Rome International School (RIS) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Whole School Learning Support Coordinator to lead and coordinate learning support services across our Early Years, Primary and Secondary School programmes. The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for inclusive education, with strong expertise in supporting students with diverse learning needs and a deep understanding of the IB curriculum frameworks.
This position plays a key role in ensuring that every student receives the appropriate support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Whole School Learning Support Coordinator will collaborate with teachers, parents, external specialists, and leadership teams to promote best practices in inclusive teaching and learning.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Coordination
● Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the whole school Learning Support (LS) programme.
● Oversee the identification, assessment, and support of students with learning difficulties and/or special educational needs across the school.
● Coordinate the development, implementation, and review of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
● Serve as a key liaison between families, teaching teams, and external specialists, including therapists and diagnosticians.
● Coordinate with the IB Programme Coordinators to ensure the application of IB inclusive education policies and access arrangements.
Assessment & Intervention
● Conduct assessments and interpret evaluation reports (e.g. Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological, Psychiatric) to identify student learning needs.
● Monitor student progress and modify interventions or ILPs as necessary.
● Ensure the appropriate documentation, reporting, and confidentiality of student learning support cases.
● Support the use of evidence-based intervention strategies, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy, and executive functioning.
Curriculum & Instruction
● Support teachers with curriculum adaptation, differentiation, and classroom-based interventions.
● Ensure the school’s instructional practices reflect best practices in special education and inclusive teaching.
● Provide professional learning opportunities to staff around inclusive education, assessment, and differentiation.
Compliance & Policy
● Ensure RIS complies with the IB’s Inclusive Assessment Arrangements policies and procedures.
● Coordinate the application process for access arrangements for IB assessments (MYP and DP).
● Maintain knowledge of Italian Special Education laws and compliance within the Scuola Paritaria framework (preferred).
● Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement inclusive education policies and procedures.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
● Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field.
● Valid teaching certification in Special Education or Learning Support.
● At least 4 years of experience in a Learning Support/Special Education role, including experience as a Coordinator.
● Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, including specific diagnoses (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, ASD).
● Experience with assessment, ILP development, and implementation.
● Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and inclusive pedagogy.
● Proficiency in reading and interpreting specialist evaluations (e.g. OT, Speech, Psychological reports).
● Understanding of the IB philosophy and experience with IBDP curriculum and assessment.
● Familiarity with IB access arrangements, inclusive assessment policies, and accommodations procedures.
● Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
● Strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
● Fluency in English.
Preferred:
● PYP teaching experience.
● Familiarity with Italian Special Education laws and procedures.
● Proficiency in Italian.
● Experience in an internationally-minded, inclusive school setting.
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Personal Qualities
● A passionate advocate for inclusive education.
● Collaborative, empathetic, and culturally responsive.
● Able to inspire, support, and mentor staff across all divisions.
● A flexible thinker and effective communicator.
● Committed to continuous professional development and reflective practice.
Rome International School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.