What Is a SEN Teacher?
20 Jun, 20231-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What a SEN Teacher is
- What the role of a SEN Teacher in schools is
- If it is difficult working with SEN kids
- Where you can find SEN Teacher courses
What Is a SEN Teacher?
A SEN Teacher, also known as a Special Educational Needs teacher, is an educator who specialises in teaching students with special educational needs or disabilities. SEN teachers work with students who may have various learning difficulties, physical disabilities, emotional or behavioural disorders, sensory impairments, or other specific needs that require additional support and accommodations in the educational setting.
SEN Teachers qualifications include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), usually obtained through completing a Bachelor's degree in Education (B.Ed.) or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program.
While not mandatory, having specialised training or experience in working with children with special educational needs is beneficial. This may involve undertaking courses or workshops focused on specific disabilities or learning difficulties, such as autism, dyslexia, or speech and language disorders.
A SEN Teacher salary is typically between £32,157 to £42,624 per year. However this can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the employing institution.
What is the role of a SEN Teacher in schools?
A SEN Teacher plays a crucial role in supporting the educational and developmental needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that students with diverse learning requirements receive the necessary support to achieve their academic potential.
Key aspects of a SEN teacher's role
- The key aspects of a SEN teacher's role include:
- Working closely with other professionals, such as Educational Psychologists and speech therapists, to identify students with special educational needs. They assess students' abilities, strengths, and challenges to determine appropriate support strategies.
- Adapting teaching methods, materials, and strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and needs of students with special educational needs.
- Providing additional support and differentiated instruction to help students overcome barriers to learning.
- Maintaining accurate records of student progress, assessments, interventions, and any relevant documentation to inform stakeholders and ensure effective communication.
- Providing individualised support and guidance to students, including small group or one-on-one instruction when necessary.
- Monitoring progress, tracking achievements, and regularly assessing and adjusting interventions help to ensure ongoing progress.
- Creating a safe and inclusive environment while supporting students' social, emotional, and behavioural development.
Is working with SEN kids hard?
Working with SEN (Special Educational Needs) kids can be both challenging and rewarding. It can be challenging due to the diverse needs of SEN students, requiring teachers to adapt their approaches to meet individual requirements.
Classroom management may be more demanding, and SEN Teachers may need to address emotional and behavioural challenges. Collaboration with various professionals is necessary to provide comprehensive support.
However, working with SEN kids can be rewarding as it allows teachers to make a positive difference in their lives. Witnessing the progress and achievements of SEN students can be highly fulfilling. Building strong relationships with students and creating a supportive environment contributes to personal and professional growth. Celebrating even small milestones and achievements brings a sense of joy and reinforces the passion for working in special education.
How is working with SEN kids rewarding?
- Working with SEN kids can be extremely rewarding because your are:
- Making a difference by supporting and witnessing the progress and achievements of SEN students.
- Developing strong and meaningful relationships and creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Broadening your understanding of diverse learning needs which provides an opportunity for continuous learning and personal growth.
- Witnessing their successes, whether it's mastering a new skill, overcoming a challenge, or improving their confidence.
- Witnessing their resilience, determination, and unique abilities which can be truly inspiring and can broaden your own understanding of the world.
Where can I find SEN Teacher courses?
If you were wondering how to become a SEN Teacher, there are several different options available, including degree courses at a number of universities throughout the UK.
When choosing a SEN teaching degree, there are several important factors to consider. First, you need to determine the specific area of SEN that interests you, such as autism spectrum disorders or learning disabilities. Look for a degree program that offers specialisation options or modules in your chosen area of focus.
Ensure that the SEN teaching degree program you choose is accredited and recognised by relevant educational authorities or professional bodies. This ensures that the degree meets the necessary standards and requirements for SEN teaching.
SEN Teacher courses in the UK
These are some of the leading SEN Teacher courses in the UK:
- PGCE Primary with SEN (Special Schools) at the University of East London
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL) at the University of Sunderland
- Special Educational Needs and Disability BA Hons at the University of Derby
- Special Educational Needs at Liverpool Hope University
Searching for a SEN Teacher job?
If you’re searching for your next SEN Teacher job, why not get in contact with Managing Consultant, Jamie Heath, to discover all the latest opportunities in your area?
Alternatively, simply upload your CV to be notified when relevant job opportunities become available.
Meet Jamie Heath
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017, we've been changing the face of recruitment. From our employees, to the way we do business, to the culture within our office, we're determined to make a difference and create a positive impact on everyone around us.
Recruitment to us isn't just about matching candidates and clients; we’re passionate about finding candidates the perfect job which has the ability to boost their salary and standard of living, better their work life balance and improve their mental health.
Similarly, we understand the impact which an experienced and skilled employee can make to a business and we love seeing clients thrive through the hard work of candidates which we have placed with them.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
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If you’re searching for a new role, why not visit our job page to take a look at the latest opportunities? Alternatively, upload your CV and one of our experienced consultants will contact you when a relevant opportunity becomes available.
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