Positively impacting the lives of SEN (special educational needs) students every single day, special needs teachers offer unique support to students to best prepare them for their lives beyond the classroom. This level of tailored education provides SEN students with knowledge and skills that they’ll carry with them forever, making this an undeniably rewarding career choice.
In this Seashell Trust blog, we’ll be breaking down exactly how to become a special needs teacher in the UK, offering insights into the necessary qualifications and experience needed to take on the role. Keep reading and let’s get you on the right path to becoming a qualified SEN teacher!
What is a SEN Teacher?
A SEN teacher is an individual who is specifically trained and qualified to teach students with special educational needs. The role could involve teaching people with autism, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and more, creating environments designed to support their learning.
What Does a Special Needs Teacher Do?
What is the role of a special needs teacher, exactly? Well, a SEN teacher has a variety of roles from the classroom to offering general care and support. Their key responsibilities include:
- Creating tailored learning plans, designed to benefit specific individuals.
- Dealing with challenging behaviours appropriately.
- Monitoring progress and adjusting teaching methods to better suit student needs.
- Working alongside other SEN professionals.
- Sharing updates to parents or caregivers.
What Does a Special Needs Teacher at Seashell Do?
At our specialist residential school, our talented team of teaching staff provide a holistic approach to learning. Preparing suitable educational strategies and offering all-round specialist support is integral to our success, ensuring that each and every student’s needs are considered and catered to.
As one of the UK’s leading special needs and disability charities, our Royal School Manchester and Royal College Manchester are known for high-quality care and education – something which wouldn’t be possible without our talented team of staff.
How to Become a SEN Teacher
There are a number of steps involved in becoming a SEN teacher. It may feel like a seemingly long journey but it’s well worth the ride for the rewards at the end! Let’s get into how to become a SEN teacher, shall we?
Meet the Entry Requirements
In order to secure a role in teaching, you’ll need to meet the entry requirements. Most roles will typically ask that you have:
- 4-5 GCSEs with grades 9 – 4 (A*- C), which include both Maths, English, and Science
- 2 – 3 A level qualifications
- A postgraduate degree in a relevant course
What qualifications Do I Need to Become a SEN Teacher?
Your next step on the path to becoming a SEN teacher is qualifying. You’ll first need a degree focussed around education or SEN, more specifically. Next, you’ll need to earn your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You can qualify in a number of ways:
- Teaching apprenticeships
- A PGCE, Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Complete a SCITT, School-Centred Initial Teacher Training
Complete Mandatory Specialist Qualifications
SEN students have a whole range of unique needs, each requiring different kinds of support. Mandatory specialist qualifications focus on the complex needs of different groups of people, like those with sensory impairments, autism, or physical disabilities, for example.
These qualifications prepare future teachers for supporting students with SEN in the classroom, ensuring they can best educate them and prepare them for their future. Here at Seashell, it’s important to us that we offer only the best level of care, education, and support, which is why Mandatory Specialist Qualifications are so important to our team.
Have The Appropriate Experience in Teaching SEN
Qualifications are one thing, but there is so much value to having experience! Not only is this a practical way to strengthen your teaching skills but it’s a fantastic way to show employers that you’re passionate and fully capable of fulfilling the role.
We have plenty of opportunities for those keen to volunteer in Manchester here at Seashell. From getting involved with community fundraising to supporting our range of sports for people with disabilities, there are endless ways for you to pick up some valuable experience.
Why Become a SEN Teacher?
If you’re a dedicated individual, passionate about improving the lives of those in need of support, you’d likely make a fantastic SEN teacher. The joy and satisfaction that comes with watching SEN individuals thrive and progress is incomparable, especially knowing that you played a part in making their development happen.
The work can be challenging, but it is both engaging and rewarding. It’s important to remember you won’t be doing it alone – you’ll be a part of a team of resilient, likeminded people, each sharing your passion for care and education who’ll be eager to support you and your students along the way.
How to Become a SEN Teacher at Seashell
Seashell is one of the most successful learning disability charities across the nation, with both a specialist residential school and a special needs college. We’re experts in providing tailored care and education to our students and are keen to hire the best talents in SEN teaching to join our dedicated team.
Find out more about Seashell’s special needs jobs and disability training to start your career as a SEN teacher. We’d love to have you on our team.
