10th November 2017

How easy is it to transition from mainstream to SEN?

Transitioning from mainstream to SEN

There’s an increasing number of teachers moving from mainstream teaching to special education. This is down to a number of reasons, the most pertinent reason being the positive impact you have on students.

Faye, our Senior SEN Specialist for Leeds has extensive knowledge and experience working with Specialist Children and subsequently, Special Schools. The feedback she’s received from Deputy Headteachers and Headteachers who moved over from mainstream to SEN was that they felt they can really have a positive impact on students, due to smaller class numbers. Special Education is much more focused because every student learns and reacts to stimuli differently. Many Special Schools focus on nurturing their students, looking at background problems and helping to implement strategies that get to the root cause of issues.

Another reason why SEN may becoming more popular is that Special Schools days are shorter than mainstream school days. As well as this, there is a flexible curriculum and fewer class requirements. These factors work hand in hand to benefit many special education teachers, they give them more time to balance work and their personal lives – which we all know is an important factor to decreasing in teacher burnout! The relatively lenient nature of Special Schools schedules allows special education teachers to step away from the grind of their job on a regular basis so that they can be more focused in their day-to-day roles working with special needs children.

For teachers looking for something between a part-time and a full-time job, becoming certified as a special education teacher may be ideal.

Would I suit teaching in a Special Education setting?

The following skills would make you a great asset to a special needs setting:

– Commitment to working with pupils with special educational needs

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

– Initiative and problem-solving skills

– A strong ability to manage confrontation and challenging behaviour

– Team working skills

– Organisational skills

– An observant and responsive approach

– Flexibility – it is important to be able to respond to the needs of the children and adapt or change plans accordingly

– A positive, energetic and enthusiastic outlook

– Patience, understanding and empathy with both pupils and parents

– A sense of humour!

How can I make the change?

Why not ask your agency if they can arrange a few trial days for you in different types of Special Education schools, this is a great way to not only gain experience but get more of an understanding about special education without committing to a job.

Our Special Education team offer taster days within special needs settings.

Working in SEND changes lives. You can too.

Teachers and support staff who work with Engage have spent over 700,000 hours in more than 3,400 vacancies in SEND schools, changing lives and meeting the various and often complex needs of SEND pupils.

Whether you have years of SEND experience, or you’re just starting out, find out how you can have an impact by registering today. Your own personal SEND consultant will work with you hand in hand to find your dream job in a SEND vacancy.

Speak to Education Support

If you find you’re struggling during the holidays, our partners at the Education Support Partnership are on hand throughout the holidays to assist. From short-term financial aid to counselling, advice, or just a friendly chat, the Education Support Partnership was created to help teachers when they need it. (Just call them at 08000 562 561.)

If you’re a teacher with Engage, you can benefit from the full Employee Assistance Programme, which includes up to six sessions of face-to-face telephone counselling, access to online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), financial and legal information, and more.

You can find out more on the Education Support Partnership’s website. If you’d like more information on how we support our teachers throughout their career, check out the Employee Assistance Programme and all our other benefits.