As the number of Special Educational Needs (SEN) students increases, specialist SEN teachers, SEN tutors, and SEN teaching assistants have never been in more demand. SEN educators don't only teach learners with special needs; they give students a sense of understanding that can be difficult to find elsewhere. 

In the UK, pupils with special educational needs have increased in recent years. In 2023, 17.5% of all pupils were classified as having SEN. This is up from 16.5% in 2022. According to the DfE,over 1.5 million pupils in England have special educational needs. And with delays in assessments, the number of pupils with SEN could be far higher. 

In 2024, opportunities for qualified SEN teachers and for those wanting to move into SEN are growing. Dive into a rewarding career and discover the unique benefits that come with specialising in this area. 

What is SEN?

SEN is a broad term that covers any pupil with learning difficulties in school. Neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD are also included in this term. Each learning condition has its own set of challenges and will vary from pupil to pupil. These include

• Dyslexia

• Dyscalculia

• Dyspraxia

• Autism 

• Asperger's syndrome

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Why SEN is a rewarding career 

In SEN, you may have a more challenging career in education than most. You may have to deal with more behavioural and emotional challenges.SEN pupils are two to five times more likely to be excluded in comparison to non-SEN students. Despite the challenges, SEN is fun, and it enables you to be creative with how you teach classes. Teaching SEN can give you greater freedom. 

In a special education setting, you work with smaller classes and can build better relationships. SEN teachers see the direct impact of their work. As a SEN teacher, your definition of success is different from that of teaching mainstream classes. Seeing students understand something they’ve been struggling with is rewarding. With extra support and a greater understanding of neurodiversity today, it is not uncommon for SEN students to get top grades and university places. 

Teamwork makes the dream work

Working in SEN, you will work with all stakeholders, including parents, carers, other teachers, educational psychologists, counsellors, and other SEN support staff. Teamwork is key and you’ll be working with a larger community that cares and wants the best for SEN students. 

Developing skills

Working in SEN, you will develop new skills and hone existing ones. Most SEN educators report that their interpersonal and communication skills improve. Working in special education will help you become a more patient teacher and person. As SEN covers a broad spectrum and every learner is different, your skills, knowledge, experience, and understanding will evolve. 

SEN support staff 

Teaching assistants are an important part of SEN provision. Besides supporting teachers, they help students with classroom tasks, speak to parents, and give emotional and behavioural support. 

It is easy for SEN learners to get left behind. Specialist SEN tutors can help learners keep up with their peers and enjoy the classroom and learning environment. Tutors are different from SEN teachers. They often support one learner or a small group of pupils to achieve learning goals. They tailor the experience to suit a learner’s learning style. 

Career development 

Stats from National Careers show the average salary of an SEN teacher starting their career at £30,000 per year. With experience, annual earnings can increase to around £46,000. Teachers enjoy job security, life-long learning, and career progression. 

SEN teachers and support staff are resilient and have specific skills. These skills are transferable in both education and the business world. Whether you choose to stay in teaching or move into a different sector, SEN experience is well sought after.

Making a difference in many lives

In Efthymiou & Kington, 2017, research suggested that classroom teacher behaviour had the greatest impact on children with SEN. This area of education can be one of the most rewarding jobs for the right type of person. 

The reasons why people work in SEN are countless. While some have a calling to impact the lives of disadvantaged pupils, others see SEN teaching as making a difference in the education system. SEN teachers and SEN support staff enjoy witnessing their investment in nurturing and helping pupils grow. 

Working within SEN needs skill, patience, and training.If you’re patient, compassionate, and interested in long-term results, SEN is for you. To find out about working in SEN and discuss the roles open to you, contact Holden Knight.