Special needs teachers teach physically or mentally handicapped children, young persons, or adults, or those with learning difficulties or other special needs. They promote the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of their students.
What they do
Special needs teachers educate primary and secondary school students who have special learning needs such as learning difficulties, an impairment in their intellectual abilities, or students who need extra support to reach their full potential.
Working conditions
Special needs teachers mainly work in the education sector, in special education units teaching individuals or groups with special needs. They create educational plans for each student to address individual needs and enhance learning. They may also help integrate students into regular classrooms.
Tools and technologies
Special needs teachers may use a variety of assistive technology to educate students with special needs. They may use communication boards, computers with text-to-speech or voice operated software, talking calculators or tablet computers. They may also use standard teaching materials, such as whiteboards, textbooks and workbooks.
How to Become A Special Needs Teacher In South Africa
What does a Special Needs Teacher do?
assesses learners’ ability and limitations
plans and organises programmes specific for learners limitations
teaches basic academic subjects
teaches self-help skills to physically handicapped learners like hearing-or-sight impaired
helps to train and rehabilitate learners
prepares reports and keeps records
discusses learner’s progress or problems with parents or guardians
How do I become a Special Needs Teacher?
There are 2 ways of becoming a Special Needs Teacher:
ONE:
Bachelor of Education (BEd): Special Needs Education
TWO:
Complete a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Postgraduate Diploma: Management of Childhood Disabilities.
These can be done at most SA universities.
TRAINING:
CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
Once you’ve graduated, you will be required to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) as an Educator.
SACE: SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL of EDUCATORS
http://www.sace.org.za/
TEACHERS’ UNIONS
SADTU
www.sadtu.org.za
NAPTOSA
www.naptosa.org.za
Department of Education’s Education White Paper 6 – deals with special needs education. This can be downloaded at http://www.gov.za/
What is the qualification of special educator In South Africa?
Post graduate diploma in community based rehabilitation with six months certificate course in education of children with special needs. * Std XII passed with RCI recognized qualification for minimum one year duration and six months with special needs.
Does Unisa offer special education?
Students will undertake study in the nature of disability; identification and diagnosis, early intervention, Negotiated Education Plans, special education provisions, physical/sensory/health/learning disabilities, instructional/curriculum modifications, school and community support services,
What are the requirements to study teaching at Unisa?
Qualification admission requirements
a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) level 4 with at least 60% in three fundamental subjects including the language of teaching and learning; 70% in four vocational subjects chosen from the NCV level 4 subjects.
Where can I study inclusive education in South Africa?
Inclusive Education South Africa (IESA) University of Witwatersrand (Wits) University of the Free State (UFS) North-West University (NWU)
What is the meaning of special needs education In South Africa?
‘Special educational needs’ is a legal definition and refers to children with learning problems or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children the same age.
What is the role of special educator In South Africa?
The special educator ensures the involvement of parents of students with additional requisites in the educational processes of their children. The special educator collaborates closely with teachers, other professionals and administrators to foster the teaching and learning of students with additional requisites.
What skills must a special education teacher have?
The Qualities of a Special Ed Teacher – What it Takes to be Great
Adaptability. Classrooms can be unpredictable.
Collaboration.
Communication skills.
Compassion.
Devotion to improvement.
Assessment skills.
Knowledge of theory and practice.
Listening skills.
Why it is important to be an inclusive teacher in South Africa?
South Africa has adopted an inclusive education policy in order to address barriers to learning in the education system. However, the implementation of this policy is hampered by the lack of teachers’ skills and knowledge in differentiating the curriculum to address a wide range of learning needs.
What are the principles of inclusive education in South Africa?
Inclusive education is based on seven principles:
Diversity enriches and strengthens all communities.
All learners’ different learning styles and achievements are equally valued, respected and celebrated by society.
All learners are enabled to fulfil their potential by taking into account individual requirements and needs.
What are examples of special needs In South Africa?
Special needs can range from people with autism, Asperger syndrome, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, blindness, deafness, ADHD, and cystic fibrosis. They can also include cleft lips and missing limbs.