Special educational needs head teacher
Also known as: special educational needs headmaster, special educational needs headteacher, headteacher of special educational needs school, head teacher in special educational needs, director of special educational needs school, SEN head teacher
About this occupation
Special educational needs head teachers manage the day-to-day activities of a special education school. They supervise and support staff, as well as research and introduce programs that provide the necessary assistance for students with physical, mental or learning disabilities. They may make decisions concerning admissions, are responsible for meeting curriculum standards and ensure the school meets the national education requirements set by law. Special educational needs head teachers also manage the school's budget and are responsible for maximising the reception of subsidies and grants. They also review and adopt their policies in accordance to current research conducted in the special needs assessment field.
A specialisation of headteacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- assist in the organisation of school events
- manage budgets
- project management
- disability care
- curriculum standards
- learning needs analysis
- cooperate with education professionals
- provide feedback to teachers
- pedagogy
- curriculum objectives
- show an exemplary leading role in an organisation
- use office systems
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Instructional Coordinators (O*NET 25-9031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Observe work of teaching staff to evaluate performance and to recommend changes that could strengthen teaching skills.
- Plan and conduct teacher training programs and conferences dealing with new classroom procedures, instructional materials and equipment, and teaching aids.
- Interpret and enforce provisions of state education codes and rules and regulations of state education boards.
- Conduct or participate in workshops, committees, and conferences designed to promote the intellectual, social, and physical welfare of students.
- Advise teaching and administrative staff in curriculum development, use of materials and equipment, and implementation of state and federal programs and procedures.
- Advise and teach students.
- Typical education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Investigative
Top skills: Learning Strategies, Writing, Speaking, Instructing, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening
US median pay: US$77,440 a year (2025), 227,760 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.4)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.3)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.2)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Master's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Training and Development Specialists
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Training and Development Managers
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Tutors
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.