K-12 Director of Inclusion - Aug 2025

GEMS Education; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate K-12 Director of Inclusion to foster a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. This leadership role involves overseeing a dedicated Student Support Team, implementing high standards of teaching, and ensuring effective inclusion practices. With a focus on collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in nurturing the minds of students with diverse needs. Enjoy a competitive tax-free salary and a fulfilling lifestyle in the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi, where educational excellence meets cultural richness.

Benefits

Furnished accommodation

Free schooling for 1 child

Private medical insurance

Annual airfares

End of service gratuity

Access to GEMS Rewards for discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Special/Inclusive Education, leadership preferred.
• Ability to share exemplary teaching practices and support staff development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all staff within the Inclusion Department.
• Coordinate resource management and monitor student progress.
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for staff.

Skills

Inclusive Education

Leadership

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Creative Approach

Education

BEd or Bachelor's with PGCE/PGDE

Higher Qualifications in Special Needs Education

Job description

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Job Description

At GEMS American Academy, Abu Dhabi, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. We are seeking a qualified K-12 Director of Inclusion to join our team from August 2025 who are passionate about education and dedicated to nurturing the minds of our students.

As well as being a great place to work, Abu Dhabi is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, rapidly expanding city where the sun shines all year round. Teachers in Abu Dhabi enjoy an excellent lifestyle as well as extensive travel and leisure opportunities around the region and further afield.

The Role

The work of the Inclusion Director is aligned with the guiding principles of the GAA to ensure inclusive practice is developed and incorporated through all aspects of the school and adhering to the UAE law and requirements of Inclusive Education. The Inclusion Director, with the support of the Senior Leadership Team, will assist in implementing high standards of teaching and learning, and monitor student achievement and progression through effective inclusion for students with Additional Learning Needs, English Language Learners, and Gifted and Talented students.

The Inclusion Director leads a dedicated Student Support Team (SST) consisting of Inclusion Specialists, Inclusion Assistants, Individual Assistants, and ELL teachers. This leadership role includes, but is not limited to :

• Overseeing communication networks focused on student needs, through meetings with clear purposes and actions
• Administering review and referral procedures that use data to meet student needs ongoing
• Maintaining an efficient system of record keeping for responsive student support and review

Performance Responsibilities

Communication and Management

• Align SST policies and procedures with ADEK policies
• Review and update the SST Handbook, Inclusion, ELL, and Gifted & Talented policies
• Support dissemination of key tasks and deadlines for the academic year
• Facilitate professional development opportunities for staff
• Maintain ongoing communication with parents, teachers, SST, SLT, counselors, and coordinators

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all staff within the Inclusion Department / SST
• Coordinate resource management and development initiatives
• Support hiring processes
• Coordinate meetings and monitor student progress according to MTSS
• Oversee documentation for admissions, referrals, and support plans
• Maintain In-School Services provision and schedules
• Collaborate with support service providers and review student files
• Lead self-evaluation and inspections in line with ADEK and other bodies
• Manage budgets and resource allocation for SST
• Contribute to school development goals and policies
• Evaluate and support staff performance
• Advocate for the SST within the wider community
• Provide advice on resource and staff deployment
• Ensure accommodations are provided for assessments
• Oversee programming for Gifted & Talented and ELL students
• Maintain relevant registers and update records

Skills

• BEd or Bachelor's with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent in Inclusive / Special Needs Education; higher qualifications preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in Special / Inclusive Education, leadership preferred
• Experience teaching and leading at secondary / high school level
• Ability to share exemplary teaching practices
• Creative, enthusiastic, and collaborative approach
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proven track record of outstanding teaching and leadership
• Willingness to contribute to school community and extracurricular activities

Remuneration & Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary, furnished accommodation, free schooling for 1 child, private medical insurance, annual airfares, and end of service gratuity. Access to GEMS Rewards for discounts and savings.

Additional Information

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is required for all appointments.