If you are a teacher working in a mainstream school and reading this article, you’ve probably had an experience of supporting a child’s additional needs within your classroom. If you found the experience enjoyable and rewarding, maybe it’s time to switch things up and consider a move into a SEN teaching role?
Here’s why YOU should consider switching to SEN education and explore a different side of teaching:
Transferable Skills:
Your teaching experience from mainstream schools is invaluable and can be easily transferrable to SEN teaching. You’ll need a QTS or, if you already have a bachelor's degree without qualified teacher status, you can complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE).. You don’t need any additional qualifications to start.
You will use the same skills of patience, adaptability, clear and effective communication, and differentiating tasks to allow children to learn according to their individual preferences and needs.
Greater Job Satisfaction:
Working with children with special educational needs requires a different approach to teaching, which is incredibly rewarding. SEN teachers work closely with individual students to help them achieve their full potential and feel more confident in their abilities. The job provides the satisfaction of making a difference and helping children who need it most.
Expanded Career Opportunities:
Embarking on a career in SEN teaching opens up a wealth of opportunities. As a qualified SEN teacher, you can work in a range of settings from specialist schools and units, to specialist hospitals, and even home-schooling environments.
Collaboration with Specialists:
When you work in SEN education, you are part of a team, and collaboration is key to success. Working alongside other SEN specialists, support staff, and external agencies such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists can be an enriching experience, as everyone works towards the same goal of helping students reach their full potential.
More support:
In mainstream schools, providing students with additional needs and the level of personalised support they require can be challenging. SEN schools can access more teaching assistants, therapists, and specialists. This makes the teaching experience much less stressful and ensures that students receive the maximum support needed to thrive.
I am interested! Where do I begin?
1. Conduct research
Start by researching what the world of special education entails, including different types of SEN schools available, including those for students with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome and additional learning needs. Identifying which specialty matches your skillset and teaching experience can help guide your job search.
You can access resources from organizations such as National Autistic Society. and Department for Education..Attending workshops and seminars can also expand your knowledge and give you a taste of what SEN teaching is like.
2. Gain Experience in SEN Sector
If you already have some experience working with children with learning difficulties, you can move onto the next step. If not, you can start by volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.
3. Update your CV
Now it's time to update your CV with relevant experience. Highlight your transferable skills, such as patience, adaptability, and communication. Use relevant industry terms in your summary and skills sections. Showcase any training or certifications you've earned. Explain how you've implemented teaching methods in your classroom to improve students' learning, and why you would like to teach in an SEN school.
4. Contact an Education Recruitment Agency
Despite having solid credentials and experience, it can be challenging to break into SEN teaching without connections or insider knowledge. Our SEN team at OmniaPeople can help you navigate the job market, connect you with schools that are hiring and match your unique skillset, and provide support throughout the application process. We can also offer guidance on your CV to ensure it will get noticed amongst others, help with interview preparation, share valuable insights about the organisation and negotiate salary on your behalf.
Are you ready to make the next step and switch into SEN education? Get in touch with our experienced SEN specialists to find out more about the change job vacancies and the process. Your next exciting role is waiting for you!
Or, alternatively, call our office on 0203 011 0044.