How To Become A Special Education Teacher In South Africa

Special Education Teachers teach academic and living skills to primary and further-education-and-training students with particular learning difficulties, using various techniques.

Below are steps To Become A Special Education Teacher In South Africa

Earn a special education degree

One of the main special education teacher requirements is earning a bachelor’s degree. During a bachelor’s degree in special education, learners study evidence-based teaching practices and gain hands-on training through a student teaching experience.

When researching special education programs, prospective students should check a program’s accreditation status. In some states, only an accredited special education degree meets the requirements for a teaching license.

Choose an area of specialization

Learners earning a bachelor’s degree in special education often pursue a specialization to build advanced skills in a certain area, such as elementary education, gifted and talented education, or autism spectrum disorders. The specialization may require additional coursework or work experience, depending on the program.

Obtain state certification

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in special education who are interested in teaching at public schools must apply for state certification or licensure.

During the certification process, candidates must provide documentation demonstrating their bachelor’s degree and student teaching experience. Most states also require candidates to pass specialized exams and a background check.

Find a special education teaching position

Finding a teaching position represents the final step in becoming a special education teacher.

Licensed special education teachers can apply for special education jobs at public elementary and secondary schools. Most special education teachers work in public schools, but a small number also work in private schools or in residential facilities.

Preparing to Become a Special Education Teacher: Schools and Programs

Depending on the school, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in special education or a bachelor’s degree in teaching with a concentration in special education. Several schools offer online special education degrees, including the University of Georgia and Western Governors University.

During an online bachelor’s degree in special education, learners complete coursework online and student teaching requirements at an approved local site. An accredited online special education degree meets the education requirements for a teaching license in every state.

What qualifications do I need to work with special needs?

You can do a college qualification to help you get started, for example: Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Early Years Educator. T Level in Education and Childcare.

How much does a special needs assistant earn?

SNA Salary Scale: a Special Needs Assistant can expect a starting salary of €24,602 (Point 1 of the SNA salary scale). The highest salaries can exceed €40,590 (excluding allowances).

How do you move up the pay scale in teaching?

Moving up the Teacher Pay Scale irrespective of changes to the system is based solely on performance, this is assessed every September by the relevant body, this meaning the school’s governing body and local authority. Crossing the threshold onto to upper pay range is normally done every two years.

Do teachers automatically go up the pay scale?

Teachers are awarded a pay rise when the pay scales and allowances are updated. Each September, teachers on the main pay scale move to the next point on the scale, subject to satisfactory performance, and may even advance by two points if their performance is excellent.

Can a teacher move down the pay scale?

Can I be moved down the pay scale? As long as you remain at the same school there is no mechanism by which you can be moved down the pay scale.

Can an unqualified teacher teach?

Unqualified teachers can demonstrate that they meet recognized standards in the schools in which they are employed. They can do so by learning how to teach with the support of skilled colleagues and by becoming a fully qualified professional through a school-based portfolio development and assessment process.

Do teachers get paid in the summer?

Teachers will get paid in the summer as long as they have opted for the 12-month pay structure. In most school districts, teachers get the chance to make money for 10 or 12 months of the year. If you opt for the 10-month pay structure, you will only collect paychecks when school is in session.

Do teachers get good benefits?

Teachers get good health benefits. No one goes into teaching to get rich, but it’s stable work and teacher benefits tend to be good, including health insurance. Non-salary benefits for teachers are a much-valued part of teacher compensation.