A teacher shapes a student’s future like a potter gives different shapes to a lump of clay. You must have encountered this quotation many times, but what does this quotation mean? Well, just like a potter prepares the clay for the future by giving it different shapes and roasting the pots and other materials in the fire, they can fulfill their purpose. The teacher does the same by teaching us, sometimes scolding us so that we get ready for the future, fulfill our purpose, and achieve great things in life.
While the teacher can be considered a potter, the spinning wheel that the potter uses can be considered an assistant or support worker just like, without the wheel, the potter cannot give shape to the clay; without a support worker, it becomes difficult for a teacher to function without an assistant. Especially when the teacher is working with an organization that provides education to children with special needs, the need for a support worker becomes even more crucial.
SEN support worker job is very different from a normal job; having just the right certification is not enough; you will require much more. So, let’s look at what SEN supports worker jobs? What are the requirements to get this job? And what are the duties of an SEN support worker?
Who are SEN support workers?
SEN support workers are teaching assistants who help the teachers educate the children differently and require special education needs. Children who are differently able to have special attention require specially trained teachers and assistants.
Let’s look at the requirements and qualifications required to get an SEN support worker job.
What does it take to be an SEN support worker?
The skills you will require to be an SEN support worker are:
- The ability to be calm in any situation and high patience level.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt.
- Excellence in verbal and communication skills.
- Skills of active listening
- Basic computer knowledge
- Teaching knowledge
- Understanding and sensitivity
Role of an SEN support worker
Let’s take a look at what are the day-to-day tasks of an SEN support worker:
- Get the learning materials prepared under the guidance of the teacher
- Work outside and inside the classroom with groups and individuals
- Take care of the children’s emotional, social, and mental welfare.
- Create a stimulating environment
- Provide the necessary support and information to the teachers.
- Effectively manage the records and attend the review meetings.
- Be co-operative and humble while working with professionals like language and speech therapists and physiotherapists.
Career Opportunities
There are basically four ways to get into this job; you can get started with this job through:
- College courses
- Volunteering
- Directly applying
- An apprentice
Conclusion
Many students in the U.K. require special education needs. Hence there is a constant demand for SEN Teachers and SEN Support Workers. Hence this could prove to be a good career opportunity, but being an SEN Support Worker is not just a career opportunity, and it’s also never about the money. Most workers have a passion for this job and an urge to serve humanity.
So, if you think you have that passion, you can go for this job and fulfill your duty towards society.
