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Special educational needs (SEN) teacher

Special educational needs (SEN) teachers work with children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities.

Average salary (a year)

£26,000 Starter

to

£65,250 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 term time

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become a special educational needs (SEN) teacher

You can get into this role through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You can do a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a degree in a subject that relates to the national curriculum. You can go into teaching after graduation if your course includes qualified teacher status (QTS).

If you have a degree in a curriculum subject without QTS, you can get it by completing one of the following:

  • a postgraduate teacher training course at university
  • a school-based training programme

Most teaching courses have sections on teaching children with special educational needs.

GOV UK has details on university and school-based postgraduate courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • 2 A levels or equivalent
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More information

Apprenticeship

You can do a higher apprenticeship in teaching if you have a relevant degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths
  • GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
  • a degree in a relevant subject

More information

Work

You could start as a teaching assistant and work towards qualifying by doing a part-time foundation degree then degree. From there, you can move onto a postgraduate teaching course, which includes qualified teacher status.

Volunteering and experience

You'll need experience of working with young people through paid work or volunteering at a school, youth club or on a holiday scheme.

Do-it has more information on volunteering opportunities in your area.

Direct application

Qualified teachers can get extra training to teach pupils with special educational needs. Many local education authorities provide courses for teachers working in this field.

More information

Career tips

Most independent schools prefer teachers with qualified teacher status, but it's not always essential.

Further information

You can discover more about becoming a teacher from Get Into Teaching.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

To teach pupils with hearing impairment, vision impairment or multi-sensory impairment, you'll need further specialist qualifications.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties could include:

  • teaching national curriculum subjects
  • helping pupils develop self-confidence, independence and abilities
  • preparing lessons and teaching materials
  • marking and assessing work
  • working with medical staff, therapists and psychologists
  • talking to parents and carers about a child's progress
  • attending meetings, statutory reviews and training workshops
  • organising outings, social activities and sporting events

Working environment

You could work at a pupil referral unit, at a special needs school or at a school.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

You could become the SEN co-ordinator or head of department. At a special needs school, you could become deputy head or headteacher.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Teaching Apprenticeship

  • Wage : To be agreed upon appointment
  • Location: Tunbridge Wells TN2 4PY
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to Education and Childhood Studies

  • Provider: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: Dudley
Find courses near you

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