IB EAL (English Additional Language) and Learning Support Teacher

The International School of Siena is seeking to appoint an EAL and Learning Support Teacher to join us from 9th January 2023

Essential characteristics:

• To hold "Certified Teaching Status" or equivalent qualifications.

• To have had a minimum of two years teaching experience with students.

• To be an EU passport holder or already be in possession of a valid visa that enables to work in Italy. Non-European Passport holders cannot be considered at this time. Current residency in Italy with Fiscale code preferred or EU passport holder. Candidates already living in Italy are encouraged to apply early.

Candidates should be well-qualified, committed to high standards, interested in using innovative approaches to learning and enthusiastic about promoting international understanding. 

Due to the current post holder going on Maternity leave for the remainder of this academic year with we need to fill this position and therefore interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. 

Fixed term appointment for 12 months which could be extended.

The Position:

We are seeking an enthusiastic professional with qualifications and experience working with children throughout the primary and middle years. (Grade 1 to Grade 11, possibly Grade 12 and 13) with EAL and Personalised Learning Support to meet individual students needs. (1-1 out of class support)

Candidates should be committed to high standards, interested in using innovative approaches to learning, and enthusiastic about promoting international understanding. A strong commitment to purposeful teaching, collaborative planning and open communication is essential.

Applicants must be willing to be active, positive energy, flexible participants in a hard-working team of teachers.

The candidate will be used for Cover when teachers are absent, so a willingness to cover classes at last minute notice is vital.

All staff are required to offer after school activities as part of our Enrichment Programme.

It is very important to have a positive relationship with the EAL and Learning support students as they often struggle to understand content and may feel marginalized in the classroom. EAL sessions are aimed at helping students develop their language skills, but also to be a safe place for students to take the time they need to learn and understand what is going on around them. 

Learning support could be around organisation, supporting a child with dyslexia or other individual needs to support them to succeed.

Students often learn at very different paces; therefore, it is important to be flexible when planning lessons and able to differentiate between several different EAL/Learning levels in one grade. 

Teacher Duties:

• work closely with homeroom and Class teachers to identify and support the students who are new to English or are continuing with the EAL programme from previous years 

• work with homeroom and Class teachers to implement appropriate differentiation for EAL/Learning support students. Providing students and teachers strategies or materials to implement when in class situations that assists their needs in a class environment.

• help differentiate assessments (all kinds), class materials, key vocabulary and learning experience to best benefit the learning of the student when appropriate 

• creating and implementing EAL addendums for each unit of study in each grade level to support learning in the classroom 

• EAL/Learning support session include both push-in (two to three) and pull-out (one or two) lessons per week depending on the needs of the student and homeroom/class teacher

• language/specific learning objectives are identified at the beginning of each unit between support teacher and homeroom/class teacher, communication and collaborative planning are key 

• basic grammatical structures and information are taught throughout the lessons, but integrated into the units that are being taught in the classroom (it is important that students understand the practical and daily use of language)

• language usage in the classroom and EAL lessons should be similar to provide individual learning experiences that are taken from language that is used in class

• assessment of new students takes place at the beginning of the school year and the strategies and personalised learning plans are determined based of these early assessments 

• students will be regularly assessed informally and formally to make sure they are developing and to see if/how they still need additional EAL support – concerns should be brought to the attention of the homeroom/class teacher

• students in the upper grades who need more support, may have access to additional sessions if it seems appropriate with the coordinator and homeroom/Class teacher 

• teacher can come to talk about issues they are having in class and ways in which they can better support students 

• writing reports throughout the year, to provide parent regular updates

• meeting with parents when appropriate to support their learning

• help develop and support the language curriculum and policy, with a focus on EAL and individual personalised support 

• collaborate with MYP/DP regarding the transition of students between programmes and alignment of the expectations for second language learners and students with additional learning needs.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Cover when Class Teachers are not in school

• Cover duties when needed in school

Why work with us: 

A knowledgeable and talented staff body committed to supporting the very best in student achievement. 

Support settling into Italy with our Relocation Agents if relocating to Siena, Italy

An international campus in Siena, Italy and a school where teachers are respected as professionals and afforded autonomy to teach in the most innovative and effective ways. 

How to apply Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit their TES application form containing the following to the Principal, Miss Lianne Knibb:

TES Application form to be completed with Letter of application ensuring you highlight your experience and how you meet the requirements 

Attach supporting documents: CV with photo

Applications sent to directly to email will not be considered.

Contact details of three referees (one of which must be current supervisor from most recent appointment and include your current Principal or Head Teacher). 

The successful candidate will be expected to begin work from 9th January 2023 or soon after, before which date a criminal records check will need to be completed as part of our child safeguarding policy. 

More information about the school can be found on our website at http://internationalschoolsgroup.it/school/siena.