What Does a Learning Support Teacher Do?

The Learning Support Teacher plays an essential role in the educational landscape, focusing on providing tailored assistance to students who face challenges in their learning journey. This position involves closely working with students, educators, and sometimes parents to design and implement strategies that enhance learning outcomes. By assessing individual needs and adapting teaching methods accordingly, the Learning Support Teacher ensures that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential in an inclusive educational environment. Their efforts are directed towards creating a supportive atmosphere that fosters growth, confidence, and a love for learning among students with diverse educational needs.

Learning Support Teacher Job Duties

• Assess students’ specific learning needs through formal and informal assessments to tailor individualized educational plans.
• Design and implement personalized learning strategies and activities to address the unique challenges faced by each student.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate learning support strategies into the general education curriculum.
• Facilitate small group or one-on-one interventions focusing on areas such as literacy, numeracy, and social skills development.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians to discuss their child’s progress and strategies for support outside of school.
• Manage and oversee the use of assistive technology and other resources to enhance learning accessibility for students with special needs.
• Advocate for students’ rights and accommodations within the school environment, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies.
• Organize and lead professional development sessions for teaching staff on inclusive education practices and strategies for supporting diverse learners.

Learning Support Teacher Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Learning Support Teacher’s salary include years of experience, educational level (e.g., Master’s degree in Special Education), specific skills in handling diverse learning disabilities, expertise in assistive technologies, and the type of institution (public vs. private schools). Additionally, roles involving curriculum development or team leadership can command higher salaries.

• Median Annual Salary: $55,125 ($26.5/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)

The employment of learning support teachers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing awareness of diverse learning needs, including students with disabilities and English language learners, necessitating specialized support to ensure educational equity and compliance with legal mandates for inclusive education.

Learning Support Teacher Job Requirements

Education: A Learning Support Teacher typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field, with some pursuing further education through Post-Baccalaureate Certificates or Master’s Degrees. Coursework often includes child development, educational psychology, and specialized instruction strategies. Majors or concentrations in special education, educational psychology, or a similar area are common, equipping candidates with the necessary knowledge to support diverse learning needs in an educational setting.

Experience: Learning Support Teachers typically enter the field with some hands-on experience, often gained through roles that involve working directly with children or individuals with special needs. This foundational experience is crucial for understanding diverse learning styles and challenges. On-the-job training is common, allowing teachers to familiarize themselves with specific educational tools, techniques, and individualized education plans (IEPs). Participation in professional development programs and workshops is also essential, providing ongoing learning opportunities in teaching strategies, behavioral management, and inclusive education practices.

Certifications & Licenses: Learning Support Teachers typically require a teaching license specific to the region they work in. Additionally, certifications in special education, such as a Special Education Teacher Certification, are often necessary. Some positions may also recommend or require certifications in specific learning support methodologies or assistive technologies.

Learning Support Teacher Skills

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development: Crafting tailored educational plans involves a comprehensive understanding of each student’s unique needs, strengths, and areas for growth. Achievable and challenging learning objectives are set through collaboration with educators, specialists, and families, creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment that adapts to the student’s evolving needs.

Behavioral Management: Strategies for guiding student behavior and fostering a positive learning environment are central. Identifying individual behavioral needs, implementing tailored interventions, and collaborating with educators and parents are key components in supporting each student’s educational journey.

Differentiated Instruction: Education content and delivery methods are tailored to meet the diverse needs of students. By addressing each learner’s unique academic and socio-emotional requirements, an inclusive classroom environment is fostered where every student can engage with the material at their own pace and level of understanding.

Sensory Integration Techniques: Strategies to assist students with sensory processing issues significantly enhance their classroom focus and learning capability. Tailored sensory activities and environments are created to support individual learning needs, making the educational experience more inclusive and effective.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems: Designing and implementing tailored communication strategies for students who are non-verbal or have severe speech limitations enhances their engagement and learning effectiveness. Technology, symbols, and sign systems are adeptly used to facilitate meaningful interaction and educational participation.

Curriculum Adaptation: Educational content and teaching strategies are tailored to meet the needs of students with varying abilities, ensuring each learner can access and engage with the curriculum effectively. A deep analysis of the student’s learning profile and curriculum goals enables the creation of personalized learning paths that foster academic success and confidence.

Learning Support Teacher Work Environment

A Learning Support Teacher typically operates within a dynamic educational environment, often moving between classrooms and resource rooms designed to facilitate focused, supportive learning sessions. These spaces are equipped with a variety of educational tools and technology aimed at enhancing the learning experience for students with diverse needs.

Work hours for this role generally align with the school schedule, though additional time may be required for planning, meetings, and professional development activities. The dress code tends to be professional yet practical, accommodating the active and interactive nature of the role.

The social environment is collaborative, involving regular interaction with other educators, students, and parents to tailor learning strategies effectively. This necessitates a high level of emotional intelligence and adaptability, as the emotional environment can vary greatly depending on students’ needs and progress.

Professional development is ongoing, reflecting the evolving nature of educational strategies and technologies. This role, while demanding, offers a balanced approach to work-life, with school holidays providing respite and time for reflection and planning.

Advancement Prospects

Learning Support Teachers can advance their careers by specializing in areas such as special education, educational therapy, or speech and language pathology. This specialization often involves gaining additional qualifications specific to the chosen area, enabling them to provide targeted support to students with diverse needs.

Another path includes moving into leadership roles within special education departments or schools, such as becoming a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) or a head of department. These positions involve overseeing the provision of support services, developing inclusive education strategies, and leading teams of support staff.

Additionally, experienced Learning Support Teachers may transition into consultancy roles, advising schools or educational bodies on best practices for inclusive education and learning support. This can also extend to conducting workshops or training programs for educators, sharing expertise on effective strategies to support diverse learners.

Each of these paths requires a deep understanding of the needs of students requiring support, as well as a commitment to ongoing professional development in their chosen specialization or leadership skills.