Integrity77
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Perseverance71
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance71
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Attention to Detail68
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

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Cautiousness61
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Initiative57
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Humility54
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Achievement Orientation53
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Innovation53
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Self-Confidence52
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Intellectual Curiosity51
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity48
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Leadership Orientation40
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Social100
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic50
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative42
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional36
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic28
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising12
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others63%
- Contact with others most of the time37%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important65%
- Very important34%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important55%
- Very important42%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day85%
- Never15%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day64%
- Once a month or more but not every week31%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)51%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)23%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)22%
E-Mail
- Every day65%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never17%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom35%
- Some freedom36%
- Limited freedom21%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never20%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time52%
- About half the time37%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom41%
- Limited freedom41%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility33%
- High responsibility21%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility25%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results24%
- Important results34%
- Minor results22%
Conflict Situations
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Once a month or more but not every week34%
- Never15%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week41%
- Never15%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility28%
- High responsibility11%
- Moderate responsibility27%
- Limited responsibility19%
- No responsibility14%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important30%
- Very important11%
- Important12%
- Fairly important41%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day36%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never16%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours31%
- 40 hours40%
- Less than 40 hours29%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day39%
- Never38%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important18%
- Very important12%
- Important32%
- Fairly important22%
- Not important at all16%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important26%
- Important16%
- Fairly important33%
- Not important at all17%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time30%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time39%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never40%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never31%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never39%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time29%
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time45%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually13%
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time57%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time30%
- Less than half the time41%
- Never18%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time16%
- About half the time22%
- Less than half the time38%
- Never17%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time35%
- Less than half the time48%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious16%
- Fairly serious35%
- Not serious at all35%
Public Speaking
- Every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never53%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never38%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month27%
- Never44%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never63%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- More than half the time20%
- Less than half the time30%
- Never41%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never67%
Level of Competition
- Slightly competitive28%
- Not at all competitive49%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Never64%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never55%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never74%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day14%
- Never81%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never79%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never77%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)21%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)76%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Never86%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated16%
- Not at all automated80%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never95%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all93%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never98%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Device drivers or system software
Screen magnification software, Screen reader software
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
Drawing software
Computer based training software
Children's educational software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
American Sign Language Browser

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs.
Encourage students.
Maintain student records.
Teach life skills.
Provide for basic needs of children.
Discuss student progress with parents or guardians.
Set up classroom materials or equipment.
Modify teaching methods or materials to accommodate student needs.
Monitor student performance.
Evaluate student work.
Monitor student behavior, social development, or health.
Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs.

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Assist students with special educational needs.
Establish rules or policies governing student behavior.
Read to students.
Teach others to use technology or equipment.
Direct activities of subordinates.
Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.
Discuss problems or issues with supervisors.
Plan educational activities.
Develop instructional objectives.
Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.
Prepare reports detailing student activities or performance.
Display student work.
Develop instructional materials.
Plan experiential learning activities.
Create technology-based learning materials.
Distribute instructional or library materials.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology