What Does It Take to be a Special Education Teacher?

Do you want to change the lives of specially-abled children by making them familiar with the world of education? Then, working as a special education teacher will be the best choice for you. Being an SEN teacher, you can work one-to-one with learning-disabled students or teach a classroom of developmentally delayed or intellectually disabled students.

You will assess the needs of the students to determine the lesson plans and work with general education teachers as well as superintendents, counselors, and administrators. And you will work with students from preschool through high school.

But how to work as an SEN teacher? Is completing a special education teacher training course enough? Or do you need to focus on other things too? Read on to get the answer –

Have you got your special education degree?

Without having a certification in special education, you could not fulfill your dream of being a special education teacher. So, it would be your fundamental step. Reputable teacher training institutes like APTTI offer three levels of special education teacher training programs – Certificates, Diploma and PG Diploma.

The Certificate course is a 120 hours or 6 months course, where you will learn the basics of special education teaching like methodologies, theories and many more, while the Diploma course sheds light on different disorders along with behavioural problems. And the Post Graduate Diploma in Special Needs training course is a comprehensive program that deals with both child psychology and classroom management.

Does professional support matter?

Well, it’s yes. But that does not mean it is mandatory. When you consider a career as a special education teacher, professional support can make your path smoother. Institutions like APTTI provide support and assistance to those who want to flourish as SEN teachers. After the successful completion of an online teacher training course, they will offer you job assistance and assist you with helpful tips.

What are the characteristics of a special education teacher?

More than most other professions, teaching special needs children need people who have a particular set of qualities. In case you are considering the teaching profession, rest assured that if you get excited about situations where others can give up, you may just be perfect for this life-changing career.

Now, compare your personality traits with the ones listed below to see if teaching special needs children will be the right choice for you –

1. Special education teachers are good-humoured

Having your own well-tuned sense of humour helps lighten your days and invigorate your teaching of specially-abled children. Irrespective of their disabilities, your students can understand when you are enjoying them and their personalities.

2. Good teachers are organised

All students need structure to succeed; however, differently-abled students need it more. Whether you are teaching severely handicapped or mildly dyslexic or intellectually disabled students, you need to provide the class with a physical and academic structure conductive to learning.

3. Accept students as they are

Special education teacher training course provides you with the opportunity to love and appreciate students as they are irrespective of their limitations. You would learn how to understand and encourage students and help them learn well.

4. SEN teachers are creative in teaching methods

The ability to find innovative ways to explain and demonstrate subject matter is one of the most effective characteristics of a special education teacher. Incorporating innovativeness into the classroom will have the benefit of enriching your classroom environment as well.

5. Special education teachers are confident and intuitive

In a classroom that is full of specially-abled children, you need to be self-assured in your decisions and leave no room for self-doubt. Otherwise, you will lose control of the situation.

Some auditory learning disabilities, injuries and other handicaps make special education students awkward communicators. When teaching specially-needs children, you need to be attentive and involve yourself so much that you can foresee the needs of the students and address their concerns when they lack the ability to tell you about them.

6. Special education teachers are optimistic

The tasks that seem simple for other students may seem tiresome and daunting for specially-abled children. Teachers need to motivate them with positivity so that they fund hope in life and work accordingly. Teaching special education means celebrating any victories, whether for long-awaited successes or simple attempts.

7. SEN teachers are dedicated to their students

Taking the opportunity to work with special education students for a long period can be a huge confidence builder for you. Besides, when you are aware of the strengths and weaknesses, no one is better equipped than you to help them. Consider your dedication and whether it can go the distance in meeting the needs of these exceptional students.

So, if you want to be a special education teacher and want to complete a teacher training course for this, then without waiting any more, enroll in an accredited program today! Your dream of becoming an SEN teacher will soon become a reality.

Image Source: Freepik