SpEd teaching requires a deep understanding of various learning strategies, teaching methodologies, and insights into the needs of special needs students.

As a special education teacher, you need to continuously expand your knowledge and skills.

Whether you're looking for practical strategies for special education classrooms, legal guidance, or a deeper understanding of specific disabilities, there are plenty of authoritative resources available to help you on this journey.

Here are the 20 best books that every special education teacher should read.

1. "The Complete Guide to Special Education" by Linda Wilmshurst and Alan W. Brue

A comprehensive resource, this book covers the entire spectrum of special education, from understanding legal requirements (incl. special education laws)  implementing effective teaching strategies. It's a must-have for both novice and experienced educators alike.

2. "The Special Educator's Survival Guide" by Roger Pierangelo

Packed with practical tips, tools, and techniques, this book can help you manage the everyday challenges of special education.

3. "Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings" by Tom E.C. Smith, Edward A. Polloway, James R. Patton, and Carol A. Dowdy

This book focuses on inclusive education. It offers strategies to support students with special needs in mainstream classrooms. It emphasizes collaboration and adapting teaching methods to meet diverse needs.

4. "Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Effective Differentiated Instruction" by Margo A. Mastropieri and Thomas E. Scruggs

This book provides insights and practical strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment that caters to students with diverse needs. The book covers  differentiated instruction in detail.

5. "Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them" by Ross W. Greene

Greene's book sheds light on a collaborative problem-solving approach to address challenging behaviors in special education classrooms. It promotes empathy and proactive strategies over punitive measures.

6.  "Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book: What You Can Do Now to Advocate for Your Exceptional Child's Education" by Rich Weinfeld and Michelle Davis

This resource book offers additional strategies and tools for advocating for children with special needs. This guide can help special education teachers ensure  students receive tailored services and support.

7. "You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom" by Paula Kluth

Kluth offers practical advice for teaching students with autism in inclusive settings. The book highlights the importance of understanding individual needs and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

8. "Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities" by Amy G. Dell, Deborah A. Newton, and Jerry G. Petroff

This book covers the use of assistive technology (AT) to support students with disabilities. It provides detailed guidelines for AT implementation with practical examples.

9. "Teaching Exceptional, Diverse, and At-Risk Students in the General Education Classroom" by Sharon Vaughn, Jeanne Shay Schumm, and Candace S. Bos

This book offers strategies for teaching a diverse range of students, including those with special needs, in general education settings. It focuses on inclusive education.

10. "RTI: A Practitioner's Guide to Implementing Response to Intervention" by Daryl F. Mellard and Evelyn Johnson

Response to Intervention (RTI) is an important framework in special education. This guide helps educators understand and implement RTI effectively to support student learning and progress.

11. "How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD" by Sandra F. Rief

Rief provides practical strategies for teaching students with ADD/ADHD. The book emphasizes the importance of organization, structure, and positive reinforcement to enhance learning and behavior.

12. "The Special Needs School Survival Guide: Handbook for Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, & More!" by Cara Koscinski

A comprehensive resource for educators, it offers insights and strategies for supporting students with a wide range of special needs.

13. "Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism" by Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin, an author and advocate with autism, provides a personal account of her experiences in this book.

This book offers a unique perspective on autism; it sheds light on the thought processes and challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum.

14. "Special Education Law" by Peter W.D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright

This book provides a comprehensive overview of special education laws, including IDEA and Section 504, and how to comply with them in your classroom or school district.

15. "Differentiation and the Brain: How Neuroscience Supports the Learner-Friendly Classroom" by David A. Sousa and Carol Ann Tomlinson

This book combines the latest information in neuroscience with practical strategies for differentiation. The book can help teachers understand how to create brain-friendly, inclusive classrooms that support all learners.

16. "Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" by Marlene J. Cohen and Peter F. Gerhardt

Visual support can be incredibly effective for individuals with autism. This guide offers practical advice on using visual aids to enhance communication and learning for students with autism.

17. "The Special Education Teacher's Guide to Assessment" by Tara S. Guerriero, Mary A. Houser, and Victoria L. Bernhardt

Assessment is a critical component of special education. This book discusses various assessment tools and strategies to help teachers effectively monitor student progress.

18. "The Zones of Regulation: A Curriculum Designed to Foster Self-Regulation and Emotional Control" by Leah M. Kuypers

This book discusses tools and activities to help students effectively comprehend and manage their emotions and behaviors. The techniques discussed in this book can help foster a deeper awareness and understanding of one’s unique needs.

19. "From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide" by Pam Wright and Pete Wright

This book can help special education teachers and parents to advocate for special needs children.

20. "The Out-of-Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz

It is a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing challenges arising due to sensory processing disorder. The book offers practical strategies for helping children out of sync with their environment.