How to become a special needs teacher?

Alternative routes to become a special needs teacher?

• I would like to teach children with special needs but I do not want to go the route of teaching mainstream school first. I have a 1st Class Bachelor of Arts Degree and experience of teaching special need children in Kenya so I am a good candidate. I am just having trouble finding out what my options are. I am more than willing to embark upon training courses, a masters degree, whatever is required, I just need to know what is required. I'm in the UK by the way.

• Answer:

  You will still need a full teaching qualification for example a PGCE or Cert Ed. The PGCE for primary teaching offers (at most institutions) an option to specialise in teaching children with SEN. this would probably be your best option, you will not be allowed to teach in the UK without being properly qualified. Alternatively, you could volunteer or get a Learning support assistant or additional skills mentor position at a local school and get the same qualifications through the workplace.