DENOMINATION: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

STUDENT ATTENDANCE: 459

Meet Saint Maur International School

Saint Maur International School, located in the historic Yamate district of Yokohama, holds the prestigious distinction of being the oldest international school in Asia and the third oldest in the world. Founded in 1872 by the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, the school has evolved from its humble beginnings into a vibrant, co-educational institution that serves the expatriate and local communities. Despite its deep historical roots, the campus is equipped with modern technology, providing a serene yet high-tech environment that overlooks the port of Yokohama, blending a sense of heritage and tradition with future-thinking education.

The school’s academic framework is designed to be rigorous and globally recognized, catering to students from Pre-school through Grade 12. Saint Maur was a pioneer in adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Japan and continues to offer the IB Diploma, alongside the IGCSE and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). This multi-layered approach ensures that students become critical thinkers, are prepared for top-tier universities worldwide, and are able to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with ease.

Beyond the classroom, Saint Maur is deeply committed to the concept of "the whole child," fostering a community where moral values and social responsibility are as important as academic scores. The school boasts a robust Fine Arts program, a competitive athletic department, and a well-equipped Science Center that emphasizes hands-on inquiry. By maintaining a relatively small student-to-teacher ratio, the school preserves a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students of over 40 nationalities support one another and contribute positively to the school and local community.

About the Whole School SEN Teacher

Saint Maur International School seeks a dedicated and versatile Whole School SEN Teacher to contribute to our Learning Support department. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and supporting students with diagnosed learning needs from Early Childhood through Grade 12.

You will act as a vital bridge between students, parents, and faculty, ensuring that every learner - regardless of their profile - has access to our challenging curriculum, including the IGCSE and the IB Diploma program.

The Whole School SEN Teacher's responsibilities include:

• Individualized Support: Design, implement, and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to the specific support of students with a diagnosed learning need.
• Collaborative Consultation: Partner with teachers to differentiate instruction and provide for IEP-approved accommodations.
• Assessment & Identification: Interpret external educational-psychological evaluations with the Director of Student Services to determine accommodations that can be supported at school.
• Direct Instruction: Provide pull-out or push-in support focusing on literacy, numeracy, executive functioning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Advocacy: Serve as the primary point of contact for parents regarding the IEP, guiding them through the process.
• Exam Accommodations: Coordinate with the IB and IGCSE Coordinators and College Guidance Counselor to ensure students receive appropriate access arrangements for external assessments, e.g., examinations.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Whole School SEN Teacher:

Education and Experience

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Education; a Master’s degree or specialized certification in Special Education (SEN) or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a K–12 setting, ideally within an international school environment.
• Curriculum Knowledge: Familiarity with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, the IGCSE, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is preferred. 
• Cultural Competency: Ability to work sensitively within an international and multicultural school community.

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• Adaptive & Patient: You understand that progress isn't always linear and can pivot strategies based on student needs.
• Articulate: You can express complex diagnostic data into actionable strategies for teachers and parents.
• Community-Minded: You appreciate the family-like atmosphere of Saint Maur and are ready to contribute to the wider school life above beyond what is required. You believe that by virtue of that participation, the students are provided with a positive, mature and meaningful learning experience
• Values-Aligned: Demonstrates a commitment to the school’s mission and motto, fostering an environment of moral integrity, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every individual.

What it's like to live in Naka Ward, Yokohama

Living in Naka Ward, Yokohama, offers a captivating blend of deep historical charm and ultra-modern urban convenience. As the heart of Yokohama’s international history, the ward is home to the scenic Yamate bluffs, where Western-style houses and lush parks provide a quiet, suburban escape. Just down the hill, the atmosphere shifts to the vibrant energy of Chinatown (Chukagai) and the historic red brick or Aka Renga buildings of the Minato Mirai waterfront. This unique geography allows residents to enjoy a lifestyle that is both modern and quintessentially Japanese, making it one of the most desirable residential areas in the Kanagawa Prefecture.

For those who prioritize accessibility and leisure, Naka Ward is a playground of amenities. The area is anchored by Yamashita Park, a sprawling waterfront green space alongside the harbor, perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls. Shopping and dining options are numerous, ranging from the trendy boutiques of Motomachi Shopping Street to the popular malls in the nearby Sakuragicho area. Additionally, the ward serves as a major transportation hub; with multiple train lines like the Minatomirai and JR Negishi lines, commuting to Tokyo or other parts of Kanagawa is remarkably efficient, usually taking under 40 minutes to reach central Tokyo stations.

The local Japanese community in Naka Ward is notably welcoming, fostering an easy-going environment that is inviting to residing expatriates and young professionals. Because of its history as a port town, the local culture is multifaceted, featuring an array of international schools, specialized grocery stores stocking imported goods, while offering opportunities to participate in many local cultural activities and to enjoy Japanese cuisine. Whether you are looking for a high-rise apartment with bay views or a hidden gem of a house in a quiet back street, Naka Ward (and surrounding wards) provides a high quality of life that harmonizes bustling city excitement with peaceful seaside living.