Are you thinking of becoming a special needs teacher? Here we’re exploring all about what Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) means in an educational context, including what you need to become a special needs teacher or Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
What does SEND mean?
SEND is the term used to describe a child who may have additional needs when it comes to their education, where a physical, behavioural, or emotional issue is affecting their ability to learn. This could include a range of needs such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, physical impairments, or the inability to socialise properly.
In the UK, we have a system in place in our schools to support these children, ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. Therefore, there’s a requirement in the education sector for special needs teachers who can deliver this unique provision to the students who need it.
What does a special needs teacher do?
A special needs teacher will work with a wide range of children with SEND, whether this is on an individual basis, in a small group, or in a whole class. The role of a SEND teacher will usually include responsibilities such as (but not limited to):
- Planning and preparing lessons – compared to a regular teacher, this will also involve adapting your teaching materials to meet the needs of each learner
- Using specialist facilities and equipment
- Assessing work and monitoring your students' progress
- Liaising with parents, as well as other specialists like speech therapists, psychologists, and physiotherapists
- Encouraging your students to learn, helping them build their confidence and become more independent
- Training other staff members on issues relating to special education.
What skills will a SEND teacher need?
As well as the typical expectations of being a teacher, becoming a special needs teacher presents unique challenges that require additional skills and knowledge. First and foremost, becoming a SEND teacher requires a high level of sensitivity, empathy, and patience, as you’ll frequently encounter stressful situations. You’ll also need to be flexible and willing to adapt to change, be able to stay calm under pressure, work well with others, and have excellent planning and organisational skills.
Why should I become a special needs teacher?
There are many reasons to consider becoming a special needs teacher, and we’ve outlined just a few below:
1. It's rewarding
Becoming a SEND teacher will allow you to make a positive impact by being a vital role in helping children overcome barriers in their education. Supporting your students and seeing them succeed is incredibly rewarding and preparing them for their lives beyond education means you’ll be playing an important part in shaping their futures.
2. You'll be in high demand
There’s always a need for qualified teachers in England, and special needs teachers are in even higher demand due to the rise in students who require SEND support, which according to National Statistics, increased to 13.6% in 2024. Therefore, having a teaching qualification that specialises in SEND could considerably enhance your employability.
3. It can be financially beneficial
Due to the increasing demand, being a SEND teacher could also come with more significant financial benefits than a regular teaching job. The starting salary of a qualified teacher in England is currently £31,650, which then increases as you move up the pay scale, but special needs teachers will also be eligible for an additional allowance of between £2,539 and £5,009 owing to their responsibility of students with SEND.
4. Training is ongoing
Another great reason to consider becoming a special needs teacher is that you’re continuously building on your skills and knowledge, and there’s plenty of on-the-job training to take advantage of. Physical and learning disabilities cover a broad spectrum, so every child’s needs will be different, meaning you must constantly evolve within your role. After you’ve gained some experience, you may even decide to specialise in a certain area of SEND that you excel in or enjoy most.
5. You can be creative
Although working in SEND can be challenging, it can also be fun as it gives you the opportunity to be creative in how you deliver your teaching. There’s an element of freedom you probably wouldn’t get as a regular teacher, as one size won’t fit all with SEND students. You’ll have the opportunity to unleash your creativity, trying new approaches to inspire and engage children in their journey to success.
"The Critical Thinking module has allowed me to reflect on my own pedagogies and completing my thesis has given me the opportunity to focus on my own interests, around why outdoor learning can benefit children with ASD. The modules all interlink so well and have given me insight into how I can support children with SEND holistically."
Harriet Behan
MA SEND
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
How do I become a SEND teacher?
Becoming a special needs teacher in the UK will require you to hold both a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). If you’ve studied for an undergraduate degree that hasn’t been awarded with QTS, you can achieve this by studying for a PGCE or undertaking salaried teacher training.
If you’re already an experienced teacher but now wish to specialise in SEND or enhance your professional development, you can undertake additional training, such as studying for a master’s degree. The SEND courses we offer at the University of Sunderland are:
- BA (Hons) Primary and SEND Education with QTS – this undergraduate degree is for those who wish to become a primary school teacher with a focus on SEND
- MA SEND – our master’s in SEND is ideal for teachers and other educational professionals who want to develop their careers and achieve a specific postgraduate degree in special education through a clear progression route
- MA SEND (DL) – we also offer a distance learning version of our master’s course, which may be suitable for you if you need flexibility in your studying or live outside the UK
- PgCert Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: Leading Provision and Practice (DL) – this postgraduate SEND course is also delivered via distance learning and offers educational practitioners the chance to develop their knowledge of effective SEND provision and put learning into practice.
What is a SENCO and what do they do?
You may be familiar with the term ‘SENCO’, which stands for Special Educational Needs Coordinator. If you decide to become a special needs teacher, once you’ve built on your experience you may choose to progress into the role of a SENCO, where you’d play a critical part in the heart of the leadership team to safeguard commitment to children’s rights and needs.
SENCOs are responsible for developing and managing the day-to-day operation of the SEND strategy and policy, which could be in just one school or in multiple schools. Using your leadership skills, you’d advise other teachers on how to deliver special education provision, often alongside a normal teaching timetable, so it can be quite a demanding role. However, on top of your teaching salary and SEND allowance, you may also be entitled to a Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payment, which can range from £9,272 to £15,690, which is a fantastic financial incentive.
Have we proven to you that becoming a special needs teacher could be an excellent career choice? Find out more about our Teacher Training and Education courses or book an Open Day.
Published: 24 October 2024