Special Needs Teacher Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Teaches students with special needs and disabilities academic, social and emotional development and independence skills in general and further education and training using various techniques in an inclusive education system.
What does a Special Needs Teacher do?
A Special Needs Teacher supports learners with disabilities and other special educational needs in their academic, social and emotional development. The work may include adapting teaching approaches, building independence, providing learning support and helping learners participate in an inclusive education environment. Areas of focus can include autism, hearing or visual impairment, physical impairment, behaviour support, remedial teaching and augmentative and alternative communication.
Specialisations
How to become a Special Needs Teacher in South Africa
- Explore teaching and special-ne needs education as a career, including the learner groups and support areas that interest you.
- Consider a relevant teaching qualification pathway, such as a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching at NQF level 7, or an Advanced Certificate in Education specialising in learners with special needs, special education needs, or special needs and support services at NQF level 6.
- For a more focused pathway, consider Certificate: Special Education Teaching: Hearing Impairment at NQF level 5.
- Compare the focus, duration, entry conditions and delivery format of current programmes with accredited education and training providers.
- Confirm the current qualification, provider and any applicable teacher-related registration or employment requirements with the relevant official bodies, provider or employer before enrolling or applying for work.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Relevant education can provide a foundation in teaching and specialised learner support, but the most suitable pathway depends on the learner group and support area you want to work with. Build your understanding of inclusive education, communication needs, behaviour support, learner development and ways of adapting instruction. Work involving learners with special needs also requires patience, empathy, careful observation and collaboration with families and other support professionals.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Life Orientation
- Life Sciences
- Psychology-related learning where available
- Mathematics
Skills that may help
- Adapting teaching methods to different learning needs
- Supporting academic, social and emotional development
- Clear communication with learners, families and colleagues
- Patience, empathy and respectful learner support
- Behaviour support and positive classroom management
- Observation and assessment of learner progress
- Encouraging independence and participation
- Inclusive teaching and problem-solving