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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 job through:

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

University

You can do an undergraduate degree that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS), for example:

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS

You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This is a common choice and can be done at university or on a school-based training programme.

There are more training options if you want to change career or specialise in teaching certain subjects.

Most teaching courses include options on teaching children with special educational needs.

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 or 3 A levels
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this career through one of a small number of postgraduate teaching apprenticeships, if you have a 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

More information

Work

You could start as a teaching assistant and do a part-time degree. From there, you can move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.

Volunteering and experience

You'll find it helpful to get some 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

If you're a qualified teacher, you can get extra training to teach pupils with special educational needs. Many local education authorities offer courses for teachers who want to do this.

More information

Career tips

You can attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding. You can attend events in person and online.

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

Further information

You can discover more about how to become a teacher from Get Into Teaching.

You can also search for jobs through the Teaching Vacancies service.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

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 day-to-day duties may include:

  • planning lessons and preparing teaching materials
  • helping pupils develop self-confidence, independence and skills
  • marking and assessing work
  • working with medical staff, therapists and psychologists
  • talking to parents and carers about their children's progress
  • attending meetings, statutory reviews and training workshops
  • organising outings, school social activities and sporting events

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

You could become a special needs co-ordinator, head of department, deputy head or headteacher in your school, through training and promotion.

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

CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (Childcare Level 3)

  • Provider: BEXHILL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2019
  • Location: Bexhill on Sea

UAL Foundation Art Diploma

  • Provider: CARMEL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: ST. HELENS
Find courses near you

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