Can I Teach in Mainstream Schools After a Special Education Diploma? Eligibility, Roles, and Salary Explained 

Many students who complete a diploma in special education often ask one big question: “Can I teach in a mainstream school after this course?”  
The simple answer is YES – you absolutely can. But the exact role, eligibility, and salary depend on the type of diploma you have done, the school’s requirements, and your experience. 
 
This blog clearly explains: 
– Eligibility to teach in mainstream schools 
– Types of jobs you can get 
– Expected salary 
– Skills schools expect 
– Importance of programs like a certificate in shadow teacher teaching, Diploma in special education online, Special education diploma courses, remedial education courses online, and a certificate course in remedial teaching 

Understanding What “Mainstream School” Means

A mainstream school is a regular school where children with and without disabilities study together. In India, more and more mainstream schools prefer hiring trained teachers who understand the needs of students with learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, slow learners, and children who need extra support. This has created a big demand for teachers who have completed a special education diploma course or related training. 

Can You Teach in a Mainstream School After a Special Education Diploma?

Yes. Most mainstream schools hire teachers with special education qualifications for roles such as: 
– Special Educator 
– Shadow Teacher 
– Remedial Teacher 
– School Counselor (Academic Support) 
– Learning Support Teacher 
– Inclusive Education Coordinator 
– Resource Room Teacher 
 
Many schools prefer teachers who have completed basic courses, such as a Certificate in Shadow Teacher Teaching, a Certificate Course in Remedial Teaching, or an online Remedial Education course, because these demonstrate practical skills. However, Special Education is a more comprehensive approach that makes it a wise choice for aspiring teachers, keeping all of the above career paths open. 

Eligibility to Teach in a Mainstream School After Completing a Diploma in Special Education

Eligibility depends on the role you want. 

A. To Work as a Special Educator

You generally need: 
– Diploma in Special Education (D.Ed. Special Education) or 
– B.Ed. Special Education 
 
Some schools accept a Diploma in special education online from recognized boards. For government schools, RCI registration is required. For private schools, it is not compulsory.  

B. To Work as a Remedial Teacher  

Eligibility: 
– Certificate course in remedial teaching 
– remedial education course online 
– diploma or training in learning disabilities 
Diploma in special education students, though, will still be the most preferred as they can always add more value. Most private schools accept online certificates, too, if you have good practical skills. 

C. To Work as a Shadow Teacher  

Eligibility is flexible: 
– Graduation 

– Certificate in shadow teacher teaching 
Shadow teachers support one child inside the classroom and guide them through academics and behavior. An online shadow teacher training course is too specific and has its own limitations in terms of job availability. Special Education courses in Mumbai are quite high in demand in terms of exposure, hands-on training, and a strong team of experienced faculty. 

D. To Work as a Class Teacher  

You may work as a regular class teacher if you also have: 
– D.Ed. (General) or B.Ed. (General) 
PLUS a special education diploma or certificate. Schools like teachers with inclusive educational skills. 

Roles You Can Play in a Mainstream School After Completing a Diploma in Special Education

1. Special Educator

You support children with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, behavior challenges, and slow learning. You prepare IEPs, assessments, and remedial strategies. 

2. Shadow Teacher  

A shadow teacher supports one child inside the mainstream classroom. Responsibilities include behavior support, academic guidance, task explanation, and social skill training. Courses like a certificate in shadow teacher teaching are extremely helpful. 

3. Remedial Teacher  

Remedial teachers work with individual or small groups of students. They help with reading, spelling, writing, comprehension, and math concepts. Courses like the Remedial Education Course online or Certificate Course in Remedial Teaching prepare you for this role. 

4. Inclusive Educator  

Inclusive educators help schools adapt curriculum, create supportive classrooms, train teachers, plan accommodations, and build an inclusive environment. 

5. Resource Room Teacher  

You help students who need structured learning or additional support in a dedicated room equipped with special tools. 

Salary Expected in Mainstream Schools After Completing a Diploma in Special Education

1. Special Educator Salary  

– Fresher: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000  
– Experienced: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000  
– International schools: ₹40,000 – ₹85,000  

2. Shadow Teacher Salary  

– Part-time: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000  
– Full-time: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000  
– Private: ₹300 – ₹800 per hour  

3. Remedial Teacher Salary  

– School-based: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000  
– Remedial centres: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000  
– Freelance: ₹400 – ₹1000 per hour  

4. Inclusive Coordinator Salary  

– ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per month  

5. Resource Room Teacher Salary  

– ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month  

Why Mainstream Schools Prefer Special Education Teachers  

Schools increasingly want trained teachers because more students need special support, parents expect inclusion, CBSE and ICSE require learning support systems, and teachers with special education training improve school quality. Qualifications like a diploma in special education online or a special education diploma course make you more employable. 

Skills Schools Expect  

– Patience and empathy  
– Classroom management  
– Good communication  
– Understanding IEPs and accommodations  
– Knowledge of learning disabilities and behavior management  
– Collaboration with teachers and parents  
Courses such as a remedial education course online and a certificate in shadow teacher teaching help you build these skills. 

Extra Courses That Improve Your Career  

Extra certifications help you stand out: 
– certificate in shadow teacher teaching 
– remedial education course online 
– Certificate course in remedial teaching 
– autism training 
– ADHD intervention training 
– behavior therapy basics 

Career Growth After Special Education Diploma  

You can grow into positions like: 
– Inclusive Education Coordinator  
– SEN Manager  
– Remedial Head  
– School Counselor  
– Early Intervention Therapist  
You may even start your own remedial centre, shadow teacher service, or after-school program. The field has excellent long-term growth. 
 
 
If you have completed a special education diploma course, an online diploma in special education, or a certification such as a certificate in shadow teaching, a remedial education course online, or a certificate course in remedial teaching, then yes – you can work in mainstream schools.  

Mainstream schools today need trained professionals who can support inclusive education. You can work as a special educator, shadow teacher, remedial teacher, inclusive educator, or even a regular teacher if you have the required general teaching qualifications.  
Your career growth, salary potential, and future opportunities are strong. With passion and proper training, you can build a meaningful and rewarding career helping children succeed. 

National Academy takes into consideration all the above points and offers you a Diploma program that gives an in-depth insight into identifying and remediating children with Learning Disability like Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Dyspraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Slow learners. It prepares the teachers to look for the red flags in children and take relevant measures to remediate them by using different techniques and preparing customised teaching aids. A teacher who has studied special education comes as a relief to the parents of such children and lets them keep up with fast-paced education. These children who feel isolated and underconfident can then start feeling more inclusive in a regular school. If the foundation of the special children is set right at this stage, they are ready to take on the world in the future.