K-12 Director of Inclusion – Aug 2025

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 the implementation of 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 with the support of Inclusion Assistants and Individual Assistants, as well as ELL teachers. This leadership role includes, but is not limited to;

• the oversight and maintenance of a network that organizes communication oriented around student needs, usually through meetings with clear purposes and action
• assists in the administering of a clear review and referral procedure that uses data to ensure student needs are being met on an ongoing basis 
• ensures that these efforts are evidenced through an efficient and comprehensive system of timely record keeping designed for responsive student support and an ongoing review of needs

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication and Management

• Align SST policy and procedures across the school in accordance with ADEK policies
• Review and maintain the SST Handbook, Inclusion policy, ELL policy and GT policy
• Inform and support in disseminating key tasks and deadlines, specific to the SST, for the academic year
• Provide, distribute and disseminate information supporting relevant professional development opportunities, both internally and externally
• Engage in regular and ongoing whole school communication, including: parents, teachers, SST, SLT, counselors, coordinators or other meetings where communication with the SST is required

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all staff within the Inclusion Department/SST
• Oversee, facilitate and allocate roles within SST for the management of resources and development initiatives
• Support with hiring of
• Coordinate all SST department meetings, Student of Concern meetings and collaborate with divisional teams to ensure monitoring of student progress in accordance with MTSS structure
• Oversee and facilitate the documentation used in admissions, student referrals, and support plans
• Maintaining In-School Services provision, agreements and schedules in accordance with ADEK policy
• Coordinating student needs with In-School Support Service providers
• Identifying, interviewing, training, assigning and collaborating on evaluation of LSAs
• Liaise with parents, Govt. Relations officer and HR regarding need for additional student  support (LSA) and necessary approvals
• Collaborating with admissions department to review files and interview students in order to determine ability to accommodate ELL and SOD
• Lead self-evaluation and inspection teams in compliance with the ADEK Inspection Framework and other accrediting bodies (GEMS, NEASC, CIS, IBDP)
• Communicate budget proposals, allocation, and purchasing priorities for the SST to divisional principals
• Collaborate with the SST on the management of school development goals and team policies & procedures
• Providing input to Divisional Principals related to the evaluation of ELL and Inclusion Specialists
• Act as an agent of voice and advocacy for the SST within the wider GAA community
• Provide advice to Head of School/SLT relating to resource requirements, the deployment of staff and timetabling in relation to the provision of learning support.
• Coordinate with VPs, AP/IB coordinators to ensure student requests for accommodations are submitted and provided for all internal and external assessments
• Oversee the identification and  programming for Gifted and Talented students (GT)
• Ensure teachers and staff have opportunities for furthering their own knowledge and training in student support through internal and external professional development as well as access to effective resources
• Oversee the identification and programming for English Language Learners (ELL)
• Maintain SST register
• Update eSIS ALN register
• Update eSIS ISS register

Successful candidates will need to:

• Hold a BEd or Bachelors degree with PGCE / PGDE or equivalent IN Inclusive/Special Needs Education (preferred to hold additional qualifications i.e. Masters degree or higher in Special Needs Education)
• Minimum 5 years experience of Special/Inclusive Education experience and preference given to leadership experience
• Have proven experience of teaching Inclusion, ideally within an IB or American Curriculum School, however this is not mandatory.
• Have experience teaching and leading at Secondary/High School level
• Have the ability to share exemplary teaching practices.
• A creative and enthusiastic approach, both inside and outside the classroom.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to work closely with colleagues, students and parents.
• Have a proven track record of providing outstanding learning & teaching.
• Have aspiration to work in a world-class school with real prospects for enhancing their career.
• Be willing to make a positive contribution to our school community and culture through active engagement in our extra-curricular programme and community-based events.

All positions attract an excellent remuneration package including: Competitive tax-free salary, individual fully furnished accommodation, free schooling for 1 child, private medical insurance, annual airfares to country of residence and end of Service Gratuity.

GEMS Teachers also have free access to our loyalty app GEMS rewards www.gemsrewards.com which provides significant savings on day-to-day life in the UAE. We offer thousands of discounts and 2 for 1 offers on everything from flights, hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, making your salary go further and enhancing the opportunity to save whilst working overseas.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.