A special needs educator works with students who require extra support to reach their full educational potential. This may include students with physical, sensory, speech/language, learning disabilities, autism, or social/emotional/mental health needs. Special needs educators identify individual student needs and create a safe, supportive learning environment. They assess students, ensure accommodations under the Equality Act, and work closely with parents/guardians. Tips for educators include interacting with students, observing them, and using visual/auditory/tactile clues, with backup plans. Assistive technologies and resources support students with disabilities.

1. SUMMARY OF ASSISTING STUDENTS WITH
SPECIAL NEEDS.
• “A special educational needs (SEN) teacher is specifically employed to work with children
and young people who need extra support, or require an advanced program of learning in
order to reach their full educational potential”.
• “SEN teachers may work with individuals who have physical disabilities, sensory
impairments (i.e. hearing or visual), speech and language difficulties, learning difficulties
such as dyslexia, conditions such as autism, social, emotional and mental health needs,
or have a combination of these difficulties”.
• “A SEN teacher may also work with gifted and talented individuals”.
• “A key aspect of working in this field is identifying individual needs and being responsible
for creating a safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment”.

2. EDUCATING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
• Society has a growing need for educators with skills to accommodate students with
special needs
• There are a variety of resources and educational tools to assist with these disabilities
• I will elaborate on a few of these resources and important tips for educators
working with individuals with special needs.

3. Typical work activities for
special needs educators may
include:
“Assessing children who have long or
short-term learning difficulties and
working with colleagues to identify
individual pupils' special needs”
“Working with the head teacher and
governing body to ensure that the
requirements of the Equality Act (2010)
are met in terms of reasonable
adjustments and access arrangements”
“Working closely with parents and
guardians”

4. Tips for working with
special needs students
As teacher’s role can be very difficult
and educating children with disabilities
can be twice as challenging. Below are a
few tips that can help:
“Interact”.
“Observe”.
“Use visual, auditory and tactile clues”.
“Have a plan and a back up plan”.

5. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL
NEEDS
ADD/ADHD Resources: https://www.teachervision.com/add-
and-adhd/printable/26633.html
ADD/ADHD Resources for Teachers:
https://www.teachervision.com/add-and-adhd/teaching-
methods/5314.html
ADD/ADHD Resources for Parents & Educators
http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/add-
and-adhd/34474.html?wtlAC=sn0402,email-o
What Can Teachers Do To Help a Child with AD/HD?
https://www.teachervision.com/add-and-adhd/teaching-
methods/57949.html

6. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
• For hearing impaired students we will utilize the FM systems.
• FM systems are hearing aids similar to small radios. These devices are useful in all
classroom settings and public areas.
• For students with mild disabilities we will use no-tech items or customized learning
devices to assist with motor skills.
• Web applications for tablets , phones and personal computers may be used for students
with ADD/ADHD

7. REFERENCES
• Http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/10/15/8-important-tips-for-working-with-a-special-
needs-child/. (n.d.).
• Special Needs – Teacher Resources (Grades K-12) - TeacherVision.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.teachervision.com/special-education/teacher-resources/6640.html
• Special educational needs teacher: Job description | Prospects.ac.uk. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/special_educational_needs_teacher_job_description.htm
• 8 Important Tips For Working With A Special Needs Child. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/10/15/8-important-tips-for-working-with-a-special-
needs-child/