Special Education Teacher: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Special Education Teacher
Practice Interviews Online - Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Special Education Teacher mock interview, under 10 minutes
Practice Now »What is a Special Education Teacher?
As a Special Education Teacher in the UK, you would be responsible for educating and supporting children who have various challenges such as emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or those who are exceptionally gifted. You would develop tailored learning plans to help each student succeed and reach their full potential.
Skills
- Knowledge of special education laws and regulations
- Ability to assess and develop individualized education plans (IEPs)
- Effective communication and collaboration with students, parents, and other professionals
- Strong classroom management and behavior management skills
- Adaptability and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities
- Patience and empathy in working with students with special needs
- Ability to differentiate instruction and modify curriculum to accommodate individual learning styles
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of various teaching strategies and techniques for students with disabilities
- Ability to use assistive technology and other resources to support student learning
Qualifications & Education
- A first degree that provides QTS (qualified teacher status) or TQ (teaching qualification) in Scotland
- Other relevant degree followed by further postgraduate training, such as PGCE or PGDE
- Prior experience in mainstream teaching
- Further training for special needs teaching may be mandatory
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
To become a special education teacher in London, you need to obtain your QTS (qualified teacher status) and have a degree in a related field. This can be achieved by completing a defined period of ITT (initial teacher training) and holding a BA, BSc, or BEd (bachelor of education) degree.
To become a special education teacher in the UK, you will need to have a degree and qualified teacher status (QTS). You can achieve QTS by obtaining a specialist undergraduate degree in special educational needs, disability, and inclusion, such as Leeds Beckett's BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion, or by completing an undergraduate Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree.
Working in a SEN school in the UK can be fulfilling and provide job security and career progression opportunities. It allows you to make a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs, which can have a lasting impact on their development into successful adults.
To become a Special Education Teacher in the UK, you will need to achieve GCSEs in maths, English, and science, complete A-levels in relevant subject areas, apply for an undergraduate degree, complete a postgraduate certificate in education, pass DBS checks, gain experience in the classroom, and achieve qualified teacher status.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Special Education Teacher mock interview, under 10 minutes
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