A special needs teacher job role needs a special kind of person. If you already have a teaching background but are looking to swap roles and help special needs children by giving them the support and attention they need, then you might be wondering what this job role actually entails.
This piece is going to take a look at what you can expect from a special needs teacher job role so that you can decide if it is the right career path for you.
Read on to find out more.
Who Does a Special Needs Teacher Work With?
There are many different special needs that children need extra support for, and you can decide which area you would like to specialize in or learn more about if you are interested in finding a specialty niche. Before you think about a niche you want to go into, make sure to undertake a trusted program such as a dual certification special education first.
The following are just a few examples:
- Early Childhood – This is where teachers facilitate early intervention and work with preschool and younger children who have special needs.
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing–Teachers will need to be able to work with special needs children but also be proficient in sign language and lip reading.
- Visual Impairment – A teacher who is qualified to work with special needs children who are partially or fully blind. This can include teaching children to develop special awareness and work with their impairment and also teachingbraille.
- Physical and Health Impairment – Special needs teachers will need to be qualified to work with those who have physical and health impairments. This can be anything from cerebral palsy, muscle atrophy, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities – Getting a certification for mild and moderate disabilities means that trained special needs teachers are able to help children who struggle with mild to moderate developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges.
- Moderate to Severe Disabilities – Special needs teachers can obtain a certification to help children with more moderate to severe disabilities or challenges. This can be any of the above that impact a child severely and can include other issues such as combined problems.
Provide Specialist Support
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of being a special needs teacher is that the role is designed to provide specialist support for those who need it. Helping children reach their potential and stay on track is a crucial aspect for any child to do their best.
Make It Personal
Special needs teachers will know that not one rule fits all. Different children will need different settings and different levels of breaks and could also benefit from more one on one teaching. This is why personalized learning can make such a difference.
Adapt the Curriculum
This role will give you the skills to adapt the curriculum so that those you support are able to get the most out of the work assigned. Being able to personalize a process or instructions for a child could be the difference between them understanding and enjoying something or the opposite.
