What is an SEN teacher? Roles, Skills and Qualifications

At CER, we understand the critical role Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers play in shaping the futures of students with additional needs.

SEN teachers work with children and young adults who require additional support due to a range of disabilities or learning difficulties. They provide a tailored approach to teaching, making sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.

In this article, we explore what it means to be an SEN teacher, the types of special needs they work with, and their essential roles and responsibilities. We’ll also discuss how to become an SEN teacher, the skills required, and what a typical day looks like for an SEN teacher.

What is an SEN Teacher?

An SEN teacher is a qualified teacher who specialises in working with students who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). These teachers often work in specialised schools or within SEN departments of mainstream schools, adapting their teaching techniques and classroom environments to meet the specific needs of their pupils.

SEN teachers work with students who face a wide variety of challenges, including:

Learning difficulties: Conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia, which affect the way a child processes information.

Communication disorders: Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), speech and language difficulties, or other conditions that affect their ability to communicate.

Emotional and behavioural difficulties: Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or those with trauma-related or other psychological conditions.

Physical disabilities: Students with mobility issues or other physical impairments that may require adaptive equipment and resources.

Sensory impairments: Children with hearing or vision impairments, requiring specific teaching techniques and tools.

SEN teachers work with students across a wide age range, from early years (ages 3-5) to primary school, secondary school, and in some cases, young adults in further education (ages 16-25). This means SEN teachers must be adaptable.

How to Become an SEN Teacher

Becoming an SEN teacher typically involves getting a teaching qualification followed by additional training in special education. The most common pathway is to:

Obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

This can be done by completing a Bachelor’s degree in education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Many SEN teachers start as mainstream teachers before specialising.

Gain experience in SEN environments

Many SEN teachers build their experience working as teaching assistants or support staff in SEN schools or mainstream schools with SEN departments. Click here to view our SEN teaching assistant roles.

Undertake additional SEN training

There are various professional development courses available to further specialise in SEN. For example, completing the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) is often a required qualification for SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) roles.

Skills Needed to Become an SEN Teacher

Being an SEN teacher requires a unique skill set that goes beyond traditional teaching abilities. The most important skills include:

Patience and empathy: Working with students who have complex needs can be challenging. Teachers must have the patience to support them through difficulties and celebrate their progress.

Adaptability: No two students are the same. SEN teachers need to be flexible in their approach to meet each child’s specific requirements.

Communication: SEN teachers need excellent communication skills, not only to interact with students but also to collaborate with parents, other teachers, and support staff.

Creativity: SEN teachers often need to think outside the box, using visual aids, assistive technology, and sensory tools to create engaging lessons.

Emotional resilience: Teaching SEN students can be emotionally demanding, particularly when dealing with challenging behaviours or sensitive situations, so resilience is key.

Roles and Responsibilities of an SEN Teacher

SEN teachers have a wide range of responsibilities, all focused on supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students with special needs.

Their roles typically include:

Creating personalised learning plans: Each student with SEN has unique needs, which are often outlined in an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Adapting teaching materials: SEN teachers modify traditional teaching approaches to better suit their students’ learning styles. This could involve using visual aids, breaking down information into manageable chunks, or incorporating sensory activities.

Providing emotional and behavioural support: SEN teachers provide structured support to help students develop coping strategies and improve their self-regulation.

Collaborating with professionals: SEN teachers often work alongside teaching assistants, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, and other specialists to support their students.

Assessing progress: SEN teachers regularly evaluate the progress of their students, making adjustments to lesson plans and strategies.

Engaging with parents and caregivers: SEN teachers keep parents informed of their child’s progress and involve them in the decision-making process.

A Day in the Life of an SEN Teacher

A typical day for an SEN teacher can be busy, often involving different teaching activities and support tasks throughout the day. Here’s an example of what a day might look like:

Morning

The day often begins with reviewing lesson plans and getting updates from other staff or specialists. The first lesson might involve teaching small groups or one-to-one sessions, depending on the needs of the students. The focus might be on literacy, numeracy, or life skills, depending on the individual learning plans.

Mid-morning

SEN teachers often provide sensory breaks or physical activities for students who benefit from movement or relaxation exercises. Throughout the day, they use adaptive teaching materials to keep students engaged.

Lunchtime

Some SEN teachers supervise lunch or offer additional support to students who need assistance with eating, social interaction, or managing sensory overload in busy environments.

Afternoon

The afternoon often involves working with teaching assistants or specialists, assessing the progress of individual students or revising lesson plans. SEN teachers may also conduct meetings with parents or discuss the development of students with support staff.

End of the day

SEN teachers often spend time reflecting on the day’s successes and challenges, preparing resources for the next day, and making adjustments to lesson plans as necessary.

SEN teachers play an important role in ensuring that children with special educational needs receive the support and education they deserve. Their work is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a wide range of skills and a passion for making a difference in the lives of students.

At CER, we are committed to helping aspiring and current SEN teachers find the right opportunities. If you’re looking to become an SEN teacher or are seeking a new position, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

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