JOB PROFILE
What Is a SEND Teacher?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What is a SEND Teacher?
- What are the responsibilities of a SEND Teacher?
- What qualifications does a SEND Teacher need?
- What is the average salary of a SEND Teacher?
- What skills does a SEND Teacher need?
- How to become a SEND Teacher
- Who employs a SEND Teacher?
- Where the latest SEND Teacher jobs are and how to apply for them.
What Is a SEND Teacher?
A SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Teacher is a qualified and experienced professional who works alongside students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The main role of a SEND Teacher is to provide effective support and education to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities and resources as their peers.
SEND Teachers may work in a range of educational settings, including mainstream schools, specialist SEND schools or further education colleges.
SEND Teachers are highly skilled professionals who work closely with other professionals, including Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists, to create personalised learning plans that meet the unique needs of individual students.
SEND Teachers may use a range of teaching methods, resources, and technology to support their students' learning and development within a school setting.
They may also be required to support families and caregivers to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to aid their child's learning and development at home.
What Are the Responsibilities of a SEND Teacher?
A SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Teacher plays a crucial role in supporting students with a wide range of learning disabilities and special educational needs. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the specific needs of their students and the educational setting, but generally include the assessment and individualised education plans, instructional planning and adaptation, classroom management and specialised teaching.
SEND teachers play a vital role in promoting the educational and social development of students with disabilities. Their work requires patience, flexibility, and a deep commitment to helping each student reach their fullest potential.
While working as a SEND Teacher, you will be required to:
- Provide effective education to students with special educational needs.
- Work alongside other professionals such as Speech Therapists and Educational Psychologists.
- Plan and prepare day to day lessons for students and small groups of individuals.
- Complete general administration tasks such as marking books and completing reports.
- Provide support to families of students with special educational needs.
- Organise and attend trips and outings for students.
- Monitor the social, physical and emotional welfare of students.
- Understand a range of learning difficulties and disabilities to maintain a personal approach to teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do SEND Teachers Need?
If you’re considering a career as a SEND Teacher, there are a few different routes you can explore.
An undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Education, will lead to a Qualified Teacher Status which is an essential requirement for working as a Teacher within the UK. A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is also often preferred for becoming a SEND Teacher.
A degree level teaching apprenticeship is an alternative option to explore for anyone with a degree and volunteering is a great way to gain experience of working with students with special educational needs or disabilities.
Finally, all teachers in the UK, including a SEND Teacher, must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is a background check to ensure they are suitable to work with children and young people.
What Is the Average Salary of a SEND Teacher?
The salary of a SEND Teacher is around £25,000 to £40,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on several factors such as the location, level of experience and responsibilities, and the type of school.
Who Employs a SEND Teacher?
Depending on a SEND Teacher's qualifications and experience, there are a number of places they could be employed. Settings include mainstream schools, specialist SEND schools, pupil referral units or further education colleges.
Within a mainstream school, students with special educational needs and disabilities will share the same classroom as their peers, whereas specialist schools provide education specifically tailored to students with special educational needs and disabilities.
Further education colleges provide training and education to students with additional needs who are above the age of 16.
How to become a SEND Teacher
To become a SEND Teacher in the UK, you typically need to:
- Obtain a relevant degree in education, special education, or a related field.
- Gain experience working with individuals with disabilities.
- Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) typically achieved through completing a teacher training program or a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).
- Choose an area to specialise in such as autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or behavioral disorders.
- Complete special education training (if necessary).
- Apply for teaching positions and attend interviews.
- Complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Continue your professional development through attending training courses, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and best practices in special education.
What Skills Does a SEND Teacher Need?
SEND Teachers need certain skills and qualities to do their job well. They must be caring and understand each student's unique needs, communicate well with students, parents, and other teachers, and listen carefully to their students.
SEND Teachers should be punctual, prepared and quick to take action in challenging situations. Having a strong passion for teaching is vital to make lessons enjoyable for students. Being organised and sensitive to the feelings of the class helps keep lessons running smoothly, and students should feel comfortable approaching them anytime.
Key skills of a SEND Teacher include:
- Compassion to effectively understand the individual needs of students.
- Good communication to liaise with students, parents, carers and other educational professionals.
- Good listening skills to fully understand the requirements of individual students.
- Empathy to relate to students and provide effective support.
- Good initiative to react to potentially difficult situations in the classroom.
- Good time keeping to ensure the school day runs efficiently and schedules are adhered to.
- Physical fitness as the job can entail moving around for a lot of the day.
- Passion for teaching to ensure lessons are fulfilling and rewarding for students.
- Good organisation to ensure resources are prepared in advance for the smooth running of lessons.
- Sensitivity to ensure students know they can approach you at any time of the school day.
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