Further education qualifications to SEN teaching

fogfurn

Hi looking for guidance and or opinions

so I’m a qualified further education teacher teaching in youth reach s as although my job description is resource worker

im a practical subject teacher I’ve many year’s experience working with young people with many different learning abilities or disability and also with many different health issues

I’m TC registered under route 3

so I’ve seen a secondary school advertisement for a 22 hr SEN teacher and I’m interested in applying

so my question is would anyone here know or think because of my TC route would I have a good opportunity in getting this job

please I would love to know your thoughts or recommendations

CraftySue

I'm not sure if Route 3 is recognized for teaching in secondary school- you would need to contact the teaching council for an accurate answer. Depending on where you are based and the need for teachers in that area, there is always the possibility of being called and succeeding at an interview, but your contract and rate of pay could be that of an unqualified teacher. A lot of SEN teachers have a secondary teaching qualification and a SEN teaching qualification.

If you are working in Youthreach and have an interest in SEN, look into department-funded postgraduate diplomas in special education. I understand teachers in youthreach are prioritized due to the learning needs of students https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/287980/c7a854f7-bfe8-45f4-acaf-15115b9bfbae.pdf#page=null.

However, even with the above qualification, you may need a secondary qualification.

Look into the possibility as well with the teaching council of being recognised to teach in special schools.

I would seriously advise you to look into the postgrad in SEN while working in Youthreach. If you decide to leave then, it's an attractive qualification to have when looking for other jobs in that area. If you leave and want to do it later- it can be difficult to get into, or very expensive in other colleges.

R11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121924093#Comment_121924093

I'm thinking of applying for the post grad in SEN in DCU? Anyone here do it? What's the workload like? I imagine it's pretty tough going while trying to juggle teaching also...

fogfurn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121924093#Comment_121924093

Hi thankyou yes I kind of knew that

so basically I’m in my fifties and kind of feel let down by the system of not been recognised for teaching and that is very important to me. If I knew about that SEN PG I would have done it instead of the further education PME

its not to late but I just want to be recognised for what I do. I know I have a job and many people wouldn’t care if their recognised but it’s important to me

ive been accepted into a PG educational leadership and management in MU but now I think I might change it to SEN qualification

CraftySue

I worked as a resource worker in youthreach for years, so I understand where you are coming from. I was qualified secondary, but completed the SEN before I left, and it helped. Get in contact with the teaching council to see where you stand/ what you need to do. Also look into other areas like occupational therapy and speech and language postgrads, they might be of interest.

fogfurn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121927301#Comment_121927301

Oh thanks very much I’ve sent email to TC waiting for reply. Impossible to get on phone today. I’m going to apply for the SEN program to and definitely look into occupational therapy

thanks so much

dells35

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058342865/further-education-qualifications-to-sen-teaching

Hi just wondering did you find an answer for this?

Just Curious,

I myself am registered with the teaching council through route 3 .

I have some experience as tutor in my field

Recently I left my full time job ,and have some work subbing lined up through subseeker as I saw on the teaching council that any teacher (primary,post primary,further education,or student teacher) can sub in any school

Screenshot_20240507_190548_Chrome.jpg

fogfurn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122117792#Comment_122117792

hi I applied for the post SEN teacher but i was not even shortlisted yes I have taught in postprimary to but always as an unqulified rate. you can be registered as a further ed but you will never get a permanent post. you have to have a recognised TC degree for your subject area and also the PME

sandy5615

It sounds like you have a strong foundation for applying to the 22-hour SEN teaching position. Your experience with youth, working across different abilities and health issues, aligns well with the needs of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) role. Since you're already TC registered under route 3 and have extensive practical experience, you likely meet many of the requirements. It could be helpful to highlight your teaching adaptability, resource work experience, and any specific strategies you’ve used with SEN students in your application.

Good luck!

sandy5615

For those considering a shift into SEN teaching, one practical step is to pursue further education courses that align with SEN competencies, such as specific modules in inclusive education or developmental psychology. These qualifications can make a big difference, especially for roles focused on individualized support.