Head of Diverse Educational Needs

I. JOB SUMMARY

The Head of Diverse Educational Needs is responsible for the oversight and care of children with special educational needs (including Gifted and Talented) and those for whom English is an Additional Language. They liaise closely with all stakeholders to advise and assist teachers in developing best practice to support children with diverse educational needs.

II. JOB OUTCOMES

A. The Head of Diverse Educational Needs will: 

1. Teach and support students with diverse educational needs from K-12 in areas of consolidation and extension. 
2. Liaise with outside agencies including Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists. 
3. Build and maintain effective teams and develop co-operative and constructive working relationships that promote quality practices for supporting children with diverse educational needs. 
4. Foster and promote collaborative home-school partnerships.  
5. Liaise effectively with the Senior Leadership Team, School Counsellor, Heads of Faculty and Year Coordinators to support students with diverse educational needs. 
6. Initiate and implement programs in response to new educational needs and priorities. 
7. Identify and administer special exam arrangements including applications to NESA. 
8. Make recommendations to the Heads of School regarding resources and budgeting. 
9. Ensure effective transition programs for students with diverse educational needs. 
10. Line-manage as directed by Heads of School.

III. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

A. Special Educational Needs 

1. Critically analyse data to assist with identification and support of students with diverse educational needs. 
2. Promote the School’s Learning Support programs amongst the School and wider communities. 
3. Build and maintain effective relationships with and among Learning Support Assistants (LSAs). 
4. Communicate and ensure completion of appropriate paperwork for LSAs. 
5. Liaise with teachers to create, facilitate and monitor IEPs for all students with diverse educational needs. 
6. Provide opportunities for professional development for staff and families in the education of students with diverse educational needs.

B.  English as an Additional Language 

1. Provide leadership for the EAL and Literacy Support elective subjects along with drop-in EAL support in the MSS. 
2. Ensure EAL student data is communicated appropriately and stored on information systems. 
3. Ensure assessment and reporting of  EAL learners using the WIDA assessment tools.

C. Gifted and Talented 

1. Provide, monitor and evaluate a range of opportunities and programs for G&T students, including external academic competitions. 
2. Promote the School’s G&T programs amongst the School and wider communities.

IV. BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS (Values and Leadership) 

1. Able to see the ‘big picture’, think ahead and meet goals that are aligned to the values, purpose, mission and strategic priorities of the organisation. 
2. Able to plan, prioritise and organise work and resources effectively to meet departmental and organisational objectives. 
3. Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with all key stakeholders to meet mutual goals and objectives. 
4. Willingness to contribute time outside of normal school hours in the provision of   co-curricular activities, camps and events.

V. COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES) 

1. The HDEN will demonstrate their leadership through their expertise in the AITSL teaching standards, as well as their ability to build capacity in others to excel in these standards. They will: 

• Understand the principles of Visible Learning. 
• Understand the Australian curriculum requirements and approaches to design and monitoring of such curriculum. 
• Make competent use of ICT. 
• Overcome obstacles with strategic problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrate initiative.

2. Spoken and written English is used for all school communications and as such high standards of English communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening are required to be successful in this position.

VI. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Education. 
2. Specific qualifications in Special Educational Needs. 
3. Eligibility for teacher registration in home country.

VII. OTHER DUTIES

The Australian International School Malaysia reserves the right to modify position descriptions as required.  Staff will be consulted in any such process. Other duties may be determined in consultation with the Principal or Heads of School.

The Australian International School Malaysia is committed to child safety. We have zero tolerance of child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out working with children, police records and reference checks (as we see fit) to ensure that we are recruiting the right people.