With the help of a trained learning behavior specialist, children with various behavioral challenges or learning and physical disabilities can reach their full potential and lead successful lives. Thanks to modern advances in educational theory and practice, these professionals have even more insight and training in 21st-century behavioral psychology, enabling them to provide a beneficial presence in students’ lives and support for their families.
Learn more about the role and responsibilities of a learning behavior specialist, including educational requirements, salary ranges and how a graduate degree like the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education from Eastern Washington University (EWU) can prepare you for this vital position.
What Does a Learning Behavior Specialist Do?
The primary focus of a learning behavior specialist (LBS) is to support students with special needs or learning exceptionalities and to create a safe and inclusive environment for them in the least restrictive setting. They are especially experienced in behavioral issues and have a variety of intervention methods and strategies for students with a range of learning disabilities and behavioral or emotional disturbances.
Some responsibilities of an intervention specialist include assessing student needs, collaborating with a learning team to create an individualized education plan (IEP) and applying evidence-based instructional strategies to fit students’ individualized learning goals. Learning behavior specialists then follow up with students and families to measure progress and maximize success.
In some cases, an LBS would work with adults with behavior challenges or mental health conditions in community organizations and institutions. These professionals may possess skills and educational experience that are more specific to their roles, rather than those typically required for early childhood education.
How to Become a Learning Behavior Specialist
The first step to becoming a learning behavior specialist is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study. The best bachelor’s degrees for this career include education, special education, child development and psychology, though any bachelor’s degree would meet the minimum requirements for most graduate degrees in special education.
Next, learning behavior specialist candidates obtain teaching licensure in their state. Individual states have different credential requirements, and some programs allow future teachers to earn credentials alongside their undergraduate degree. Other programs require candidates to earn teaching licensure in a separate graduate program and pass state-specific exams. Check with your local credentialing agency for requirements specific to your region and state.
Once they earn a teaching credential, learning behavior specialist candidates can apply for a master’s program, such as EWU’s online M.Ed. – Special Education. Standard requirements for a master’s degree in special education include prerequisite teaching hours, experience in a licensed teaching job and/or certified training in behavior intervention.
Upon admission, candidates complete the required coursework and classroom hours, then apply for state licensure in special education or learning behavior specialist certification, depending on the role they wish to pursue in their future career. Learning behavior specialists work with children with varying needs, continually gaining professional development hours and experience as they hone their instruction and intervention skills.
Skills You’ll Need as a Learning Behavior Specialist
Learning behavior specialists need to possess a range of skills to perform their job effectively and address various student behavioral needs. Technical and technological skills required for an LBS position include:
- Assessing students in a number of settings and contexts
- Data collection analysis
- Writing IEPs and evaluation plans for individual students
- Research methodologies
- Lesson planning and instructional strategies
- Behavioral management
- An understanding of child psychology and early childhood development
- Knowledge of up-to-date special education policies and laws
- State-of-the-art behavioral intervention strategies
- Curriculum and education plan design
- Advanced understanding and experience with child behavior and disabilities
- Expertise with standard educational software and technology
Along with these technical skills, learning behavior specialists should be adept at interpersonal soft skills that allow for:
- Communication with students and families
- Collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders in student success
- Empathy and patience with students in every step of the process
- Active listening and understanding
- Relationship-building skills with students
- Professional attitude and a learning mindset
- Time management and organization
- Leadership in different contexts
Career Outlook and Opportunities
Recent studies show that one in six children has a developmental disability, and the demand for skilled learning behavior specialists and special education teachers is expected to increase in the coming years. Elementary and secondary schools, residential treatment centers and private clinics are just a few of the settings where these positions are often needed to support children and adults in need of behavior intervention and support.
The median salary for all education careers was $59,220 in 2024. Special education teachers typically earn a median annual salary of $64,270, with some special education professionals making over $103,430. For learning behavior specialists working in private practice, that salary may be even higher.
Inside the Master’s in Special Education Online Program at EWU
EWU’s M.Ed. in Special Education online degree offers a unique and flexible pathway to becoming a learning behavior specialist. The program consists of 50 credit hours of rigorous coursework, including 16 credit hours of core courses and 34 credit hours of specialization courses. Coursework is aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards and teaches candidates about assessment, behavior intervention strategies, and working with exceptional students across the spectrum of special education. This graduate degree program ensures you’re ready to meet any challenges as a learning behavior specialist.
The program offers seven convenient start dates throughout the school year with six-week courses designed for working professionals. The 100% online format allows you to work on your M.Ed. in Special Education degree while continuing in your current teaching position. The program meets requirements for an add-on endorsement in special education for teaching certificates in Washington state and provides affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to all students residing in and out of the state of Washington.
Make an Impactful Difference as a Learning Behavior Specialist
Learning behavior specialists utilize the skills and experience gained from their graduate degree programs to advocate for students with special needs every day. With a high-quality and affordable Master of Science in Education in Special Education from EWU, you’ll both advance in your special education career and make a real difference in your students’ lives.
As a learning behavior specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Whether you’re working with students who have low- or high-incidence disabilities, managing complex behavioral challenges, or collaborating with families and educational teams, your expertise will be essential in helping children reach their full potential. The specialized training and evidence-based strategies you gain through an advanced degree position you to be a leader in special education and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of students who need it most.
Learn more about EWU’s online M.Ed. – Special Education program.
