SEC Learning Support Teacher

JOB DESCRIPTION

Secondary Learning Support Teacher

Reports to: The Secondary Principal

Contract: 100%

Hours: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm

Guiding Principles:

The guiding principles for all positions of additional responsibility are that they:

• Support and advance the mission, vision, and guiding statements of ISD, as well as those of the IB MYP and IBDP
• Support and advance international-mindedness and inclusion
• Incorporate current research and best practices in decision-making
• Positively support school development as outlined in the ISD strategic plan
• Model best practices in and out of the classroom
• Effectively model and exemplify the attributes of ISD’s CORE Values and the IB Learner Profile

JOB OVERVIEW

The core purpose of the Learning Support Teacher is to provide specialized educational support to students who may have diverse learning needs, challenges, or learning differences. This role is dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment, ensuring that every student can access and engage with the curriculum and achieve their full potential. The Learning Support Teacher collaborates with students, teachers, and parents to address individual learning needs and promote academic success, ensuring that all students receive equitable opportunities for learning and growth.

The Learning Support Teacher also serves as a case manager for assigned students, ensuring that Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), accommodations, progress monitoring, and communication with families are maintained and reviewed regularly.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Individualized Instruction and Planning:

• Read and interpret assessments to identify the unique learning needs and strengths of students requiring support..
• Collaborate with students, parents, and school staff to create individualized learning plans (ILPs)and accommodation plans that address specific educational goals and learning challenges.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of students' diverse learning needs and adapt teaching strategies accordingly.
• Support planning and designing of differentiated lesson plans that incorporate accommodations and modifications to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Create accessible and inclusive instructional materials, ensuring that students with diverse learning needs  have equitable access to the curriculum.
• Continuously monitor and assess student progress, making data-informed decisions to adjust teaching strategies and accommodations as needed.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure seamless integration of accommodations and modifications within the general education setting.
• Support classroom teachers in implementing inclusive practices through collaboration

Progress Monitoring:

• Utilize a range of assessment tools and methods to consistently evaluate student performance and understanding.
• Use both formative and summative assessments to gather comprehensive data on students' academic progress.
• Maintain detailed records of students' individual goals, intervention strategies, and outcomes to ensure a transparent and organized tracking system.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to conduct ongoing assessments and share information regarding student progress.
• Analyze assessment results and use data to inform instructional decisions, adapting teaching methods and intervention strategies as necessary.
• Ensure that all assessments and progress reports are accurate, objective, and aligned with the standards and expectations for each student.

Collaboration:

• Participate in Student Care of Concern Meetings for the assigned grade levels 
• Participate in ILP team meetings to discuss assessment data, provide input on students' individual needs, and update ILPs accordingly.
• Collaborate with school counselors, EAL teachers, and other support staff to identify and address other aspects that interfere with student progress.
• Work closely with classroom teachers to adapt and modify curriculum materials and teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Assist in the development and implementation of inclusive classroom practices that support students with diverse learning needs.

Parent Communication:

• Regularly communicate with parents, teachers, and school administrators to provide updates on students' progress and discuss any adjustments or additional support required.
• Conduct regular progress meetings with students and their parents to set goals, review achievements, and address concerns.
• Provide guidance and resources for parents on how to support their child's academic and behavioral progress at home.

Professional Development:

• Provide ongoing professional development and support to classroom teachers in the implementation of ILP’s, accommodations, and modifications.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in special education to inform the development of effective instructional strategies and accommodations.
• Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues and the school community.

Advocacy:

• Advocate for the rights and needs of students with diverse learning requirements.
• Ensure equitable access to a high-quality education for all students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
2. Certification in Special Education
3. Experience working with diverse student populations, preferably in an international school context
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the needs of students with exceptionalities.
6. Knowledge of relevant teaching strategies and instructional methods.
7. Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and diverse educational environment.