EducationISCO 2352

Special educational needs teacher

Special educational needs teachers work with and teach children, young people, and adults with an intellectual or physical disability. They use a range of specialised concepts, strategies and tools to optimise learners' communication, mobility, autonomy, and social integration. They select teaching methods and support resources to enable individual learners to maximise their potential for independent living.

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Check yourself in a minute: special educational needs teacher

Rate 5 of the 30 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

handle children's problems

stimulate students' independence

prepare lesson content

assess the development of youth

provide specialised instruction for special needs students

Do You Have the Skills for This Role?

Core competency requirements inferred from the occupation's skill profile. Take the free assessment to see how you match.

Must-Have Skills (Advanced)

CommunicationAdvanced

Developing PeopleAdvanced

Supporting Skills

Creative ThinkingIntermediate

AdaptabilityIntermediate

Digital FluencyIntermediate

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European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (30)

special needs learning equipmentspecial needs learning equipmentThe materials used by a special needs teacher for training students with special educational needs in their classes, more specifically tools such as sensory equipment and equipment for stimulating mot...social developmentsocial developmentThe learning process of a child through social interaction. Among the various activities that it encompasses, social development supports children in obtaining and fortifying learning skills and havin...disability caredisability careThe specific methods and practices used in providing care to people with physical, intellectual and learning disabilities.disability typesdisability typesThe nature and types of disabilities affecting the human beings such as physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional or developmental and the specific needs and access requirements of disabled peop...instructional strategiesinstructional strategiesThe techniques that instructors use to deliver lessons. The aim of these strategies is to make students become more involved in the learning process.curriculum objectivescurriculum objectivesThe goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.special needs educationspecial needs educationThe teaching methods, equipment and settings used to support students with special needs in achieving succes in school or community.handle children's problemshandle children's problemsPromote the prevention, early detection, and management of children`s problems, focusing on developmental delays and disorders, behavioural problems, functional disabilities, social stresses, mental d...stimulate students' independencestimulate students' independenceEncourage students with special needs to perform tasks independently, without the help from a caregiver and teach them personal independence skills.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.assess the development of youthassess the development of youthEvaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.provide specialised instruction for special needs studentsprovide specialised instruction for special needs studentsInstruct students in need of specialised attention, often in small groups, catering to their individual needs, disorders, and disabilities. Promote the psychological, social, creative or physical deve...monitor children's physical developmentmonitor children's physical developmentRecognise and describe the development of children, observing the following criteria: weight, length, and head size, nutritional requirements, renal function, hormonal influences on development, respo...manage student relationshipsmanage student relationshipsManage the relations between students and between student and teacher. Act as a just authority and create an environment of trust and stability.support the positiveness of youthssupport the positiveness of youthsHelp children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.adapt teaching to student's capabilitiesadapt teaching to student's capabilitiesIdentify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...implement care programmes for childrenimplement care programmes for childrenPerform activities with children according to their physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs by using appropriate tools and equipment that facilitate interaction and learning activities.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...assist students with equipmentassist students with equipmentProvide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.assist children in developing personal skillsassist children in developing personal skillsEncourage and facilitate the development of children's natural curiosity and social and language abilities through creative and social activities such as storytelling, imaginative play, songs, drawing...support children's wellbeingsupport children's wellbeingProvide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.demonstrate when teachingdemonstrate when teachingPresent to others examples of your experience, skills, and competences that are appropriate to specific learning content to help students in their learning.give constructive feedbackgive constructive feedbackProvide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evalu...assist children with special needs in education settingsassist children with special needs in education settingsAssist children with special needs, identifying their needs, modifying classroom equipment to accommodate them and helping them participate in school activities.perform classroom managementperform classroom managementMaintain discipline and engage students during instruction.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.apply intercultural teaching strategiesapply intercultural teaching strategiesEnsure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural ...maintain relations with children's parentsmaintain relations with children's parentsInform children`s parents of the activities planned, program`s expectations and children`s individual progress.encourage students to acknowledge their achievementsencourage students to acknowledge their achievementsStimulate students to appreciate their own achievements and actions to nurture confidence and educational growth.

