IB Primary Years EAL (English Additional Language) Teacher

The International School of Siena is seeking to appoint a Primary EAL Teacher to join us in October 2020 as soon as possible. The candidate will be used to support student supervision in the mornings and support MYP registration. They may also be used for Cover when teachers are absent, so a willingness to cover classes at last minute notice is vital.

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 early Maternity leave for the whole academic year with immediate affect we need to fill this position as soon as possible 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.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Friday 9th October 2020 (Can be closed earlier if right candidate is found earlier)

The International School of Siena is focused on facilitating a meaningful education which is based on high achievement and inquiry-based learning. 

The school consists of small classes, one class per grade. Our IB programmes provide each student with opportunities to explore, inquire and develop confidence as well as equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for the 21st century. Our school is based in a new purpose-built facility which includes a spacious indoor gymnasium, well designed classrooms, Drama studio, Libraries and science labs with on-going developments of the external facilities. 

We are an International Baccalaureate World School delivering all three programmes: Primary Years, Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma. The school is one of several very successful Italian schools belonging to ISE (the International Schools of Europe) which in turn are part of Inspired, a worldwide network of premium schools. (www.inspirededu.co.uk), offering global best practice and professional development. 

The Position:

We are seeking an enthusiastic professional with qualifications and experience working with children throughout the primary years.  (Grade 1 to Grade 6) 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.

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

Essential characteristics:

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

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

• 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

Candidates already living in Italy are encouraged to apply early. Countries affected by high Covid19 cases within Europe would have to follow Government Legislation to enter Italy. 

It is very important to have a positive relationship with the EAL students as they often struggle to understand content and may feel marginalized in the classroom. EAL session 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. 

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 levels in one grade. 

EAL Teacher Duties:

• work closely with homeroom 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 teachers to implement appropriate differentiation for EAL students 

• 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 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 teacher

• language objectives are identified at the beginning of each unit between EAL teacher and homeroom 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 EAL levels 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 teacher

• students in the upper grades (5 and 6) who need more support, may have access to additional EAL sessions if it seems appropriate with the coordinator and homeroom teacher 

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

• writing reports two times a year 

• meeting with parents when appropriate to support their learning within the PYP 

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

• collaborate with MYP regarding the transition of students between programmes and alignment of the expectations for second language learners

Additional Responsibilities:

• Cover for when PYP Class Teachers are not in school (Face to face or Virtual)

• 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 as soon as possible in October 2020, 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.