Special educational needs itinerant teacher
Also known as: SEN itinerant teacher, special educational needs visiting teacher, visiting teacher for special needs, SEN visiting teacher, special needs peripatetic teacher, SEN peripatetic teacher
About this occupation
Special educational needs itinerant teachers instruct disabled or sick children in their homes. They are specialised teachers employed by (public) schools to teach those unable to physically attend school, but also to assist the student, the parents and the school in their communication. They also fulfil the function of a social school worker by helping the students and parents with a student's potential behavioural issues and enforce, if necessary, school attendance regulations. In case of a possible physical (re)admission to school, visiting teachers advise the school regarding suitable classroom guidance strategies and advisable teaching methods to support the student and make the transition as agreeable as possible.
A specialisation of special educational needs teacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- assess students
- assist students with equipment
- apply intercultural teaching strategies
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- apply teaching strategies
- show consideration for student's situation
- assessment processes
- behavioural disorders
- monitor student's behaviour
- observe student's progress
- advise on classroom guidance strategies
- assist students in their learning
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Special Education Teachers, Preschool (O*NET 25-2051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Develop or implement strategies to meet the needs of students with a variety of disabilities.
- Communicate nonverbally with children to provide them with comfort, encouragement, or positive reinforcement.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, or administrative regulations.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, or changing their diapers.
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, or social skills, to preschool students with special needs.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Artistic, Investigative
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Learning Strategies, Monitoring
US median pay: US$64,830 a year (2025), 29,510 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 (3.9)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.5)
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 Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational 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.
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Teaching Assistants, Special Education
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Adapted Physical Education Specialists
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.