Working in a special education needs (SEN) school has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s a world filled with challenges, small triumphs, and countless opportunities to grow—not just as a professional but as a person. Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of working with children who are verbal, non-verbal, and everywhere in between. Every single one of them has taught me something I never expected to learn.
Here are some of the most important lessons my students and experiences have taught me:
1. Communication is so much more than words
Some of the students I work with are non-verbal, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say. In fact, I’ve learned that communication happens in countless ways—a smile, a gesture, or even the way a child interacts with their environment. These moments are powerful.
I remember a particular student who loved to repeat phrases from their support worker. At first, it seemed like they were just copying words without much meaning. But over time, I realized those repeated words were their way of engaging and connecting with the people around them.
Even with verbal students, communication isn’t always straightforward. Teenagers, for example, are incredibly perceptive. They notice things—my mood, my expressions—even when I think I’m hiding it well. One student’s cheerful “hi” and a song in the hallway never fail to brighten my day, no matter how chaotic things might feel. It’s a simple reminder that small acts of connection can mean the world to someone else.
2. Curiosity builds bridges
I’ll never forget something a colleague said during a theme-teach training session. She talked about the importance of staying curious. At first, I didn’t fully grasp what she meant. But over time, I’ve realized that curiosity is one of the most valuable traits to have when working in an SEN school.
When you’re working with a new child, curiosity is how you get to know them—their interests, their experiences, and their unique way of seeing the world. It’s how you figure out what makes them light up or what helps them feel safe.
I’ve worked with children who were fascinated by specific music, TV shows like Numberblocks, or intricate drawings of people they admire. Every one of these interests became a gateway to building trust and connection. By staying curious, I was able to create a safe space where they felt understood and valued, and that safe space was the foundation for everything else—from achieving curriculum goals to simply having a good day.
3. Celebrate the small victories
In this line of work, progress often comes in small steps. A child learning to express their feelings instead of acting out, a quiet student finally joining in during group activities, or even a day with fewer meltdowns—every victory, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
I remember a student who was passionate about drawing. He often sketched portraits of people he liked, including teachers and classmates. Watching him pour his feelings into his art and seeing his joy when he shared it with others was such a beautiful reminder of how progress can look different for every child.
4. The power of presence
For many of the students I work with, school is one of the safest spaces they have. It’s a place where they can explore, grow, and feel supported. Sometimes, being present, truly present is the most important thing I can do.
There are days when a child might be upset or dysregulated. In those moments, just sitting next to them, even in silence, can make a difference. It’s not about fixing everything right away but about letting them know they’re not alone.
Being present isn’t just about the students; it’s also about supporting the team around you. I found great support from other TAs and the teacher at my first school. Working in an SEN school can be emotionally demanding, and we all have tough days. Sometimes, being there for your colleagues—offering to cover for them when they need a break or just listening when they need to vent—is just as important as being there for the students. When we take care of each other, we’re better equipped to take care of the children.
5. Every child has a story to tell
One of the most beautiful aspects of this job is meeting children with such unique backgrounds and perspectives. Every student I’ve worked with, in every classroom and every school, has a story to tell.
Some share their stories through their words, while others do it through their interests—whether it’s a love for music, a fascination with numbers, or a passion for drawing. It’s a privilege to learn about these stories and to help them express themselves in ways that feel meaningful to them.
This ties back to curiosity. By staying curious and open, I’ve been able to uncover those stories and use them to bring out the best in my students. Whether it’s encouraging a love of art, engaging in conversations about autism, or simply learning the lyrics to a student’s favorite song, these small acts of curiosity and connection can have a profound impact.
Would you choose to work in a SEN school?
Working in a special education needs school is a journey filled with unexpected lessons. It’s taught me to value curiosity, celebrate small victories, and appreciate the power of being present. It’s shown me that every child has a unique story and that by staying open and engaged, I can help them feel seen, heard, and supported.