How to become a special education teacher
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What is a special education teacher?
A special education teacher works with children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
How can I become a special education teacher?
You can become a special education teacher through:
- An apprenticeship
- A university course
- Working towards this role
- Applying directly
Becoming a special education teacher through an apprenticeship
You can get into this career through one of a small number of postgraduate teaching apprenticeships.
Entry Requirements:
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
- GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
- a degree for a teaching apprenticeship
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Becoming a special education teacher through a university course
There are many undergraduate degrees that lead to a qualified teacher status, these include:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS
An alternate option is to complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) if you have a degree without QTS.
Entry Requirements:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- GCSE science at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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Becoming a special education teacher through work
You could start as a teaching assistant and do a part-time degree. From there, you can move onto a postgraduate teaching course to qualify as a teacher.
You will also find getting some experience of working with young people with special educational needs or disabilities very helpful. This can be paid work or volunteer work. These opportunities can be found in a school, youth club or on a holiday scheme. Click here for support in finding these opportunities.
Becoming a special education teacher directly
If you are a qualified teacher, you can get extra training to teach pupils with special educational needs. Many local education authorities offer courses for teachers who want to do this.
How long does it take to be a special education teacher?
This all depends on the route you take. An apprenticeship can last from one to six years (an apprenticeship last a lot longer if you choose to go part time.) However, choosing to study at university and complete a PGCE takes four years (3 years getting a degree and one year completing a PGCE). Therefore, the time it takes to be a special education teacher varies and is dependent on the route you choose to take to become qualified in being a special education teacher.
Is it hard to be a special education teacher?
Teaching children with special needs can be challenging, however this job can also be extremely satisfying! Although it can be physically and emotionally draining to help children with mental and physical disabilities, it can also be very rewarding to help them to progress and succeed. Similar to teachers of other subjects, special education teachers plan lessons; assign activities to the children; grade their assignments and tests; track the children's progress and schedule meetings with parents to discuss their progress and the challenges they may currently be facing. Some teachers may even work with a pupil with disabilities individually in a classroom.
Special education teachers are in demand in 2021. Brown our latest job roles and start your career in SEN today!
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Updated: Feb 2024