Special Educational Needs Teacher
What's it like to be a Special Educational Needs Teacher?
Special Educational Needs Teachers adapt general education to students with various physical, mental, and learning disabilities. They typically teach small group or one-on-one classes to focus on their students' special needs. Often, adjusting activities, schedules, and teaching methods on the spot will be required during class. Flexibility, alertness, and patience are key skills for the role. Special Educational Needs Teachers work in public, private and special needs schools and learning centres.
Tasks and duties
- Developing individual education plans for the specific needs of students.
- Conducting customised group and individual classes.
- Adjusting instruction and activities as necessary during classes.
- Creating and presenting individual student progress reports.
- Administrating standard and qualitative evaluations.
- Collaborating with psychiatrists and therapists to address student needs outside the classroom.
- Attending teacher meetings and training sessions.
How to become a Special Educational Needs Teacher
A polytechnic diploma is the minimum requirement to work as a Special Educational Needs Teacher, although a bachelor degree may be an advantage and provide opportunities for career growth. The National Institute of Education (NIE) offers a diploma programme for untrained teachers, while trained teachers may take continuing education programmes at the Ministry of Education (MOE) to further progress in their careers.
Complete a GCA A-Level certificate, polytechnic diploma, international baccalaureate, or other equivalent qualification.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in special education or early childhood education.
Undergo a teaching practicum administered by your training programme or degree.
Once you are a trained teacher, consider taking the Ministry of Education’s SPED Teaching Profession: Journeys of Excellence Package for further continuing education and career progression. You may take one of 2 tracks: the teaching track which leads to the positions of Senior Teacher and Head Teacher; or the leadership track which leads to the positions of Vice Principal and Principal.
Consider getting a postgraduate degree in education.
Compare your salary
Latest Special Educational Needs Teacher jobs on Jobstreet
Skills and experience employers are looking for
