I had a job interview today for a post of Peripatetic teacher for Visually Impaired children. At the interview I made sure that I stressed my involvement over the years with children with various special needs albeit within mainstream primary schools. I didn't get the job - why? Because it was felt that I was not immersed in the Primary teaching sector. I've only been a primary school teacher for 18 years - wonder how much longer it will be before I achive immersion! Not so long back I was interviewed for a post in a special school only to be told that as I worked in mainstream I didn't have enough experience of special needs!!! As a result I spent a few months working in Special schools to gain experience.
Oh well back to the drawing board!