Welcome to my blog about becoming a SEN teacher and teaching within a SEN setting in the UK.
SEN stands for Special Educational Needs and encompasses a range of learning difficulties and disabilities that children and young people may experience. As an SEN teacher, you will work with children and young people who require additional support to access education and reach their full potential.
Becoming a SEN teacher in the UK requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. Here are some steps you can take to start your journey towards becoming a SEN teacher:
- Gain relevant qualifications: To become a SEN teacher, you will need to have a degree in education or a related subject. You can also pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to gain specialist knowledge and skills in this area.
- Gain experience: Experience working with children and young people with special educational needs is essential. You can gain this experience through volunteering or working as a teaching assistant in a SEN setting.
- Get qualified teacher status (QTS): To become a teacher in the UK, you need to have QTS. You can achieve this by completing a teacher training programme, such as a PGCE or School Direct.
- Find a SEN teaching job: Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for SEN teaching jobs in schools or other educational settings.
Working as a SEN teacher can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Here are some things to keep in mind when teaching within a SEN setting:
- Every child is unique: Children and young people with special educational needs have different strengths and challenges. As a SEN teacher, you will need to tailor your teaching approach to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Communication is key: Communication is a vital part of teaching within a SEN setting. You will need to communicate regularly with parents, carers, and other professionals to ensure that students receive the support they need.
- Be patient: Teaching children and young people with special educational needs can take time and patience. It is important to be patient and persistent in your approach to help your students achieve their goals.
- Continuous learning: SEN teaching requires continuous learning and professional development. You will need to keep up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field to provide the best possible support for your students.
In conclusion, becoming a SEN teacher in the UK requires dedication, qualifications, and experience. Once you have entered the field, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs.
If you are currently looking for a role, or are interested in becoming a SEN teacher please feel free to drop me an email on joshua@heartteaching.com or give me a call on 01732 494 808.
