In Every Challenge, A Gift: Life as a Special Needs Officer

“People think that individuals with special needs always need help from us. But we can learn so much from them” 

In Singapore’s journey toward a more inclusive society, teachers who specialise in supporting persons with special needs (PwSNs) are vital to meaningful change. Whether working in Special Education schools or within mainstream institutions that practice inclusive education, these educators are trained to identify and support a wide range of learning and developmental needs.

For teachers specialising in teaching PwSNs, the journey can be long and gruelling, often requiring staff to be equipped with relevant qualifications such as an Advanced Diploma in Special Education, a part of the years of training it takes. 

Meet Lindsay, Special Education Officer in a mainstream school in Singapore. 

Attributing her inclination to join this educational sector to her passion to help students have an equal opportunity for education, Lindsay spends her time at school providing support to students with special education needs, such as ADHD and Autism. 

A big part of her job is working together with teachers and family and finding out root causes, and helping students learn necessary skills. 

“Being neurodivergent and having to meet the demands of the mainstream environment, their learning and social experiences in school are filled with many challenges. Yet they still come to school faithfully every day without fail, possessing a very positive learning attitude. They give their best and overcome their setbacks one by one. Their resilience and courage have inspired me even up till this day,” a sentiment Lindsay delineated as the most heart-warming part of her job. 

As with many other jobs, Lindsay devotes a significant amount of time and effort to fulfilling her passion, which has undoubtedly shaped her as a person. Lindsay attributes her patience and her ability not to judge a book by its cover to the years spent on the job. 

There is no doubt that a career in teaching PwSNs can be challenging, but the impact that it can have is irrefutable. For anyone leaning towards a similar career choice, Lindsay encourages open-mindedness and letting go when one has done their best. 

For more information on this career choice, check out https://www.moe.gov.sg/careers/non-teaching-careers/allied-educators/sen-officer