Juanita Said:

Personal statement - primary teaching and special needs?

We Answered:

I'm in my first year of a degree in Primary Education at Kingston Uni, specialising in English, and I love it!

In my personal statement, I included all of the experience I had, my hobbies, things I enjoy and a little bit about myself. I also included what I thought I could give the uni and what I felt I would benefit from if I went to university. I wrote about why I want to be a teacher, not just 'because I like children', but you have to kind of think outside the box because you want it to be your personal statement they choose, not any tom, dick or harry.

Anyone can write 'I love working with children', make yours the one that counts. Try to avoid words like 'I feel', 'I enjoy', 'I love', because they're the sorts of phrases that everyone puts in their personal statement.

Don't lie either because chances are you will get caught out eventually. So don't say you've had loads of experience if you haven't. Don't worry about not having experience working with children, because I hadn't had any in a school but I was still accepted onto my course.

Most of all, good luck and don't let UCAS get to you coz it's rubbish!

Teresa Said:

what can a special needs teaching assistant expect to earn?

We Answered:

60 to 70 pound a day in london

around yorkshire for partime 17.5 hours a week (9.00-12.30)
Grade 5 £6,142 - £6,693

varies where you live

Jonathan Said:

I would like to go into special needs teaching without teaching mainstream 1st,any ideas?

We Answered:

I have a Diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome and I went to a special school called Hillingdon Manor. It's an Inderpendent special school which was set up by a group of parents looking for a school for their children. It's been going for quite a few years now and they're always looking for staff. I'd suggest contacting them, I don't have their number so either search for it online or if you can't find it e-mail me at: Morpheusy2k4@hotmail.com Good Luck ;-)

Justin Said:

does anyone no of a university that specialises in special needs teaching?

We Answered:

Most colleges and Universities which have an education major will have options for licensure in Special Education. Knowing where you are located might help in giving you more information, but here in Ohio, one would get a BA in Education, with licensure in either Mild-Moderate, Moderate-Severe, or Severe-Profound Intervention. It is a rewarding field; I've enjoyed teaching students with learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD and other mild disabilities for the last 15 years. :)

Alberto Said:

What's the main difference between special needs and mainstream teaching?

We Answered:

Special needs teaching are at a watered-down curriculum, sadly. This does not prepare special needs students for college where the curriculum is much more rigorous. The patience, love and care would not help much for them when they have to go to college in a more demanding environment. This is why special education is corrupt. Mainstream teaching is at an average to advanced curriculum and prepares students extremely well for college and beyond.

Special needs teachers have it easier than regular education teachers. They have less stress to deal with. They don't have to write recommendations that regular education teachers must do. They don't have to deal with many students since their class sizes are smaller.

Ben Said:

What qualifications are needed to become a special needs teaching assistant?

We Answered:

depends where you are! You need a CACHE level 2 certificate, park lane college run courses for teaching assistants its a year long course an you have to work or volunteer in a school for 120hours to complete the course!