SEN Teachers are enablers, working to enable learning for children and young adults who have special educational needs. These may be individuals with physical disabilities, mental illnesses, sensory impairment, behavioural difficulties or learning disabilities (both long and short term).
Qualifications and entry requirements
As with most teachers in the UK, SEN teachers are required to achieve QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) before employment. There are a number of routes by which this can be done, including taking the Initial Teacher Training (ITT), however all routes must start with a degree or equivalent qualification.
Key competencies and salaries
Identifying and working to individual needs should run through the core of a SEN teachers work. While some aspects of work may be standard teaching practice, still others are specialised to this particular arena. For example, all teachers, including SEN staff are expected to mark and assess work, prepare lessons and resources, and stay up to date on administration. However a SEN teacher may teach Braille to pupils with a sensory impairment, assist with personal care and medical needs for severely disabled pupils, and deliver behavioural management.
Recruitment agencies may place a SEN teacher where they feel they would be most comfortable and most useful, so previous experience is a good pointer for them.
Salaries range from around £14,500 p.a. to £37,500 p.a. with the average being around £28,500.