Switching to special education

[InTheFamilyTree]

Hi special needs teachers,

I taught in a mainstream secondary for a few years, then left in 2013 to pursue an MA related to psychology and counselling. I'm interested in teaching kids with complex needs (primary/secondary age), and gained some experience as a student counsellor to kids with PMLD.

Any advice on how to make the move to work in special schools, either as a teacher of therapist? I have small kids of my own and don't feel able to work FT until the youngest is in school but not sure about PT opportunities.

TIA

*teacher OR therapist

I do supply teaching in a SEN specialist school - 2-19+ - this is a really good way to gain experience with a huge range of children with varying needs, including complex and profound difficulties. I'm currently in the 16+ setting but have covered early years, primary and secondary. I was previously a mainstream primary teacher and have also worked as a TA in a secondary SEN hub. PT would be fine - I currently work 4 days a week but the supply agency is very flexible.

Thanks LucyW1. Did you do any specific training or prep, or just dived right in?

I dived straight in almost twenty years ago and am still (just about) swimming [ smile]
What helped me -

• lots of experience teaching early years in a mainstream setting with a particular interest in pupils with SEN
• post graduate diploma in psychology
• MA in education, main focus of that being in early years child development
• a fantastic and experienced teacher to work alongside in my first special school job who was generous in sharing her knowledge and skills
• an acceptance that I may be hit/ spat at/ kicked/ scratched / bitten without provocation or warning in the middle of a previously calm lesson

-sprinting skills to run after absconders - some pupils are very fast

• a sense of humour and a willingness to (mostly) see the funny side of challenging events afterwards
• and I am not bothered by bodily fluids, which is fortunate as snot, spit, poo, wee and vomit have all landed on me over the years.

However, a few weeks of supply teaching would also be great to let you know if it is for you

I love special needs pupils, they are the absolute best and a joy and privilege to work with. I am very sure that had I stayed in mainstream I would have given up teaching years ago as I loath the way teachers are generally treated by the education system, in particular academy chains. Good luck OP, hope you give it a go.

@Sewingbea Both my children have sen and the way you talk about the joy of working with the kids brings a tear to my eye. You really make and difference to children like mine.

Thanks for your responses everyone. I'm going to sign up and try and get some TA agency work to build up my confidence, feel a bit rusty right now. So you may well here from me again

That's a great idea - I felt very similar to you but dived straight in. I was nervous at first and wanted TA work to start with but actually, the support staff are so fantastic, teaching was absolutely fine. Good luck!

Also depends if you need to be earning straight away.

You could offer to volunteer if not