Working in SEN – Is it right for you?

Hello, my name is Torren, and I am an Account Manager at anzuk. My portfolio of schools consists of SEN and Special Development settings located all over the South/South East region of Victoria. Stepping into my role at anzuk was a new and exciting experience for me, although I had been working within the disability sector in a variety of one-on-one and group settings, I had no experience within the educational system specifically. Upon learning about the role and the types of schools that I’d be working alongside, I knew this would be an opportunity for me to utilise my previous experiences while working with likeminded individuals.

Growing up as a child on the spectrum, only being diagnosed in my mid-teens, I became accustomed to difficulties in school when it came to learning, retaining information and relationship building. After my first (incorrect) diagnosis, it became very clear to me that I needed to work much harder than my peers to keep up. It has taken me years to understand and accept the way my brain is wired and while plenty of us may have struggled at times, there often comes a point where we develop coping mechanisms to move forward and steer ourselves in the right direction. Unfortunately for some, taking the reins and moving forward is met with too many hurdles, which see’s traditional school environments unable to provide the much-needed resources.

Working in an SEN setting can be very beneficial and could even become an integral part of your personal and professional growth. SEN settings can offer an educator many opportunities and can help prepare you for many school settings, unique situations, and environments. Not to mention SEN experience on a resume or CV is something that many schools see as an asset, as it shows a high level of commitment and empathy for students from all walks of life. It shows a potential employer that as an educator, you have been able to step into a setting that can be very unpredictable and continue to thrive.

For this piece, I asked Google “what makes a good teacher?” Here’s what popped up…

Good teachers empathise with their students no matter their background or ability, respect the pace at which they learn and adjust their teaching accordingly. You should also have the emotional intelligence to recognise when your students are struggling outside the classroom.

Settings that require a more focused and personal learning experience should never be seen as just another day at work. As an educator, you’re not only teaching these kids academically but also providing them with skills to be able to progress in a world that isn’t always fully accessible to them. You’re not just teaching them to read and write, you’re providing them with an equal opportunity within the education system.

As a new educator, SEN schools can help increase your self-confidence and overall experience within the classroom. It can encourage you to try different approaches to a variety of situations while offering greater exposure and development as a teacher.

If you’re an experienced educator, wanting to try something new, SEN may be exactly what you need. Working in the same field year after year can sometimes leave you feeling stuck and uninspired. Stepping into a new environment that presents the same values but a change in structure and routine, could be just the thing you need.

While SEN classrooms often vary with student numbers, levels of education, as well as different capabilities and levels of care, some settings will see you working in collaboration alongside other Teachers and TA’s. Our SEN schools require a large variety of educators, which enables you to utilize any specific qualifications that you have. From Physical Education to Food Tech, Performing Arts to Creative Writing, just to name a few.

So now I would like to personally extend an invitation to anyone interested in working within an SEN setting. Coming from a background in Disability Work, Community Services, and non-profit fundraising, I can offer you a detailed and informative outlook on what you can expect emotionally and physically while working within the SEN sector. While this avenue may be way out of your comfort zone initially, who knows where it may lead you and how it may impact your future goals and aspirations. There’s no time like now so why not get in touch and see if there’s a school that’s right for you?

For more information on working in SEN with anzuk click here.

To speak with me and learn more, please email me: Torren.s@anzuk.education

Thanks for reading.