How much do special education advocates make? Find out the average salary for this career path and learn what you can do to increase your earnings potential.
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Introduction
In order to be an effective special education advocate, you need to have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding special education. You also need to be able to navigate the complex bureaucracy of the school system. And, most importantly, you need to be passionate about fighting for the rights of children with disabilities.
If you have all of these qualities, then you may be wondering how much special education advocates make. The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Special education advocates earn a wide range of salaries, depending on their qualifications, experience, and geographic location.
In general, however, special education advocates tend to earn relatively high salaries. According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the median starting salary for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in sociology is $39,100. This means that half of all new graduates with a bachelor’s degree in sociology earn more than $39,100 per year, while half earn less than this amount.
Those who go on to earn a master’s degree in sociology can expect to earn even more. According to the NACE report, the median salary for those with a master’s degree in sociology is $51,700 per year. This is nearly $12,000 more than what those with a bachelor’s degree in sociology earn annually.
So, if you’re interested in becoming a special education advocate, you can expect to earn a relatively high salary. However, it’s important to keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on your qualifications and experience.
Special Education Advocates
Special education advocates work on behalf of families to ensure that their children with disabilities receive the education and services they are entitled to by law. They are often employed by advocacy organizations, but may also work as independent consultants. Some states have laws that require advocates to be certified or have a certain amount of training.
What They Do
Advocates work with parents and guardians to ensure that their children with special needs receive the best possible education. They may also work with adults with disabilities.
Advocates help parents and guardians navigate the special education process, from finding the right school to getting the services their child needs. They may also serve as a liaison between parents and school districts, or represent parents in due process hearings.
Some advocates are also attorneys, which allows them to represent clients in court if necessary.
How Much They Make
How much do special education advocates make? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The amount of money that a special education advocate makes depends on a variety of factors, including the number of clients they have, the type of advocacy work they do, and the geographic location in which they work.
That being said, there are a few studies that have attempted to quantify the earnings of special education advocates. A study conducted by the National Association of Special Education Advocates (NASEA) found that the average annual earnings of special education advocates was $62,000. However, it is important to note that this figure includes both full-time and part-time advocates, and does not break down earnings by geographic location or type of advocacy work.
Another study, conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, looked specifically at the earnings of private practice special education attorneys in California. This study found that the average annual earnings for these attorneys was $180,000. This figure is likely higher than the average for allspecial education advocates because it only includes those who work in private practice and who are based in California (which is generally considered to be a more expensive state to live in).
While neither of these studies provides an exact answer to the question of how much special education advocates make, they both give us a general idea of the range of earnings for this profession. Special education advocacy is a rewarding career that can provide financial stability for those who choose to pursue it.
The Bottom Line
In the United States, special education advocates work with families of children with disabilities to ensure that their kids receive the services they are legally entitled to in public schools. These professionals are usually hired by the parents, but sometimes they are court-appointed. Attorneys and other professionals who are familiar with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) often serve as advocates, as well.
