Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for SEN Teacher

💰 $40,000 - $65,000

EducationSpecial EducationTeaching

🎯 Role Definition

A SEN (Special Educational Needs) Teacher is responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing educational programs for students with a range of learning difficulties, disabilities, or additional needs. This role involves creating individualized learning plans, collaborating with support staff and parents, and implementing strategies that promote inclusion, engagement, and academic progress.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Classroom Teacher
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Special Needs Support Staff

Advancement To:

  • SEN Coordinator (SENCO)
  • Lead SEN Teacher
  • Deputy Head or Head of Inclusion

Lateral Moves:

  • Educational Therapist
  • Learning Support Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assess and identify students’ learning needs, strengths, and challenges.
  • Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with SEN.
  • Deliver differentiated teaching strategies and interventions tailored to each student.
  • Monitor and track students’ academic, social, and emotional progress.
  • Collaborate with classroom teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff to integrate SEN strategies.
  • Provide guidance and training to staff on inclusive teaching methods and SEN best practices.
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress, assessments, and interventions.
  • Conduct assessments, screenings, and evaluations to measure student development.
  • Liaise with parents, guardians, and caregivers to provide updates and involve them in planning.
  • Coordinate with external specialists such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports all learners.
  • Adapt learning resources, lesson plans, and activities to meet diverse student needs.
  • Implement behavior management strategies to support students’ social and emotional development.
  • Lead small group interventions or one-on-one support sessions for students requiring additional assistance.
  • Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings to ensure comprehensive support for students.
  • Contribute to curriculum development that is inclusive and accessible.
  • Support students transitioning between classes, year groups, or schools.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEN legislation, policies, and best practices.
  • Provide mentoring and coaching to junior staff or trainee teachers in SEN methodologies.
  • Advocate for students’ needs to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory educational performance analysis.
  • Contribute to the school’s SEN strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with administration to align SEN programs with broader school initiatives.
  • Participate in professional development and training sessions for continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Knowledge of SEN teaching strategies, interventions, and inclusive education practices.
  • Ability to develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
  • Understanding of assessment tools and educational frameworks for SEN students.
  • Familiarity with curriculum adaptation and differentiation techniques.
  • Experience with behavior management and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Ability to collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, including therapists and specialists.
  • Knowledge of legal requirements, policies, and safeguarding for SEN education.
  • Competence in tracking student progress and generating reports.
  • Use of assistive technology and educational software for SEN support.
  • Ability to create accessible learning materials and resources.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, parents, and staff.
  • Patience, empathy, and emotional intelligence when supporting diverse learners.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic classroom environments.
  • Collaboration and teamwork with educators, support staff, and external professionals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Postgraduate qualification or certification in Special Educational Needs.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Special Education
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Child Development

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2–5 years teaching experience, preferably including SEN or inclusive education experience.

Preferred:

  • Experience developing and delivering individualized education plans and interventions for students with diverse learning needs.
Explore More Careers