Are you a primary, post-primary, or further education teacher in Ireland considering a move into special education? You’re not alone. As Irish classrooms become more diverse and inclusive, the need for teachers with specialist training in inclusive and special education is growing rapidly.
Why Special and Inclusive Education Is in High Demand
Inclusive education is no longer optional. Around 1 in 4 students in Ireland are identified as having special educational needs (SEN). But inclusion goes beyond disability—it also addresses the needs of students affected by trauma, poverty, or family instability.
An intersectional approach recognises that these challenges often overlap. For example, a child with a disability might also be experiencing social disadvantage or emotional trauma.
Since the EPSEN Act 2004, schools are legally required to support the right of students with SEN to be educated in mainstream classrooms, wherever possible. This has created a growing need for qualified special education teachers who can adapt learning environments to meet a wide range of student needs.
The Numbers Behind the Need for Special Education Teachers
The scale of demand is significant:
Over 14,600 special education teachers are working in mainstream schools.
4,750 additional teachers support students in special schools or special classes.
More than 21,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) are in place across Ireland.
An estimated 1,200 new special classes will be needed in the next three years.
Around 300 additional special school placements are required annually.
This increase is driven by better diagnosis—particularly around autism—and greater public awareness of SEN.
Why Teachers Are Upskilling in Inclusive Education
With demand continuing to rise, now is an excellent time to enhance your qualifications. Teachers who upskill in inclusive and special education gain the ability to:
Support learners with complex needs more effectively
Take on roles like SET (Special Education Teacher), Inclusion Coordinator, or SEN Leader
Lead inclusive practices across schools
Adapt and differentiate teaching for all learning styles
Steps to Become a Special Education Teacher in Ireland
1. Hold a Recognised Teaching Qualification
To begin your journey into special education, you must already be a registered teacher in Ireland—qualified in:
Primary Education
Post-Primary Education
Further Education
This ensures you meet Teaching Council of Ireland standards and can progress to postgraduate study.
2. Gain Classroom Experience
Experience with students who have additional learning needs—either in an inclusive classroom or as a SET—is extremely helpful. While not always required, it:
Strengthens your application to postgraduate programmes
Builds confidence and practical insight
Gives you a clearer sense of the challenges and rewards of the role
3. Complete a Postgraduate Programme in Special or Inclusive Education
To become a specialist, you’ll need a recognised postgraduate qualification.
The MA in Inclusive and Special Education, offered by ICEP Europe in collaboration with Hibernia College, is a flexible, practice-based option for Irish teachers.
Programme Highlights:
Online learning that fits around your teaching schedule
Evidence-based modules on topics like neurodiversity, assessment, and inclusive strategies
Learning from experts in special education and inclusive practice
This MA equips you with the skills, strategies, and confidence to create meaningful change in your classroom—and beyond.
4. Apply Your Knowledge in the Field
Graduates of the MA in Inclusive and Special Education go on to roles such as:
Special Education Teacher (SET)
Inclusion or SEN Coordinator
Learning Support Specialist
Leadership positions in inclusive education
Many teachers also report that their general teaching improves, thanks to enhanced skills in differentiation, planning, and student engagement.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Becoming a special education teacher in Ireland is more than a career choice—it’s a commitment to inclusive, student-centred education. Whether you want to specialise in SEN or simply make your classroom more responsive and inclusive, this is a powerful and rewarding path forward.
Explore the MA in Inclusive and Special Education with ICEP Europe today and take the next step in your teaching career. You can register for the next webinar or begin your application now.
For international teachers (including the UK, the UAE, Hong Kong, Malta), you may be interested in our MA and Special and Additional Learning Needs with the University of East London.