Specialist Teaching Assistant - Languages

About us

We’re Nord Anglia Education, the world’s largest premium international schools organisation. Every day, our teachers help 74,000 students at 81 schools across Asia, the Middle East, the Americas and Europe achieve more than they ever imagined possible. Our family of more than 13,000 passionate staff are experts in their academic and commercial fields and play a vital role in the world-class experience our schools provide. When you join Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, you’ll become part of a global family of talented and creative experts working for a fast-growing premium international brand.

About the School

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi is e a UK curriculum day school enrolling students from Early Years to Year 13 in the city’s prestigious residential district Al Reem Island, next to the Sorbonne University campus. Our new school will has the capacity for 2,600 students upon completion. Its first phase of development, openeded September 2023, included the Early Years building and sports facilities, while the second phase opening in Summer 2024 will include the main Primary and Secondary classrooms.

JOB PURPOSE             

Everything we do is connected to our vision to create a generation of resilient and creative global citizens, who will change our world for the better. 

Specialist Teaching Assistant – Languages plays a crucial role in supporting language instruction and creating an engaging and effective learning environment for students. Their contributions help enhance students' language skills and promote cultural awareness, facilitating their overall language learning journey.

In fulfilling the requirements of the post, you will demonstrate essential professional characteristics, and in particular will:

•            Inspire trust and confidence in students, colleagues and parents;

•            Engage and motivate students;

•            Continually strive to develop the quality of students’ learning;

•            Use the student tracking and monitoring process to advance student learning;

•            Contribute to the school improvement / development planning and promote the priorities of the school;

•            Promote the wider aspirations and values of the school;

•            Fully embody at all times the school values of Kindness, Honesty and Respect.

DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES

• Support in the provision of outstanding learning experiences for students by:

• Assisting in lesson planning: Collaborating with the teacher to plan and prepare lessons, including selecting appropriate teaching materials, resources, and activities for language instruction.
• Supporting classroom activities: Assisting the teacher during language lessons by facilitating group or pair work, monitoring student progress, and providing individual support to students who require extra assistance.
• Conducting language practice sessions: Organizing and conducting language practice sessions, such as pronunciation drills, vocabulary exercises, or conversational activities, to reinforce students' language skills.
• Working with small groups: Delivering language lessons to small groups of students as directed by the class teacher/Head of Department
• Providing one-on-one support: Working individually with students who need extra help in specific language areas, providing additional explanations, practice exercises, or remedial support.
• Assisting with assessments: Supporting the teacher in assessing students' language proficiency through activities like administering tests, grading assignments, and providing feedback on student performance.
• Managing classroom resources: Ensuring that teaching materials, equipment, and resources are properly organized and accessible for language learning activities.
• Promoting cultural understanding: Introducing students to the cultural aspects associated with the target language, such as traditions, customs, and social norms, to foster a broader understanding of the language and its context.
• Collaborating with colleagues: Working closely with other teaching assistants, teachers, and staff members to maintain a supportive and productive learning environment.
• Maintaining records and reports: Keeping accurate records of student attendance, performance, and progress, and preparing reports or summaries as required by the teacher or educational institution.
• Assisting with communication: Facilitating communication between the teacher and students who may have limited proficiency in the language of instruction, serving as a bridge for better understanding.

PASTORAL DUTIES

• Establish a purposeful and safe learning environment for all students;
• Promote the general progress and well-being of individual students and of the class as a whole;
• Contribute to the preparation of action plans and other support mechanisms;
• Alert appropriate staff to problems experienced by students and make recommendations as to how these may be resolved;
• Communicate effectively with parents, liaising with other staff as appropriate.

OTHER

• Cover for absent colleagues when necessary.
• Work effectively in different teams;
• Assist in whole-school marketing initiatives and contribute to the growth of the school.
• Keep knowledge of wider curriculum developments up to date
• Undertake professional development to enhance teaching and learning, identifying the impact and share the outcomes with colleagues.
• Meet responsibilities with regard to health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant legislation and conform to professional and ethical requirements.
• Contribute positively to the morale and community spirit in the school at all times.
• Any other appropriate duties as allocated by members of the School’s Leadership Team. Willingness to undertake appropriate child protection training when required.
• Abide by the Ministry of Education Code of Conduct at all times.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications/Training

• Bachelors degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject – specifically language
• Ideally will have received instruction/training in best teaching practice.

Experience/Knowledge

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a school setting.
• Ideally will have knowledge of the British Curriculum
• Demonstrable evidence of innovating and adapting curricular to engage children and enable them to perform highly.
• Working in partnership with parents.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• The drive to continually strive for improvement
• A flexible approach to changing circumstances
• Compassion and kindness towards others             

Ideally, candidates will already be based in the UAE.

If you would like to take this exciting role and you have the right blend of experience and ambition, then we look forward to hearing from you.

Selection Process

Applicants should apply online and submit a CV, letter of application and the details of two professional referees, one of which should be your current Line Manager.

Safeguarding

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender or culture.

All post holders having regular unsupervised contact with children are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both Country of residence/birth and any Country of residence within the last 10 years.