SNA advice

Anon05

Hi all, I am looking for some advice please. Im considering a career change as a SNA teacher, I have no experience. Does anyone know what qualifications would be required and if there are many jobs available. I have heard from some that job security is an issue in this field.

I would appreciate any advice.

Many thanks

byhookorbycrook

SNAs are being cut left right and centre . In any application for an SNA, the school must submit a plan on how to reduce dependency on an SNA - in reality, to make it easy for the SENO to remove SNA access down the line.

When an SNA loses their job, they go on a panel and those SNAs will get jobs before any newcomers.

"The minimum qualification necessary for appointment as a Special Need Assistant is an award of Grade D (or pass) in Irish, English and Mathematics in the Intermediate Certificate/Junior Certificate or the Day Vocational Certificate Examination or in an examination of equivalent standard." but in reality, most people would have Fetac qualifications.

TitianGerm

Anon05 wrote: »

Hi all, I am looking for some advice please. Im considering a career change as a SNA teacher, I have no experience. Does anyone know what qualifications would be required and if there are many jobs available. I have heard from some that job security is an issue in this field.

I would appreciate any advice.

Many thanks

An SNA isn't a teacher though are they? I thought to be an SNA you only need a FETAC level 3 or 4?

Would you consider yourself to have any transferrable skills from your current role? That might be able to help you stand out from other candidates in an interview.

Purple Mountain

Hi.
I am in the same boat. This area really appeals to me also.
Where are the SNA jobs advertised usually so I can gauge what's coming up?
How does someone get experience in this area in order to look favorable for employment?
I see there are FETAC courses being offered- has anyone any knowledge of these?
TIA

Moonbeam

SNAs need no qualifications to work in primary and secondary schools but it helps to have the component certificates in Special needs @Fetac/QQI level 5 and 6 and experience working with children with disabilities.
To work in pre-school it requires a full QQi award
Jobs are advertised @ http://www.educationposts.ie/

happyday

Purple Mountain wrote: »

Hi.
I am in the same boat. This area really appeals to me also.
Where are the SNA jobs advertised usually so I can gauge what's coming up?
How does someone get experience in this area in order to look favorable for employment?
I see there are FETAC courses being offered- has anyone any knowledge of these?
TIA

Just saw this question now. Subbing as an SNA gets you the necessary experience. Drop CVs into local schools. Try to talk to the principal or secretary. It all helps on your CV.

ceekay74

Hi all, has there been more SNA jobs coming on line these days?

Also, I'd love to hear the experiences of any SNA's out there. Would you recommend pursing this as a career?

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

fmpisces

ceekay74 wrote: »

Hi all, has there been more SNA jobs coming on line these days?

Also, I'd love to hear the experiences of any SNA's out there. Would you recommend pursing this as a career?

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

Hi ceekay74,

It was announced in Budget 2018 last October that there would be an increase of 1,000 SNA's over the coming year. 130 were to be allocated to schools between January and June this year, and the remainder to be allocated over the next school year. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/more-than-1-000-extra-special-needs-assistants-allocated-for-next-year-1.3318088

We are to find out in May this year of individual school allocation of SNA's for September.

Would I recommend a job as an SNA - for sure. But I do believe it's not for everyone. I believe you need to absolutely love kids and have a high amount of patience! My experience is in special needs education - 4 years now - so I have another 30 years in the job hopefully as long as I remain fit and able I'm sure that working in a mainstream environment is quite different.

I can't really pinpoint one specific perk of the job, for me, there's many. I really believe that we make a difference in the lives of the children we work with, so that is extremely rewarding. Hugs - we get plenty of them and it's just priceless (especially when you're not "cool" enough to get them from your own kids anymore!) It's lovely to be a part of each child's journey through school and see them grow and develop along the way - that's special.

The money is not bad for the hours worked, but we definitely earn our money. It's great having weekends off, pretty much the same holidays as my own kids, no need for childcare, paid holidays too.

At the moment the worst thing for me is lack of job security. I'm the last one in so have to wait until May to see where I stand in terms of seniority. Not so much a bad thing but the job can be physically and/or mentally challenging at times, but I do quite enjoy a challenge.

If you're seriously considering it as a career path, I'd look into at the very minimum getting a FETAC level 5 in SNA. Thing is, you'll find that other applicants may have higher qualifications in childcare or special Ed. and so that's what you're up against. Even with experience in the area it's pretty much like a toss of the coin (in my experience, at least) in that you might have the experience and a level 5 buy come up against someone with a level 6 and little/no experience. At the end of the day it's down to the individual school. I'd also recommend you do some work experience in a school (you'll need to get Garda clearance but can do that through the school) and make yourself available for subbing (substituting).

Shout if you'd like any more info

byhookorbycrook

The 1,000 SNA posts sound great, until you realise that many will have to go to existing SNAs in schools whose current charges have left or lost access.More spin, I'm afraid.