Teacher - Special Educational Needs (3 Posts)

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is looking for a Teacher – Special to support pupils with severe and complex needs. You will plan and prepare lessons, assess pupil progress, and maintain an inclusive environment.

The ideal candidate will have a recognized teaching qualification and experience in catering to diverse educational needs. This role requires effective classroom management and a collaborative approach to enhance learning outcomes.

Qualifications

• Hold a teaching qualification recognized for grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up the post.
• Minimum six months paid experience teaching children and young people with severe and complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare courses and lessons.
• Teach pupils according to educational needs.
• Assess and report on the development and attainment of pupils.
• Promote the general progress and well-being of pupils.

Skills

Classroom management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Flexibility

Digital media/technology use

Education

Teaching qualification recognized for grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland

Registered with GTCNI

Tools

Digital classroom tools

Job description

JOB TITLE

Teacher – Special

REPORTS TO

Principal

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and prepare courses and lessons.
• Teach pupils according to educational needs, including setting and marking work.
• Assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils.
• Promote the general progress and well‑being of pupils and classes.
• Provide advice, guidance and relevant records to pupils and parents.
• Communicate and cooperate with external bodies approved by the employer.
• Participate in meetings concerning curriculum and pastoral arrangements.
• Contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references for pupils.
• Participate in staff and professional development schemes and performance reviews.
• Review own teaching methods and programmes.
• Co‑operate with the Principal and other teachers on curriculum, teaching materials, assessment and pastoral arrangements.
• Maintain good order and discipline, safeguard the health and safety of pupils on school premises and during authorised activities.
• Participate in meetings related to curriculum administration and organisational matters.
• Assist pupils with public examinations, record and report assessments, and supervise examination presentations.
• Assist in selection, induction and assessment of other teachers, coordinate or manage colleagues’ work.
• Organise support for teachers, order and allocate equipment and materials.
• Attend assemblies, register attendance and supervise pupils as required.
• Ensure compliance with national curriculum, safeguarding, SEND Code of Practice and health & safety policies.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Hold a teaching qualification recognized for grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) before taking up the post.
• Minimum six months paid experience teaching children and young people with severe and complex needs (Special Educational Needs).
• Experience working with professionals to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.
• Experience using digital media/technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum, safeguarding and child protection policy, SEND Code of Practice, assessment methods for pupils with SED, restorative practice, IT systems and digital classroom tools.
• Effectiveness in classroom management, inclusive environment, initiative, problem‑solving, flexibility, collaboration and teamwork.
• Demonstrated values aligning with the school's ethos (to be reviewed at interview).
• Desirable: Experience delivering intervention programmes in a special school setting, use of augmentative communication, coordinating curriculum areas (e.g., ICT).

LEGAL & EEO

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post‑holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.