EAL Specialist

Job description / Role

Job overview

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.

Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.

We are currently seeking a passionate and talented EAL specialist to join our Primary Section.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality learning experiences in an international context. The successful candidate will also play a vital role in enriching students’ lives beyond the classroom through world-class wellbeing and co-curricular programmes.

Key responsibilities:

• Assessment and intervention: Assess, plan, and deliver targeted, effective learning interventions and support for all students requiring English second language (ESL/EAL) provision.
• Team collaboration: Actively contribute as a key member of the Student Support Team (SST) in the identification, monitoring, and administration (including Student Support Plans) of students with specific learning needs.
• Professional expertise: Maintain current, research-informed knowledge of best practices in teaching students with diverse learning needs and exceptional abilities in a mainstream Primary setting.
• Staff development & communication: Provide targeted InSeT training to Primary staff and offer timely consultation and feedback to colleagues and parents on student progress and support measures.
• Data-driven planning: Review internal and external assessment data, under SST guidance, to inform intervention strategies, measure impact, and promote language development.
• Professional role model & policy: Serve as an effective English-speaking role model, maintain professional relationships with all community members, and ensure strict adherence to all school policies, including health and safety, and safeguarding requirements.

Qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as TESOL, Applied Linguistics (EAL/ESL focus), Learning Support (SEND), or Primary Education with a relevant specialisation (required).
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in assessing, planning, and delivering targeted learning interventions for students with ESL/EAL needs, ideally within an international or British curriculum environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of differentiation strategies and experience working collaboratively with mainstream Primary colleagues to integrate learning support outcomes across the curriculum.
• An excellent command of the English language (both written and verbal), which is essential for serving as an effective English-speaking role model, coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proven commitment to professional growth, working collaboratively and supporting student success.
• A strong set of values that align with our BISJ vision and mission.

Preferred attributes:

• Passionate about student well-being and growth, committed to inspiring learners through research-informed, individualised intervention strategies.
• A collaborative team player with a proactive, flexible approach and a strong work ethic.
• Committed to ongoing professional development and contributing to a supportive school culture.

Why join BISJ?

• To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
• The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
• To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
• Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
• A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
• Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.

If you are an enthusiastic educator with a commitment to student success and enrichment, we would love to hear from you.

BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.

Application process

We invite applications from around the globe, welcoming candidates already in Saudi Arabia (local hire) and international candidates who are looking to relocate (overseas hire).

Overseas applicants: All overseas applications should be made through the appropriate international recruitment channels.

Local hire applicants: If you are currently residing in Jeddah with a National ID or valid Iqama, please complete the local application form.

Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.

Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent Head Teacher or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.

Data protection (PDPL)

In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.