Lack of Resources
Special Education Teachers often have limited access to resources and materials that they need in order to teach children with additional needs. This can make it difficult to adapt the curriculum to suit their needs.
Time Constraints
Teachers will likely have to deal with large class sizes, which can make it difficult to give special needs students the individual attention they require.
Limited Professional Support
Special Education Teachers may not have access to the support and assistance they need to help children with SEND fulfil their potential.
High Levels of Stress
Working in SEND can be emotionally and physically draining due to the individual attention and focus required to teach each child effectively and manage their symptoms.
Inadequate Training
Many SEND Teachers and Teaching Assistants are yet to receive adequate training in how to support children with behavioural challenges and complex needs.
Limited Access to Technology
Some children may require special technology to help them learn, but staff may not always have access to it.
Understanding Behaviour
Children with additional needs may exhibit behaviours that challenge.
Communication Difficulties
Many children with SEND have difficulty communicating, which can sometimes make it difficult for Teachers to understand their needs.
Motivation
Pupils with SEND may struggle with low self-esteem, feel anxiety or have a limited attention span, which can make it difficult for teachers to motivate them.
Lack of Support
Teachers may feel isolated and may not have access to the support network they need to help them manage the workload or to seek advice and guidance on how to approach the needs of their students.
So, why do we work in SEND?
I'll be the first to admit, it's not for everyone. But it's an incredibly rewarding role, and I feel lucky to have had the experiences I've had within SEND teaching.
Working with any child can have its challenges. It requires patience, understanding, and commitment, but it also provides a very meaningful and fulfilling way of helping others.
Children with SEND have so much to offer a classroom. Their individual daily challenges, their academic, emotional and social growth, and their ability to see the world with such unique insight has taught me more about myself and broadened my mind more than any other aspect of Teacher life.
With the right training in place, we can overcome these challenges and help our children lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Who could say no to that?
If you are looking for support or to gain a deeper understanding of additional needs and how to create an inclusive environment for all children, head to our SEND Training Suite for courses that support all four areas of SEND - including positive de-escalation, communication and cognitive function and physical difficulties.
Training can help us to understand the best approaches to teaching students with additional needs, how to recognise signs of difficulty, and how to provide appropriate support that meets the individual needs.. Furthermore, training can help us to stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in the field, which can help provide our children and young people with the best possible learning experience.
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