If someone is willing to be a special requirements teacher at an SEN School, then that person is probably aware of how honoring an experience can be. Of course, there are several challenges, but the teaching experience will be most gratifying and memorable.
So, here is a guide on ‘How to become an SEN teacher’ or ‘How to prepare for QTS in SEN school’ utilizing a straight to the teaching program and earning a handsome SEN teacher salary.
Getting to Qualification
The candidate can pursue an undergraduate degree that leads to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), for example:
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Arts with QTS
- Bachelor of Science with QTS
Also, the candidate can complete a PGCE (Post-Graduate Degree in Education) if the candidate holds a 1st degree with QTS. It’s a common choice, and a person can do it at a university or pursue a school-based training program.
There are even more training options available if someone wants to specialize in teaching specific subjects or is willing to change their career. Most teaching courses compromise options on teaching students with special educational requirements.
Entry Requirements
If someone wants to become an SEN Teacher, they will usually require:
- 4 – 5 GCSEs at grades 9 – 4 (meaning A* to C), or equivalent, including Maths & English
- GCSE Science in grades 9 – 4 (meaning A* to C) for teaching in primary schools
- 2 – 3 A levels, or equivalents, for a bachelor’s degree
- A graduate degree in a subject to attain a post-graduate course
Skills & Knowledge to Become an SEN Teacher
In this section, let’s cover all the skills that a person will need in this role:
- Teaching Knowledge along with the ability to design courses
- Ability to understand other people’s reactions
- Understanding & Sensitivity
- Ability to remain calm & patient in difficult situations
- Proficient knowledge of the English language
- Ability to work with other people
- Flexible and open to change
- Ability to create suitable conditions for teaching or learning new things
- Able to operate a computer efficiently, including all software packages
Day-to-Day Tasks
Here are some day-to-days that SEN teachers need to deal with:
- Being an SEN teacher, here are day-to-day tasks that a person will need to follow:
- Prepare teaching materials and plan lessons
- Teach lessons to the entire class, work in small groups, and support each pupil individually
- Assist pupil in developing independence, skills, and self-confidence for life
- Manage pupil’s behavior, and motivate them to learn
- Mark & Assess pupil’s work
- Take registers & write reports
On some occasions, SEN teachers will also need to:
- Work with specialist medical staff, teaching staff, psychologists, and therapists.
- Discuss the children’s progress with their guardians & parents.
- Regularly attend training workshops, statutory reviews, and meetings.
- Organize social activities in school, outdoor activities, and sporting events.
- Manage training sessions for junior teaching staff on special requirement issues.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we studied how a person can become an SEN teacher, the qualification requirements, entry requirements, skills & knowledge that a candidate needs, and the day-to-day tasks he will need to follow after becoming an SEN teacher.
So, if someone outdoor wants to become an SEN teacher, hopefully, this article was helpful to all of them.