Summary
What does the special educator do?
Daily support
The specialized educator shares the daily life of people suffering from physical, mental or social difficulties. Its interventions are very varied:
- he organizes the daily life of patients interned in specialized homes;
- it attempts to restore the autonomy of the elderly or disabled;
- it promotes the social reintegration of the poorest or people leaving prison;
- it carries out preventive actions with young people in difficulty;
- it socializes adults on the margins of society;
- …
Many employers
The voluntary sector is the main employer of specialized educators.
The State (youth protection) and local authorities (social services) also employ “educ spé”.
Finally, they work more and more in retirement homes, in hospitals and psychiatric services.
Qualifications to become a special education teacher
Balanced and dedicated
The special educator’s vocation is to devote himself to others. His commitment must be sincere and motivated.
He is a balanced person who has a sense of responsibility. He must be able to demonstrate listening skills, patience, perseverance and availability.
Team spirit and creativity
The specialized educator works in collaboration with other specialists: social workers, psychologists, magistrates… Together, they set up educational and creative projects. Finally, it can play a role in a local development project.
What training to become a special educator?
Only one way: the State diploma of specialized educator
Only the diploma of specialized educator (DEES) allows access to the profession.
To obtain this diploma, there are several training courses:
- preparation in 3 years in one of the 70 schools approved by the Ministry of Labour, Social Relations and Solidarity (accessible by competitive examination after the baccalaureate);
- DUT Social Careers, Specialized Education option followed by a year of additional training, i.e. 3 years in all (accessible after the baccalaureate and leading to an exam);
- IUT “Specialized Education Gateway” in Grenoble (in continuing education for candidates already employed in specialized education).
Note: 1 candidate out of 10 obtains the DEES.
Salary and evolution
State employee
The salary of the specialized educator varies according to his sector of activity. Employed by the State, he started in category B and earned around €1,400 gross monthly, excluding bonuses. At the end of his career, his monthly salary is around €2,500 gross.
Framed salary
The salary of specialized educators who work in associations is governed by the collective agreement for unsuitable children. It is around €1,600 gross at the start of the career and €2,800 gross at the end of the career.
Interesting developments
The opportunities for advancement in this profession are real. By dint of experience and additional training, the specialized educator can become head of service, director of a specialized establishment or even technical adviser.
Learn more?
For more information, contact:
Content updated on 08/07/2012