Secondary SEN Teacher

WHO WE ARE

Collège du Léman is one of Switzerland’s most prestigious international schools, located on the edge of Lake Geneva in view of the Swiss Alps. We welcome children from 2 to 18 years old to become part of a truly international community with more than 120 different nationalities. Our vision is to shape generations that harness differences and empower our students to change the world for the better.

We nurture individual strengths through our outstanding educators and the sheer breadth of opportunities that we offer as part of our curriculum and activities.

Collège du Léman is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of more than 89 premium schools, educating students in over 30 countries.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Specific focus on supporting students in Math and Sciences

Reporting to the Learning Support Coordinator, the LS teacher will have a good understanding of specific learning differences and needs: including ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Autism, and will support students in achieving their potential. The LS teacher is required to have a diverse range of interests and experience which will equip him-her to nurture and facilitate varying needs of an international environment of students and faculty. Working within the Learning Support Team, the focus is to collaborate closely with students, their teachers and other professionals to give support which is fully aligned with student needs and to give teachers informed advice on how to manage student learning, both in and out of the classroom.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The LS teacher is responsible for planning, organizing and facilitating Learning Groups in individual needs based small classes.
• To address the needs of students to develop and improve their skills to fully access the curriculum, through multisensory teaching techniques and building self-confidence.
• Creation and monitoring of ISP/IEP’s for students on the SEN register.
• Reporting and reviewing progress at regular intervals.
• The LS teacher will need to teach students in both the francophone and Anglophone sections.

This involves

• Ensuring prompt transfer of information concerning student needs to parents, teachers and pastoral heads
• Accurate completion of relevant documents (IEPs and ISPs) to ensure appropriate target setting and review within designated timelines
• Maintaining accurate records and tracking of student progress and new student referrals
• Delivering instruction to Cooperative Learning Groups
• Develop structured, cumulative and multisensory lessons based on liaison with teachers and parents, informal assessments and Educational Psychological Assessments
• Deliver lessons using appropriate resources, equipment, technology and instructional strategies
• Provide differentiated instruction based on the student’s individual level of achievement and preferred learning style
• Delivering instruction to Personal Learning Classes
• Adapt the process, content and product of a given syllabus to meet the student needs
• Develop and implement a classroom management system that reflects success and achievement
• To assist teachers with classroom strategies
• Can be asked to do classroom observations and evaluations
• Consult with classroom teachers about specific students upon request
• Provide classroom management suggestions and plans for identified students.

Boarding House Involvement

Advise Boarding House parents and tutors about how to effectively approach academic issues with boarders

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead workshops with teachers and other staff for professional development
• Comply with all School regulations and policies
• Remain current in the field of LDD by attending in-service programs, mandated staff meetings trainings and self-selected workshops and conferences; reading current research and journal articles
• Present a positive role model by employing appropriate and respectful interactions with students and staff
• Review new admission files and make recommendations of support as required
• Meeting potential new families considering application to CDL whose children may have some learning challenges
• Supporting the Head of Student Support Services /SEN Coordinator as required in terms of smooth running of the department
• Summarise assessment results and incorporate this information and input from teaching staff into an Individual Education Plan for each identified student, distributed to teachers annually and reviewed as required.
• Follow the appropriate organizational structure to resolve issues and concerns

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Qualifications:

• A recognised teaching qualification is mandatory. BA (QTS)/BSc (QTS) or BA/BSc, PGCE or equivalent. MA in Special Education or a related field is preferred
• A Special Educational related qualification is mandatory.

Experience:

Required

• An ability to evaluate a student’s needs and plan appropriate intervention to meet those needs, in a small group and in a larger class.
• To have worked with students who have a learning difference and thus to understand the learning, developmental and social difficulties which can affect such a student. In addition to be able to celebrate their creativity and achievements.
• Experience of and an understanding of learning differences in different cultures and communities
• An awareness of confidential processes and an ability to respect confidentiality
• Working experience with students on the spectrum

• Previous experience in an international school setting and in a boarding school 

Prior knowledge

• Solid understanding of both English and French academic systems
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Demonstrated capacity to take ownership, make informed decisions and be fully accountable for assigned responsibilities
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Dynamic, committed and adaptable, with a solution-oriented mindset
• Sound knowledge of behavioural and academic support frameworks, including protocols, procedures and appropriate consequences
• Excellent communication skills in French and English, both written and spoken
• Confident user of administrative and standard office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and upholding the Nord Anglia Education philosophy, values and strategic vision.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

It is important that the post holder is always aware of CDL and NAE safeguarding guidelines and observes a professional distance from students whilst still developing effective working and caring relationships. You understand and embrace the importance of diversity and inclusion and stand against discrimination in any form. Background investigations and reference checks for the past ten years will be conducted during the selection process.

All areas of this job specification are subject to regular review given the needs of the service and department.