How much time do Special Education Teachers spend outside of the classroom preparing for the next day?

Rain: How much time do Special Education Teachers spend outside of the classroom preparing for the next day?
I am highly considering majoring in Special Education. Right now it’s a toss up between Special Education and Business Education. I’m trying to evaluate the pros and cons of each.

My question is, how much time, approximately, does a special education teacher spend outside of the classroom preparing for the lessons for the coming days? Is it as much as a normal teacher, or more? More than an English teacher for example?

What type of work load can be expected outside of the classroom?
I know that IEDs drive people crazy, but I don’t mind that kind of paperwork.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Heather
I spend several hours of my own time preparing…but then again so does EVERY other teacher I know regardless of level or subject. The positive is that many parts of my planning can be done either online or saves to a data stick instead of carrying tons of books and folders around.

Answer by Big Blue
You will spend a lot of time outside the classroom preparing for lessons, writing IEPs, and meeting with teachers, administrators, and parents. Do not expect any free time during your contracted work hours, either.

Answer by barbara c
All teachers spend a lot of time outside of school preparing. I do a minimum of 3 hours per day after school each day (except Friday) and one day of the weekend. I don’t know that I would spend more or less time if I was a Special Ed teacher – teaching requires extra time.