We bet if you asked multiple people what an SEMH teacher does and you will most likely get different answers from all of them. Some people will picture this being chaotic whilst others thinking its a counsellor with a whiteboard. However, it’s somewhere in between both of those and is one of the most rewarding roles a teacher can have. Have you got what it takes to become a SEMH teacher?
Well this stands for Social, Emotional and Mental Health. It essentially is someone that assists pupils whose biggest barrier to learning isn’t in the classroom and instead more the feelings underneath. This can include various conditions such as Anxiety, trauma, low-self esteem and bad behaviour.
It’s not a case that these children should be considered ‘naughty’ for acting out in the class setting and instead finding out what the problem is. See most children will often carry more than what some adults can cope with so they need that steady adult who will turn up for them each and every day.
Across Sussex, we see this role pop up more and more and is becoming more mainstream. As you have special schools, state schools and residential schools. Those pupils that board on the school premises, you could argue that the pastoral side of teaching runs even deeper.
It may seem daunting as most expect there to be many individuals that require the support. However, think smaller, we are talking just a handful of pupils. In most cases you will always have at least 1 teaching assistant with you for additional support.
It is all about building the relationships with those that require the support, not doing the standard formalities like a register. Simply, all the child needs is just for you to check in, ask them how football went and quietly notice the ones that come in with their shoulders up around their ears. If the lesson needs a slight reset/ pause, do it. Don’t feel scared or nervous to stop everything in its tracks until the pupil calms down.
Being able to de-escalate and co-regulation will become your daily bread and butter. Staying calm so they can borrow some of it when they need it most. Spotting the early warning signs and stepping in before it reaches breaking point.
Working shoulder to shoulder with your teaching assistant and SENCO will be key in this role. Helping keep behaviour and progress records that actually get used to shape the next plan.
Qualifications are obviously key but having character matters much more in this role. Those that really succeed as a SEMH often share a few things:
It definitely helps to understand how SEMH differs from other special school posts. For example a PMLD teacher works with pupils with multiple learning difficulties focusing more on sensory-learning. SEMH pupils are often don’t struggle with the expectations, more about making them feel safe enough to perform well in school.
Great news for those wanting Pink Tiles services, we have many special needs school vacancies that come up across our patch all year round with SEMH roles being in the mix.
The pay usually depends on the setting as maintained special schools will generally follow national teacher pay scales. SEN posts can often attract a little allowance on top whilst independent and residential schools will set their own terms. Simply just drop us a message about any of our roles that we are advertising and we will tell you straight.
If you are not a qualified teacher and looking to transition into this role. Don’t fear, we can get you started with a teaching assistant jobs in East Sussex which is a brilliant way into becoming SEMH.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to take a leap of faith. That is the best thing about teaching as a whole, there are different roles available for everyone.
Whether you are after teaching jobs in Hastings or a long-term supply placement in an SEMH setting. These all let you test the fit properly. No need to tie yourself in and short-term roles are available. This way, if you love it, you will know and can either choose to stay on or change roles.
Worth noting that we are not a massive recruiter, just a small independent agency based out of Brighton working with schools across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire and we will always tell you honestly if the role suits you.
So fancy a chat? Just drop us a message and we can get you started on your SEMH journey or even if anything else catches your eye.
