The role of a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher is one of the most rewarding and impactful positions in the education sector. SEN Teachers are dedicated professionals who support children with a wide range of learning difficulties, disabilities, and emotional challenges, ensuring they receive a tailored education that maximises their potential. In the UK, SEN Teachers often work in mainstream or special schools, providing individualised support, developing personalised learning plans, and collaborating closely with parents and external agencies. The average salary for an SEN Teacher ranges from £25,714 to £41,604 per year, depending on experience and school type, with additional benefits such as pension contributions, training opportunities, and career progression into middle and senior management roles.
Landing a role as an SEN Teacher starts with a CV that not only highlights your experience and qualifications but also demonstrates your passion, patience, and dedication to inclusive education. A well-crafted CV can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create an interview-winning SEN Teacher CV template example that stands out to recruiters, including advice for graduates, experienced teachers, and senior management candidates.
Understanding the Job Description for an SEN Teacher
Before writing your CV, it’s crucial to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of an SEN Teacher. These usually include:
Planning and delivering personalised lessons for students with special educational needs.
Monitoring and assessing student progress.
Collaborating with teaching assistants, therapists, and external specialists.
Supporting behavioural management strategies.
Providing regular feedback to parents and carers.
Keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policies, and best practices in SEN education.
Recruiters will look for evidence of your ability to meet these responsibilities effectively, so your CV must reflect these competencies clearly and concisely.
Structuring Your SEN Teacher CV Template
A clear and professional structure is essential. Here’s a layout that works well for SEN Teacher CVs:
1. Personal Details
Include your full name, professional title, contact information, and LinkedIn profile. Avoid unnecessary personal information such as age, marital status, or a photo unless specifically requested.
2. Professional Summary
Write a compelling 3-4 line summary highlighting your experience, skills, and dedication to special needs education. Use action-oriented language and focus on achievements. Example: “Dedicated SEN Teacher with 7 years’ experience supporting children with autism and ADHD, skilled in developing individual learning plans and fostering inclusive classrooms.”
3. Key Skills
List the skills that match the SEN Teacher role, including:
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
Behaviour management
Differentiated teaching strategies
Collaboration and teamwork
Communication with parents and carers
Knowledge of SEN legislation and safeguarding
4. Professional Experience
Detail your work history in reverse chronological order. Include your job title, school, dates, and a few bullet points highlighting key responsibilities and achievements. Use quantifiable results where possible. For example: “Implemented a new behaviour management strategy that reduced classroom disruptions by 25%.”
5. Education and Qualifications
Include degrees, teacher training, and relevant SEN certifications, such as the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO).
6. Additional Information
Highlight professional memberships, training, or volunteering experience relevant to SEN. This section can help demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development.
7. References
It’s optional to include references on your CV, but you should indicate they are available upon request.
Graduate Advice for SEN Teacher CVs
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t worry if you lack extensive experience. Focus on transferable skills gained through placements, volunteering, or part-time roles. Highlight experience in working with children, classroom management, and any exposure to SEN settings. Your personal statement is crucial here—use it to show passion, commitment, and willingness to learn. Consider using a cv template designed for graduates to structure your CV clearly and professionally.
Middle and Senior Management Advice
For those moving into leadership roles within SEN education, your CV should demonstrate strategic skills, leadership experience, and the ability to drive school-wide improvements. Emphasise achievements such as leading a team of teaching assistants, implementing new SEN programmes, or successfully managing budgets. Use metrics to highlight your impact, for example: “Led a team of 5 teaching assistants, improving SEN student attainment by 15% over two years.” A tailored cv example for management positions can help position you as a strong candidate for leadership roles.
Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an SEN Teacher CV
Do’s:
Tailor your CV to the SEN Teacher role you’re applying for.
Use clear, professional formatting.
Include quantifiable achievements.
Highlight relevant skills, training, and experience.
Use action verbs to describe responsibilities and accomplishments.
Keep your CV concise (ideally 2 pages).
Don’ts:
Don’t include irrelevant personal information.
Avoid lengthy paragraphs; use bullet points for readability.
Don’t exaggerate your experience or qualifications.
Avoid jargon or acronyms without explanation.
Don’t submit a CV with spelling or grammatical errors.
Creating an Interview-Winning SEN Teacher CV
The key to an interview-winning SEN Teacher CV is clarity, relevance, and impact. Use a cv template to structure your CV professionally and ensure it highlights your strengths. Embed keywords naturally—recruiters often use digital scanning tools, so terms like “SEN Teacher,” “individualised education plan,” “inclusive classroom,” and “special educational needs” should appear throughout.
Remember, your CV should tell a story: your journey, your passion for SEN education, and your ability to make a positive difference in students’ lives. For an even more polished result, use a cv example as a guide to present your information logically and compellingly.
Optimising Your CV for Online Applications
When submitting your CV online, ensure it’s ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System). Use standard headings, avoid fancy graphics, and stick to readable fonts. Include keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing automated screenings.
Final Tips and Advice
Keep your CV up to date with new qualifications, roles, and achievements.
Tailor each application to the specific school and SEN role.
Network with other educators and attend relevant conferences.
Maintain an active, professional LinkedIn profile to complement your CV.
Practice your interview skills, as a strong CV is only the first step.
For a final touch, always proofread your CV, and consider professional guidance to ensure it’s maximised for impact.
Persuasive Invitation
If you want your CV and LinkedIn profile to stand out and secure the interview you deserve, let us help you craft a powerful, personalised CV that highlights your strengths and achievements. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards your dream SEN Teacher role: Book Your Appointment.
