What is a Specialist Teacher?

Understanding the role of a teacher

A teacher plays a central role in a child’s education. They plan, deliver, and assess learning across a wide range of subjects, while also supporting the emotional and social development of the pupils in their class.

In mainstream and specialist settings, teachers are key figures in promoting inclusive and accessible education.

Some teachers told us about their role and this is what they said:

What does a teacher do?

Teachers:

Deliver daily lessons according to the national curriculum or tailored learning plans.

Plan activities to support a range of learning styles and abilities.

Monitor progress and adapt teaching accordingly.

Manage classroom behaviour and routines.

Liaise with parents, SENCOs, and external professionals.

Contribute to EHCPs and attend review meetings when needed.

They are responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and structured learning environment.

What qualifications do they have?

Teachers in the UK typically have:

A degree (often in education or a subject specialism).

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Ongoing CPD, often in areas like: Special Educational Needs (SEN), Autism and ADHD awareness, Trauma-informed practice.

Some teachers also complete postgraduate qualifications or SEND specialisms.

How can a teacher support a PDAer?

Teachers can:

Create classroom environments that reduce anxiety and sensory overload.

Work closely with SENCOs to personalise learning approaches.

Respect a PDAer’s need for autonomy and choice in tasks.

Use flexible, curiosity-led teaching strategies.

Avoid approaches that may escalate anxiety.

Their understanding and flexibility can make school a more positive experience for PDAers.

What adaptations can teachers make for PDAers?

Teachers told us they support PDAers by:

Using declarative language (e.g. “I wonder if…”) instead of commands.

Offering choice in how tasks are approached, or when they’re done.

Reducing pressure and removing unnecessary demands.

Allowing movement breaks, calm spaces, or alternative forms of expression.

Focusing on relationships first, especially before academic expectations.

Why are teachers important?

Teachers told us that for PDAers, they may be:

The first adult outside the family to notice patterns of distress or overwhelm.

A trusted adult who makes learning feel safe.

A powerful advocate within the school system.

“A flexible, curious teacher can help a child reconnect with the joy of learning.”

“Teachers don’t just teach — they support, regulate, and empower”

Where did this information come from?

PDAers and their families often tell us how confusing and unsettling it can be to meet new professionals - especially when it's not clear what their job is or what good support looks like. That’s why we asked professionals themselves to tell us, in their own words, what they do. You’ll find their honest, personal answers in the ‘What professionals do’ section of our site.

What professionals Do

This is a growing resource, so if you don’t see the role you’re looking for yet, you could ask the person you're working with to fill in this short form.

Short Form

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