Literacy Specialist

Taaleem

Dubai Schools:

The Dubai Schools Mission is to be a Beacon of Academic Excellence. Combining an inquisitive teaching approach and future-focused skillset delivery, we work hand-in-hand with the community to nurture students to become independent and empathetic learners. We offer an American education that will be guided by Arabic principles and Islamic values which will foster future-ready graduates, driven by pride and tolerance. The main objective of the Dubai Schools Al Barsha, Al Khawaneej and Nad al Sheba Projects is to create a mutually beneficial partnership between the government and the private sector that ensures Dubai s aspiration to have 100% of Emirati Students enrolled in 'Good+' rated schools.

Job Purpose:

The Taaleem Literacy Across the Curriculum Coordinator embodies, radiates and transmits the unique Taaleem ethos of excellence, innovation, creativity and compassion. Through inspirational leadership and teaching, with a deep understanding of students individual learning needs, the Taaleem Literacy Across the Curriculum Coordinator strives to ensure that our consistent approaches to literacy instruction, in both Arabic and English, lay firm foundations for academic and professional success, personal and spiritual fulfilment and a love of lifelong learning in each and every one of our students. All Taaleem teachers and leaders inspire young minds.

Key Accountabilities:

• Serves as a coordinator and facilitator of literacy across the curriculum instructional content, with high-level expertise and ability to adapt according to the school s needs.

• Demonstrates expertise, trains others, and oversees the effective development of beginning reading skills, phonics, and phonological awareness across the school to close attainment gaps.

• Conducts needs assessments and analyzes student and school data at key points in the year, and over time, to determine literacy areas requiring emphasis and support.

• Provides consultative expertise to leaders and teachers, reflecting the full range of evidenced student needs.

• Works collaboratively with representatives from partner organizations to oversee and facilitate the implementation and management of literacy across the curriculum initiatives, including the Reading for Pleasure initiative.

• Works collaboratively with Literacy Across the Curriculum Coordinators across Dubai Schools to improve the quality and consistency of literacy instruction.

• Promotes a love of reading culture across the school through leadership of different initiatives.

• Assists the Principal, Elementary Principal and Middle/High School Principal, and Associate Principal (Curriculum) with literacy policy development and overall effectiveness of the program.

• Leads on the development of parent workshop opportunities which engage parents to be active partners in the development of core literacy skills in Arabic and English.

• Oversees the functioning of the library and supports the procurement of books and library resources.

• Uses allocated student contact time to model best practice in literacy instruction, support staff professional development and pilot new approaches and resources.

• Leads, coordinates and delivers targeted interventions which result in accelerated student progress and contribute to the closing of the attainment gap.

• Leads, coordinates and delivers enrichment activities for students who are above proficiency in Arabic and English Language in partnership with the Lead for Gifted & Talented/More Able

• Keeps under review colleagues methods of literacy instruction and program of work.

• Leads on the development and delivery of professional development events and resources that reflect the latest research, standards, and policy in literacy instruction.

• Conducts and stays abreast of subject area research to remain current with the latest developments in literacy and works collaboratively in sharing these resources.

• Participates in arrangements for her/his further training and professional development as a teacher.

• Leads and manages literacy across the curriculum resource development.

• Embeds UAE heritage and culture within the literacy curriculum.

• Oversees the vertical alignment of the English and Arabic curricular approaches to ensure consistency of the student experience.

As a broad guideline, the time allocation to fulfil the varied responsibilities of the role will include:

• 50% monitoring, mentoring, and coaching staff across all subjects on literacy across the curriculum instructional strategies.

• 30% direct student contact time through teaching and the delivery of interventions, as outlined above.

• 10% focused on parental engagement and professional development.

• 10% partnership working and development.

Taaleem Professional Teachers Standards

Teachers make the education of their students their first concern and are accountable for achieving the highest possible standards in work and conduct. Teachers act with honesty and integrity; have strong subject knowledge, keep their knowledge and skills as teachers up-to-date and are self-critical; forge positive professional relationships; and work with parents and other stakeholders in the best interests of their students.

Part One: Teaching

A teacher must:

• Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge students:

  • Establish a safe and stimulating environment for students, rooted in mutual respect.

  • Set goals that stretch and challenge students of all backgrounds, abilities and dispositions

  • Demonstrate consistently the positive attitudes, values and behavior which are expected of students.

• Promote good progress and outcomes with/for students:

  • Be accountable for pupils attainment, progress and outcomes

  • Be aware of pupils capabilities and their prior knowledge, and plan teaching to build on these

  • Guide pupils to reflect on the progress they have made and their emerging needs