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 teaching 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.

Join Engage to fast-track your career

Irish teachers working in England can experience much better job opportunities and faster career progression than they might expect in Ireland. In addition, Irish teachers who register with Engage receive comprehensive relocation support from our Dublin-based team of former teachers from the moment they get in touch.

To secure reliable full-time work in England, register with Engage Education.