How Much Do SEN Teachers Earn?
A Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher helps educate children with various disabilities. There are different types of educational needs that a SEN teacher may have to deal with, such as:
- Autism - a SEN teacher will assist children with autism, focusing mainly on their social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication by developing appropriate learning activities to help them interact and cope with unexpected changes.
- Learning disabilities - children with learning disabilities usually find it harder to understand or put into practice written and spoken language. A SEN teacher in this role will encourage children with learning disabilities to speak, write and do simple calculations.
- Visual impairment - a SEN teacher specialising in visual impairment will help children who are wholly or partially blind and work with them using techniques such as braille to learn and develop alongside their classmates.
Salaries for SEN teachers
According to National Careers, the average salary for a SEN teacher is £30,384. However, as you gain experience, your salary will increase, and more experienced SEN teachers can expect to earn up to £48,388 per year.
As well as your basic salary, SEN teachers can expect to receive benefits and allowances depending on their employer and the area they live and work in. Transport and housing allowances are common.
Experienced SEN teachers can progress their careers by becoming a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). In this role, you will be expected to manage the special educational needs strategy across the entire school. There are also opportunities for career progression by moving into management roles such as head of the department, deputy head, or headteacher roles. You could also consider becoming a higher education lecturer or moving into teacher training.
Factors that affect salaries of SEN teachers
- Experience - the more years of experience you have, the more you’ll earn Academic qualifications - additional academic qualifications can see your salary increase
- Private or public sector - working in the private sector is likely to be more lucrative than a public sector role
- Location - schools located in smaller towns are likely to offer less than in big cities.
Are you looking for your next teaching role?
At Horizon Teachers, we offer a range of fantastic SEN teaching jobs whatever stage in your career you are at. Browse our jobs board, or get in touch with our friendly team to see how we can help you today.