K-12 Director of Inclusion - Aug 2025

Gemsworldacademy Switzerland; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Abu Dhabi is seeking a passionate K-12 Director of Inclusion to foster a vibrant learning environment. This leadership role involves managing a dedicated Student Support Team, ensuring inclusive practices, and aligning with UAE educational standards. The ideal candidate will drive professional development, oversee student support initiatives, and advocate for diverse learners. Join a dynamic team committed to nurturing every student's potential in a cosmopolitan city known for its rich culture and educational opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading and managing educational support teams.
• Strong understanding of UAE inclusive education policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Inclusion Department and Student Support Team.
• Ensure alignment with ADEK policies and support student needs.

Skills

Leadership in Education

Inclusion Strategies

Communication Skills

Data Management

Professional Development

Education

Master's Degree in Education

Teaching Certification

Tools

Student Support Team Management Software

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, adhering to 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), which includes 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, typically through purposeful meetings
• Assisting in administering review and referral procedures that utilize data to meet student needs continually
• Ensuring these efforts are documented through an efficient system of record-keeping for responsive student support and ongoing review

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Communication and Management

• Align SST policies and procedures with ADEK policies
• Review and update the SST Handbook, Inclusion policy, ELL policy, and Gifted & Talented policy
• Disseminate key tasks and deadlines for the academic year related to SST
• Support professional development opportunities internally and externally
• Maintain regular communication with parents, teachers, SST, SLT, counselors, coordinators, and other stakeholders

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all staff within the Inclusion Department/SST
• Coordinate resource management and development initiatives within SST
• Support staff hiring processes
• Manage SST meetings, Student of Concern meetings, and collaborate with divisions to monitor student progress according to MTSS
• Oversee documentation for admissions, student referrals, and support plans
• Maintain In-School Services provisions and schedules per ADEK policy
• Coordinate with support service providers regarding student needs
• Identify, interview, train, and evaluate LSAs
• Communicate with parents, Government Relations, and HR regarding support needs and approvals
• Collaborate with admissions to review student files and determine support feasibility
• Lead self-evaluation and inspection teams in compliance with ADEK and other accreditation frameworks
• Manage SST budget proposals and resource allocations
• Contribute to school development goals and team policies
• Evaluate ELL and Inclusion Specialists with Divisional Principals
• Advocate for the SST within the GAA community
• Advise SLT on resource needs, staffing, and timetabling for learning support
• Coordinate assessment accommodations with VPs, IB coordinators
• Oversee programming for Gifted & Talented and ELL students
• Promote professional development in student support for staff