Written by Fatma Demirci / Mother, ABA Therapist, SEN TA
In special education, the most important support is the family. As the old saying goes, nobody looks after your interests as carefully as you do yourself. Families of children with special needs know this first-hand. Whether at home or abroad, the cornerstone of special education is the family. But at times families can feel helpless and need a teacher. So, are there special education teachers in England?
To answer this question, we first need to understand how you become a teacher in England.
How Do You Become a Teacher in England?
To become a primary school teacher in England, you need to have achieved certain grades in science, maths and English at secondary level. You then need to complete an undergraduate degree in any subject.
Candidates who want a teaching qualification apply for a one-year university programme (PGCE – Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and gain experience through placements lasting a few months. Part of a placement can be done in a special school. There are also shorter teacher training routes offered by some institutions. However, what these programmes cover about special education is usually superficial, and may be limited to a few sessions or a single placement.
Once qualified, you can work as a teacher in any primary school, and even in special primary or secondary schools.
Can You Teach Without a Qualification?
In England, even without a teaching qualification, you can work in special education if you meet certain conditions. For example:
- If you're a university graduate (and sometimes even without a degree) and have experience in special education, you may be hired by a special school.
- You can work as an unqualified teacher or as an overseas teacher.
For example, after working as a primary or secondary teacher for 15 years, you could apply for a vacancy at a special school and, if hired, become a special education teacher. In another scenario, you might have worked in a bank for 10 years and want a career change. Once you've gained enough experience, you can move into special education teaching.
In-Service Training and Experience
Schools provide in-service training in certain areas. It's usually delivered by people who have been on similar courses before. If you're lucky, you may get the chance to work with a good sensory therapist or speech therapist at your special school. But the training opportunities the system offers are usually limited.
Becoming a good teacher is shaped by a person's own effort and experience. Whatever the training, there are of course teachers who are genuinely excellent at their job. But they remain the exception.
A Final Word: Are There Special Education Teachers in England?
At this point I'll leave the answer to you: do you think there are special education teachers in England?
Fatma Demirci / Mother, ABA Therapist, SEN TA