Special Education Needs Teacher
Enugu International Preparatory School
full-time
A Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher supports pupils who have additional learning needs, disabilities, communication difficulties, behavioural needs, or other barriers to learning. The teacher works closely with pupils, parents, classroom teachers, school leaders, and other professionals to ensure that every child has appropriate opportunities to learn and participate.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Identify Special Educational Needs
Observe pupils and identify possible learning, communication, behavioural, social, emotional, or physical needs.
Use appropriate assessments and classroom observations to identify areas requiring additional support.
Maintain accurate records of pupils' needs and progress.
Refer concerns to the appropriate school leadership or specialist professionals when necessary.
Develop Individualised Learning Plans
Prepare Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or other appropriate support plans.
Set realistic, measurable and achievable learning targets for individual pupils.
Review targets regularly and adjust support according to pupils' progress.
Ensure that learning plans are aligned with the school's curriculum and pupils' individual needs.
Provide Individual and Small-Group Support
Deliver targeted intervention programmes.
Provide one-to-one or small-group teaching where appropriate.
Adapt teaching methods, activities and resources to meet individual learning needs.
Support pupils in developing literacy, numeracy, communication, social and independent-learning skills.
Adapt the Curriculum
Differentiate lessons to make learning accessible to pupils with additional needs.
Modify tasks, instructions, assessment methods and learning resources where necessary.
Use multisensory and practical approaches to support different learning styles.
Work with classroom teachers to ensure pupils can access the curriculum.
Monitor and Assess Progress
Assess pupils' learning and development regularly.
Track progress against individual targets.
Keep appropriate records of interventions and outcomes.
Use assessment information to plan future teaching and interventions.
Promote Inclusion
Promote the participation of pupils with additional needs in classroom and school activities.
Encourage acceptance, respect and positive relationships among pupils.
Help remove barriers that prevent pupils from participating fully in school life.
Advocate for the educational and developmental needs of pupils.
Support Behaviour and Social Development
Develop positive strategies for managing challenging behaviour.
Help pupils develop self-regulation, confidence and appropriate social skills.
Work with teachers and parents to establish consistent approaches to behaviour.
Encourage pupils to develop independence and responsibility.
Work with Parents and Carers
Maintain regular and professional communication with parents and carers.
Share information about pupils' progress, strengths and areas requiring further support.
Provide practical suggestions for supporting learning at home.
Participate in meetings concerning pupils' educational needs.
Collaborate with Other Professionals
Work closely with classroom teachers, teaching assistants and school leadership.
Liaise with relevant specialists such as educational psychologists, speech and language professionals, occupational therapists and other support services where appropriate.
Contribute information to assessments and multidisciplinary meetings.
Implement recommendations from relevant professionals within the school setting.
Support Teaching Assistants
Guide teaching assistants working with pupils with SEN.
Provide advice on appropriate classroom strategies and interventions.
Help ensure that support staff promote pupils' independence rather than creating unnecessary dependence.
Create a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Establish an inclusive classroom environment where pupils feel valued and respected.
Ensure learning spaces and resources are accessible and appropriate.
Promote pupils' emotional wellbeing and confidence.
Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns appropriately.
Maintain Professional Records
Keep confidential records of assessments, support plans, interventions and progress.
Document meetings and communications relating to pupils' SEN provision.
Ensure records are accurate, up to date and handled confidentially.
Contribute to School SEN Policy and Practice
Contribute to the development and implementation of the school's SEN policy.
Help evaluate the effectiveness of SEN interventions.
Share good practice with colleagues.
Participate in staff training and professional development relating to inclusive education.
Promote Independence and Life Skills
Teach pupils skills that enable them to become increasingly independent.
Encourage communication, organisation, problem-solving and self-help skills.
Support pupils in developing confidence and making appropriate choices.
Safeguarding and Professional Responsibilities
Follow the school's safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour and inclusion policies.
Report safeguarding concerns through the appropriate procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Attend staff meetings, training sessions and relevant professional development activities.
Core Qualities of an Effective SEN Teacher
Patience and empathy
Excellent communication skills
Strong observation and assessment skills
Creativity and flexibility in teaching
Good knowledge of inclusive teaching strategies
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Commitment to safeguarding and child protection
Strong organisational skills
Respect for individual differences
Commitment to every child's progress and wellbeing