Lower School Learner Support services Teacher

Brief description:

The Learner Support Services (LSS) Teacher is a resource person for students, parents and teachers. The LSS Teacher will be familiar with the most recent developments and best practice in the area of both English Language Acquisition (EAL) and Learning Support inclusion in a multi-tiered approach. The LSS Teacher is an integral part of the wider school Learner Support Services Team and grade level teams.

ISL is committed to safeguarding and prioritising the wellbeing of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Profile:

·        Successful PYP teaching experience required;

• Recent successful teaching in an international school setting, ideally a PYP school;
• At least two years’ recent successful experience teaching and working with either pre-school or primary students with learning differences;
• Ability to interpret psycho-educational testing results, summary of results and educational recommendations an advantage;
• Experience working in a collaborative teaching situation (inclusive “co-teaching”);
• Current teaching certificate or equivalent;
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (MA preferred) in Special Needs Education / Learning Disabilities / Language Acquisition;
• Fluency in English (near native level);
• Familiarity with recent developments in English acquisition and Special Needs Education;
• Familiarity and fluency with technology supported learning;
• Technologically competent in basic resources and programmes (ex: Atlas Rubicon, Office 365, Google Suite preferred).
• Understanding of and experience with teaching students who are English Language Learners.
• Understanding of and experience with teaching students who have learning differences.

Main responsibilities:

Learning Support Tasks

●       Support small groups of students with English language or specific learning needs;

●       Support individual students with English language or learning needs using specialised intervention programmes or inclusion programmes, as appropriate;

●       Co-teaching with classroom teachers to provide differentiated instruction to small groups and individual students (in class);

●       Discuss learning goals with students 

●       Set up accommodations as needed to promote access to the curriculum;

●       Monitor Student progress through assessments in order to adjust programmes as needed;

Administrative responsibilities

●       Apply appropriate tests and interpret/summarise results for students for whom there are academic concerns;

●       Case-manage language or learning support students, including but not limited to Student Support Team meetings, updating student files, keeping written records of meetings with parents, students and colleagues.

●       Write annual individualized learning plans for specific students and track progress towards targets and goals through briefings with teachers, parents and the students on student progress and progress reports, including any necessary accommodations;

●       Screen and provide preventative intervention in consultation with the Principal;

●       Ensure the on-going use of testing accommodations for both internal and external exams;

●       Invigilate examinations for learning support students in separate settings where appropriate;

●       Read and provide in-put on ISL in-house student educational and language assessments;

●       Obtain parental permission to share confidential information with the appropriate parties;

●       Liaise with teachers and outside experts such as speech and language therapist or occupational therapist during pre-referral process;

●       Update language and learning support inventory annually;

Collaborative responsibilities 

●       Serve as a member of the Learner Support Team;

●       Collaborate with all other Learner Support Teachers, and Grade level teams;

●       Meet regularly with the Leadership team/Support Team regarding current students and new referrals;

●       Work in partnership with other teachers to best support student learning through regular meetings;

●       Work in partnership with parents to best support student learning through regular meetings and regular written document on student progress;

●       Meet with grade level teachers, Assistant Principals, counsellors and other relevant staff, including discussions on grade level transitions;

●       Provide feedback on student observations to classroom teachers and assist teachers with differentiation so that instruction styles and materials may be successfully differentiated to meet the student’s specific educational needs; 

●       Share with teaching staff and parents of current information and materials which pertain to language learning and learning differences;

●       Collaborate as needed in lesson planning and delivery with classroom teachers to ensure access to the curriculum.

●       Liaise with Grade Level leaders and/or the Assistant Principals to ensure Learner Support Teachers are aware of curricular changes and departmental matters that pertain to language and learning support students;

●       Attend weekly scheduled staff meetings;

●       Contribute to the regular student assessment reporting process in conjunction with classroom teachers.

Consultative role

●       Provide professional support to other teachers and teaching assistants on effective methods of differentiation;

●       Support the Learner Support Coordinators regarding student placement and possible language and learning support needs;

●       Conduct parent workshops and professional development workshops as needed;

●       Such other duties as may be required by the Principal or the Director.