Teaching children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. SEN teaching involves working with children who have a range of disabilities, learning difficulties or emotional and behavioural disorders. If you're considering a career in SEN teaching, there are a few things you should know.
What is SEN Teaching?
SEN teaching is a type of teaching that is specifically tailored to children with special educational needs. These needs could be related to disabilities, medical conditions or learning difficulties. The aim of SEN teaching is to provide these children with the support they need to reach their full potential and to ensure they receive an education that is tailored to their needs.
The Role of an SEN Teacher
SEN teachers work with children who have a range of special educational needs. The role involves assessing the individual needs of each child, planning and delivering lessons that are tailored to their needs, and working closely with other professionals to ensure each child receives the best possible support.
SEN teachers also play a key role in promoting inclusion and ensuring that all children, regardless of their special educational needs, feel included in the classroom.
Qualifications Required for SEN Teaching
To become an SEN teacher, you will need to have a teaching qualification, such as a PGCE or a degree in education. In addition, you will need to have experience working with children with special educational needs.
Many SEN teachers also have additional qualifications or training in areas such as autism, dyslexia or speech and language therapy.
Skills Required for SEN Teaching
SEN teaching requires a range of skills, including:
Patience and empathy: working with children with special educational needs can be challenging, so it's important to be patient and empathetic.
Creativity: you will need to be able to adapt your teaching methods to suit the individual needs of each child.
Communication: you will need to be able to communicate effectively with children, their parents and other professionals.
Organisation: SEN teaching involves a lot of planning and preparation, so it's important to be organised and able to manage your time effectively.
Challenges of SEN Teaching
SEN teaching can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Some of the challenges of SEN teaching include:
The need to adapt teaching methods to suit each individual child's needs.
Working with children who may have complex medical or emotional needs.
Managing behaviour and ensuring children are engaged and motivated.
Working with other professionals, such as speech and language therapists or occupational therapists, to ensure each child receives the best possible support.
The Rewards of SEN Teaching
SEN teaching can be incredibly rewarding. Some of the rewards include:
Seeing children achieve their full potential and make progress.
Making a real difference to the lives of children with special educational needs.
Building strong relationships with children and their families.
The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a positive impact on society.
How Dunbar Education Can Help
At Dunbar Education, we're a top education recruitment company that specialises in helping candidates find their dream SEN teaching role. We work with a wide range of schools and educational establishments across the UK, helping to match talented individuals with the right positions.
Our team of experienced consultants are experts in SEN teaching and can provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed. We can help you find the right vacancies, prepare for interviews and negotiate the best possible salary.
So if you're ready to start your career in SEN teaching, get in touch with our SEN Team at Dunbar Education today. We'll help you take the first step towards a rewarding career in a field where you can make a real difference to the lives of children with special educational needs.
Becoming an SEN teacher can be a challenging but incredibly rewarding career. With the right qualifications, skills and mindset, you can make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in our society. And with the help of Dunbar Education, you can find the perfect position to kickstart your career. So why not take the first step today and get in touch with us to start your journey towards becoming an SEN teacher?