Transitioning from a Career in Mainstream to Special Education
As a business, Senploy is on a mission to encourage more people to work in Special Education (SEND or SEN). More children and young people are being diagnosed with special educational needs and disabilities. As the sector faces a recruitment and retention crisis, raising awareness of SEND as a career of choice is a great place to start.
Moving from mainstream education to special education can be a significant and rewarding career change. Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, emotional, and physical disabilities.
We asked qualified Teacher and SENCO Rhian Smith, why she made the transition from Mainstream education to SEN and this is what she had to say, ‘The biggest positive is the young people. Finding a way through for students when others couldn’t, by having the patience to build that relationship will always lead to the biggest successes and the best feeling!’
If you, like Rhian, are considering making the change, here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Passion and Commitment:
Special education requires a genuine passion for working with students who have diverse needs. Consider your level of commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with special needs.
Understanding of Special Education:
Familiarise yourself with the principles and practices of special education. Understand the different types of disabilities, intervention strategies, and the importance of working with the child or young person in accordance with their bespoke plan.
Additional Qualifications:
Special education sometimes requires additional certifications or qualifications, but not always. Investigate any specific qualification requirements and be prepared to pursue any necessary training or education.
Patience and Flexibility:
Special education settings can be dynamic and challenging. Patience and flexibility are essential qualities for a special education teacher, as the needs of students can vary greatly.
Collaboration Skills:
Special education teachers often work closely with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists. Strong collaboration skills are crucial to creating a supportive learning environment.
Advocacy Skills:
Advocacy is an integral part of special education. You may need to advocate for your students' needs, collaborate with parents and local authority, and work with school administrators to ensure that resources and support are in place.
Emotional Resilience:
Special education teachers may encounter challenging situations which can be emotionally demanding. Building emotional resilience is important to navigate the ups and downs that come with working in this field.
Professional Development:
Stay informed about the latest research, interventions, and best practices in special education. Commit to ongoing professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge. Your school or place of work should support you with CPD.
Explore Specialisms:
Special education encompasses various specialisms, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioural disorders (SEMH). Consider which area aligns with your interests and strengths. There can be crossover and often you can unknowingly become an expert across a variety of interlinking specialisms.
Gain Experience:
Before making a complete transition, try gaining experience in special education through volunteering, supply teaching, or part-time work. This can provide valuable insights into the field and help you determine if it's the right fit for you. You can find a huge variety of the latest jobs in SEN at SENPLOY.
Remember that special education is rewarding but it can be demanding. The profession requires dedication, empathy, and a commitment to the unique needs of each student. If you consider that you have the necessary qualities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people with special needs, transitioning to special education could be a fulfilling and meaningful career move.
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