Optional (35) — show

workplace sanitationworkplace sanitationThe importance of a clean, sanitary workspace for example through use of hand disinfectant and sanitizer, in order to minimise infection risk between colleagues or when working with children.communication related to hearing impairmentcommunication related to hearing impairmentThe phonologic, morphologic and syntactic aspects and characteristics of human communication for individuals affected by hearing impairment.assessment processesassessment processesVarious evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, sum...visual disabilityvisual disabilityImpairment of the ability to naturally discern and process viewed images.hearing disabilityhearing disabilityImpairment of the ability to discern and process sounds naturally.learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.primary school proceduresprimary school proceduresThe inner workings of a primary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.common children's diseasescommon children's diseasesThe symptoms, characteristics, and treatment of diseases and disorders that often affect children, such as the measles, chickenpox, asthma, the mumps, and head lice.mobility disabilitymobility disabilityImpairment of the ability to physically move naturally.behavioural disordersbehavioural disordersThe often emotionally disruptive types of behaviour a child or adult can show, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).secondary school proceduressecondary school proceduresThe inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.development delaysdevelopment delaysThe condition in which a child or adult needs more time to reach certain development milestones than that needed by the average person not affected by a development delay.kindergarten school procedureskindergarten school proceduresThe inner workings of a kindergarten, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, policies, and regulations.teach sign languageteach sign languageInstruct students with hearing impairments in the theory and practice of sign language, and more specifically in the understanding, use, and interpretation of these signs.consult students on learning contentconsult students on learning contentTake students' opinions and preferences into consideration when determining learning content.support people with hearing impairmentsupport people with hearing impairmentAccompany the hearing-impaired to facilitate communication in various situations, such as training, work or administrative procedures. If necessary, gather information before appointments.escort students on a field tripescort students on a field tripAccompany students on an educational trip outside the school environment and ensure their safety and cooperation.liaise with educational support staffliaise with educational support staffCommunicate with education management, such as the school principal and board members, and with the education support team such as the teaching assistant, school counsellor or academic advisor on issu...teach primary education class contentteach primary education class contentInstruct primary school students in the theory and practice of a variety of subjects, such as mathematics, languages, and nature studies, building the course content based on students' existing knowle...maintain students' disciplinemaintain students' disciplineMake sure students follow the rules and code of behaviour established in the school and take the appropriate measures in case of violation or misbehaviour.provide learning supportprovide learning supportProvide the necessary support to students with general learning difficulties in literacy and numeracy to facilitate learning by assessing the learner’s development needs and preferences. Design formal...teach secondary education class contentteach secondary education class contentInstruct students in the theory and practice of the secondary school course of your specialisation, taking into account the age of the students and modern teaching methods.manage resources for educational purposesmanage resources for educational purposesIdentify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.promote the safeguarding of young peoplepromote the safeguarding of young peopleUnderstand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.use learning strategiesuse learning strategiesUse different channels of perception, learning styles, strategies and methods to acquire knowledge, know-how, skills and competences.teach kindergarten class contentteach kindergarten class contentInstruct pre-primary students in basic learning principles, in preparation for future formal learning. Teach them the principles of certain basic subjects such as number, letter, and colour recognitio...teach brailleteach brailleInstruct visually impaired or blind students in the theory and practice of braille, more specifically in the writing and understanding of braille, the alphabet, and the writing system.perform playground surveillanceperform playground surveillanceObserve students' recreational activities to ensure student safety and well-being and intervene when necessary.advise on lesson plansadvise on lesson plansAdvise on the ways in which lesson plans for specific lessons can be improved in order to reach education goals, engage the students and adhere to the curriculum.attend to children's basic physical needsattend to children's basic physical needsTend to children by feeding them, dressing them, and, if necessary, regularly changing their diapers in a sanitary manner.teach digital literacyteach digital literacyInstruct students in the theory and practice of (basic) digital and computer competency, such as typing efficiently, working with basic online technologies, and checking email. This also includes coac...provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.organise creative performanceorganise creative performanceOrganise an event in which participants can express their creativity, such as putting on a dance, theatre, or talent show.liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...facilitate motor skill activitiesfacilitate motor skill activitiesOrganise activities that stimulate children's motor skills, especially the more challenged children in a special education context.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

early years special educational needs teacher27 shared essential skills special educational needs teacher primary school25 shared essential skills early years teacher22 shared essential skills Freinet school teacher22 shared essential skills Montessori school teacher22 shared essential skills teacher of talented and gifted students22 shared essential skills special educational needs teacher secondary school19 shared essential skills primary school teacher18 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a special educational needs teacher do?

What skills does a special educational needs teacher need?

A special educational needs teacher needs 30 essential skills, including special needs learning equipment, social development, disability care, disability types, instructional strategies.

Will AI replace special educational needs teacher jobs?

The AI disruption score for special educational needs teacher is 10/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: disability types, provide lesson materials, secondary school procedures. Most resilient: attend to children's basic physical needs, support children's wellbeing, visual disability.