Alternative Pathway Teacher - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Job Snapshot
Role: Alternative Pathway (SEND) Teacher - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Special Education - Experience: Minimum 3 years of Inclusion teaching experience - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site
Position Overview
GEMS World Academy - Dubai, part of GEMS Education, is seeking a passionate and experienced Alternative Pathway (SEND) Teacher to join its Inclusion department in January 2027. This opportunity is suited to an educator who is committed to inclusive education, understands the diverse learning needs of students, and has a strong track record of effective teaching and supporting student success. The successful candidate will contribute to the academy's established Inclusion provision, helping students develop confidence, achieve positive learning outcomes, and experience a supportive educational environment. GEMS World Academy welcomes applications from teachers with different curriculum backgrounds. Experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to the IB philosophy, the IB Learner Profile, and the academy's inclusive approach to education.
Key Responsibilities - Alternative Pathway and Inclusive Teaching
- Deliver effective teaching and learning experiences that support students within the academy's Inclusion provision.
- Apply appropriate teaching approaches to help students with diverse educational needs succeed.
- Create a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages student engagement and achievement.
- Demonstrate strong subject knowledge and an understanding of inclusive educational practices.
- Support students in developing confidence, independence, and a positive attitude towards learning.
- Contribute to the academy’s commitment to improving student outcomes.
Student Learning and Development
- Use effective teaching practices to support student progress and achievement.
- Apply a thoughtful and responsive approach to students' individual learning needs.
- Encourage students to become inquiring, reflective, and caring learners.
- Maintain high expectations while recognising the different strengths and abilities of students.
- Promote positive learning experiences that support academic and personal development.
Curriculum and IB Educational Philosophy
- Demonstrate an understanding of the IB philosophy and its approach to teaching and learning.
- Apply relevant knowledge of the IB framework and Approaches to Teaching where appropriate.
- Support learning experiences that reflect the values of the IB Learner Profile.
- Contribute to an inclusive curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity and reflection.
- Work within the academy's educational framework while drawing on relevant teaching experience.
Inclusion Department Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Inclusion department.
- Contribute to the department's established focus on student care and personal support.
- Share professional knowledge and effective teaching approaches with colleagues.
- Support the department's commitment to using curriculum knowledge and student information to improve learning outcomes.
- Participate positively in the academy's collaborative educational environment.
Professional Development
- Demonstrate a commitment to continually improving teaching practice.
- Participate in relevant continuing professional development opportunities.
- Engage with professional learning that supports effective inclusive education.
- Contribute ideas and experience to the ongoing development of the Inclusion department.
- Maintain a professional approach aligned with the academy's educational philosophy and values.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold one of the following:
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree; or
- An initial degree together with a relevant teaching qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), or equivalent qualification in Inclusion or a related field. Advanced qualifications are preferred but not essential.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of experience teaching Inclusion.
- Demonstrated track record of effective teaching and supporting student achievement.
- Experience within an IB curriculum school is preferred but not mandatory.
- Experience teaching the IB Middle Years Programme or Diploma Programme is advantageous.
- Teachers from other curriculum backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
- Strong understanding of the IB framework and Approaches to Teaching is preferred.
Required Skills and Competencies - Inclusive Education Expertise
- Strong commitment to inclusive teaching and learning.
- Ability to support students with diverse educational needs.
- Understanding of effective teaching approaches that promote student achievement.
- Commitment to creating positive and supportive learning experiences.
- Ability to contribute to a student-centred Inclusion department.
IB Philosophy and Educational Practice
- Alignment with the International Baccalaureate educational philosophy.
- Commitment to the values of the IB Learner Profile.
- Understanding of the IB framework and Approaches to Teaching is preferred.
- Willingness to work within a culturally diverse, non-selective school community.
- Ability to apply relevant professional experience to an IB World School environment.
Professional and Interpersonal Competencies
- Strong commitment to student success and wellbeing.
- Collaborative approach to working with teaching colleagues.
- Ability to contribute positively to a supportive educational environment.
- Reflective approach to professional practice.
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development.
- Genuine passion for working with students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
Professional Attributes
- Passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities education.
- Dedication to improving student learning outcomes.
- Commitment to inclusion and equal educational opportunity.
- Positive and caring approach to student support.
- Alignment with the values and educational philosophy of GEMS World Academy.
- Enthusiasm for contributing to the continued development of the Inclusion department.
- Availability to begin employment in January 2027.
Salary and Benefits - GEMS World Academy - Dubai
- Competitive tax-free salary. (amount not disclosed)
- Furnished accommodation.
- Premium medical insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Work permit and residence visa.
- Annual flight allowance.
- Tuition fee concession.
- Other benefits in accordance with UAE Labour Law.
Professional Development and Career Opportunities
- Extensive continuing professional development programmes.
- International Baccalaureate Organisation training for teachers delivering IB programmes.
- Opportunities to contribute to departmental development alongside school leadership and external education professionals.
- A structured performance management system.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Potential progression into positions with greater responsibility.
Staff Wellbeing and GEMS Rewards
- Access to the academy's sports facilities.
- Termly fitness and wellbeing sessions.
- Staff social events.
- Complimentary access to GEMS Rewards.
- Retail discounts and lifestyle savings.
- Offers on gym memberships, cinema tickets, and other participating services.
About GEMS World Academy - Dubai
Established in 2008, GEMS World Academy - Dubai is a private, co-educational International Baccalaureate World School serving students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The academy is part of GEMS Education and is authorised to deliver all four IB programmes:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP).
- Middle Years Programme (MYP).
- Diploma Programme (DP).
- Career-related Programme (CP).
The academy is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Located in Dubai, GEMS World Academy serves a culturally diverse international community and promotes intellectual curiosity, reflection, entrepreneurial thinking, and a strong sense of community. Its educational approach is rooted in the IB Learner Profile, with a commitment to developing inquiring, reflective, and caring learners who can make positive contributions to the world. The Inclusion department is recognised within the academy for its supportive approach to students and its commitment to improving educational outcomes through strong teaching practice, curriculum knowledge and the effective use of student information.
Recruitment and Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of recruitment. Interviews may be conducted in person or virtually and will be arranged as soon as possible. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The organisation is dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments where students can thrive. All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share this commitment. As part of its safer recruitment practices, all successful applicants will undergo comprehensive pre-employment checks, including:
- Verification of identity.
- Verification of academic and professional qualifications.
- Employment history checks.
- Professional reference checks.
- Criminal record checks covering all countries of residence and employment.
- Enhanced disclosure checks where applicable.
- Prohibition and barring checks where applicable.
- Overseas police clearance checks where required.
These checks are conducted in accordance with applicable local and international safeguarding requirements. GEMS Education is committed to recruiting professionals who uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, student welfare, and child protection.