How can I move into special education?

Question

I currently work in a mainstream primary school. I have a small amount of experience working with SEN children but I would love to improve my knowledge and my experience.

Would a special school employ me despite limited training and experience? How can I go about getting experience?

Answer 1

probably as a teacher's aid

Answer 2

In OK you need to be trained as a SPED teacher. Where do you live? Call the state Board fo ED there. OR a local college.

Answer 3

Would they employ you?

YES you have child/education experience and a desire and are willing to train!

You could be a classroom assistant, nursery unit assistant, play worker etc in a school.

How do you get experience?

-Ask to do some volunteer shifts either in special school or in a main school where they have children in mainstream or have 'special' classes/extra support classes.

-Speak to local SENCO or LEA SENCO to ask if they know anywhere you can volunteer.

-Open Uni has a special educational needs course (non-degree)

Answer 4

find out about EBD schools in your area maybe even see if you can volunteer-it really depends on how needy the school are i mean if your up against people with ebd experience then you may not get it but if i were you id scoot around and keep putting in for those jobs at worst they can say no but even the interviews are good experience

Answer 5

If you have a BE.d or PGCE (UK) then you can move from mainstream teaching to special needs, especially, if you are in the early stages of your career as you are cheap enough to employ and are willing to learn! Maybe take a post grad certificate or diploma in a specialist area or there are courses which are generally  in special needs.

Within your mainstream setting, try and show more of an interest and focus on your special needs pupils, which might put you in good stead to attend more specialist courses, which will make the transition into SEN easier.Also  you could try helping out with SEN playgroups in the holidays.

Answer 6

Depends on what your degree is in. I know in NY state, you need a degree in Sped in order to teach in these schools. However, a great way to assimilate into Special Schools are to work in a CTT (collaborative team teach) class where you can be the mainstream teacher and you would have a special ed teacher teaching alongside and your classroom would consist of both special ed students and regular ed. It's a great way to see both worlds and decide what you want to do. Volunteering at different organizations like Council for Execeptional Children, special olympics, etc. is a great way for employers to see ur dedication to these amazing people.

Answer 7

Are you a teacher , LSA or TA?

Teachers are sometimes required to have SEN training.

If you are a TA or LSA you do not really need much experience in SEN to move from mainstream to Special school. If you are able to go without pay for a while, you can always volunteer in a special school or unit, Schools will always be happy for volunteers.

You could many take a part time course at college to get some qualification, but I think you should volunteer at a local SEN unit or school, or just go for a job and learn as you go. I have worked with children with SEN for the past 4 years and I am still learning things now.

Answer 8

Speak to your SENCO/Inclusion manager, they're usually informed about one day workshops/seminars run by Local Authority service providers, which may be of interest to you.  If you can speak to the professionals who visit the school, Educational Psychologists (EP), Speech & Language Therapists, etc - you could also ring their services, particularly the EPS or those who have charge of the additional needs services (Autism Team, Language Support Team, etc).  

You could also take the bull by the horns & ring one of the special schools in your area, someone should be able to tell you what they look for.  Watch your Local Authority website, vacancies for school jobs are usually advertised there, so it should give you an idea of what they're looking.