Teacher – School Counselor – Yas American Academy (AY 2024/25)

Yas American Academy opened in September 2016 providing high quality education to the Emirate. The children are taught the Massachusetts Common Core Curriculum – tailored to be meaningful to children attending the school, alongside the local curriculum of Arabic, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. Facilities at the school are excellent and include a large astro-turf field, two swimming pools, well stocked library, a large multi-purpose sports hall, an auditorium and outdoor play areas.

In a short period of time the school has achieved outstanding levels of progress and attainment, supported by rigorous tracking of assessment data. We have highly dedicated and talented staff, who work in partnership with parents to ensure success for all.

The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

University preparation and guidance

• Counsel students with course/subject selection, adjusting to a new school, study skills and career planning.
• Organise career events, drop ins and any other relevant events throughout the academic year as part of the school’s impartial careers guidance strategy
• Establish links with other educational institutions in Abu Dhabi – universities and colleges – to organise student visits and in school events and presentations by guest speakers.
• To organise and host school University fairs
• Oversee implementation of any online systems such as Unifrog for supporting students with guidance for university application and preparation
• To support students with preparations for university admissions and scholarship interviews
• To develop working partnerships with University and College admission Officers
• To administer all university applications including UCAS, Common App and other countries applications processes
• Meet with parents from grade 8 – 12 in order to advise on academic pathways for students
• To help facilitate, plan and contribute to assemblies, seminars and workshops as part of the schools Higher Education (HE) pathway to help G9 onwards research into possible careers, university options and effectively plan for their future
• To run specific university guidance sessions and workshops for senior school student focussing on the construction of personal statements, college essay and CVs/ resumes
• Helping in the creation of university short lists and identifying best fits for students
• Write university reference and recommendation letters and provide INSET for staff to ensure that theirs are of the correct format required by universities
• Provide students with information about and assistance in applying for financial aid and scholarships in tertiary institutions around the world

Work based placements and student work experience

•  Plan and establish work placement opportunities for Grade 9 and 11 students
• Organise in school workshops and career talks from professionals in a variety of fields by utilising the parent and wider community
• To promote entrepreneurship across the school and support with the Heads of department in running of school wide initiatives and careers focussed events
• To develop opportunities in the curriculum for subject areas to implement an understanding of careers and vocations within specific subject areas

Academic Oversight 

• Impart relevant study skills techniques for effective learning and academic excellence through the delivery of student and parent workshops
• Support in giving presentations to parents at appropriate points in the calendar, and proactively organise meetings with individual parents as required
• Facilitate students to set their goals (academic, personal and career goals); track and meet deadlines, time-management and organizational skills.
• Coordinate all aspects of the super curricular and volunteering guidance and maintain students’ records in a digital format e.g. Excel, Powerschool, Unifrog
• To develop an approach for whole school individual student personal portfolios which will reflect their learning journey and experiences; with documents kept digitally in a format that ADEK and Aldar require
• To implement an introduction programme for G9- 11 students in which they are prepared for college applications, requirements and course selection
• Awareness of course offering to best advise pathways for students
• Help students decide their curriculum pathways that are aligned with their college and career aspirations
• Preparation of accurate transcripts for all students to be sent to HE institutes

Curriculum and community programme

• To support and attend all middle and high school parents’ evenings
• Keep track of alumni destinations
• To create an alumni coaching and mentoring programme for current pupils where possible
• Make use of the parent body for discussion sessions/ days

Testing programmes which support career choices and University application

• Build up a local and international knowledge of university, college entrance requirements and applications processes, and produce a guide for staff, students and parents (host meetings where appropriate)
• Oversight and preparation of all senior school students’ SATs and other admissions testing
• Tracking of EMSAT marks and compare against university requirements, advise where resits are required
• Ensure students are entered and administration completed for all pre-university admissions tests for specific academic routes including but not limited to: BMAT, IELTS, UCAT, TSA- Oxford, Cambridge, UCL- this may include supervision and registration
• Conduct individual and group career-related tests for self-awareness, discovery of values, interests and skills e.g. Unifrog careers and interest surveys for this in grade 6 and above

Minimum Qualifications: 

• BA Degree in Education or any related field with 2 years experience in a similar role
• MA Degree in counselling or a related subject (ADEK initial training is required for those without prior experience)
• A clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check or police check

Minimum Experience: 

• Minimum of 2 years experience
• A high level of professionalism and consideration of the well-being of children

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.