Jennifer McGuire
Sharjah
Summary
Head of Inclusion | SEND Leadership | Safeguarding | Whole-School Student Support Senior educational leader with over 25 years of international and U.S. experience designing and leading inclusive education systems across KG–12 schools. Expertise in SEND leadership, safeguarding, inspection readiness, and implementation of multi-tiered support frameworks. Proven success building whole-school inclusion programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with international education standards while improving outcomes for diverse learners.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Pastoral Coordinator
Emirates American School
2025.08 - Current
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for student wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, and pastoral systems across KG–12.
- Provide strategic oversight of multidisciplinary teams including social workers, the Head of Inclusion, clinic staff, and health and safety personnel.
- Lead inspection readiness and policy development related to safeguarding, inclusion, wellbeing, and student protection standards.
- Advise senior leaders on behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing data to inform school improvement planning.
- Strengthen school-wide behaviour management systems through alignment of pastoral policies, staff expectations, and positive behaviour frameworks.
- Partner with parents and external professionals to ensure appropriate support and intervention for students with additional learning needs.
- Provide career guidance and post-secondary counseling to secondary students and families.
Director of Student Services (KG-12)
School of Modern Skills
2023.08 - 2025.06
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible for leading the school-wide student support and inclusion services for a diverse population of 1,800 students.
- Led the restructuring and rebranding of the Student Services Department to strengthen inclusive education practices across the school.
- Implemented a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework integrating academic, behavioural, and social-emotional interventions.
- Oversaw development and monitoring of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for 80+ students requiring specialized learning support.
- Supervised a multidisciplinary team of 30 professionals including special educators, counselors, intervention specialists, and ELL staff.
- Built systems for early identification and intervention for students with additional learning needs.
- Delivered professional development to teachers on inclusive instruction, differentiation, and neurodiversity-responsive teaching practices.
- Collected and analyzed student data to inform intervention planning and improve student outcomes.
- Designed and supervised a 300-student literacy intervention program for middle school students.
Head of Department / Special Educational Needs Coordinator (PreK-8)
GEMS International School Cairo
2022.08 - 2023.06
- Established and led the school’s Special Educational Needs department during the startup phase.
- Designed systems for identification, assessment, and support of students with additional learning needs.
- Created, implemented, and monitored Individual Education Plans for students across PreK-8.
- Provided teacher coaching and professional development in differentiation, inclusive practice, and accommodations.
- Coordinated examination arrangements and access provisions for students with SEND.
- Collaborated with parents and external specialists to ensure appropriate student support.
Director of Special Education / District Special Education Teacher
North Park School District
2021.08 - 2022.06
- Led the district-wide special education program serving students across K-12.
- Ensured compliance with federal special education laws and regulations.
- Coordinated individualized education plans and specialized learning supports.
- Supervised paraprofessionals delivering academic and behavioral interventions.
- Collaborated with external specialists including speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Special Education
Northcentral University
USAPost-Graduate Diploma - Educational Leadership & Administration
Asian College of Teachers
Master of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix
USABachelor of Arts - undefined
Fort Lewis College
USASkills
- Whole-School Inclusion Strategy
- SEND Leadership & Compliance
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Safeguarding & Child Protection Leadership
- Neurodiversity & Inclusive Practice
- Teacher Coaching in Differentiation and UDL
- Data-Driven Intervention Systems
- Parent Partnership & Advocacy
- Inspection Readiness and Policy Development
- Behaviour Intervention Planning (FBA/BIP)
Certification
- Professional Teaching License (K-6) – Colorado, USA
- Special Education Teaching License – Colorado, USA
- Safeguarding Level 3
- Neurodiversity Coach
- International Baccalaureate – PYP & MYP
- TEFL Certification
Timeline
Senior Pastoral Coordinator
Emirates American School
2025.08 - Current
Director of Student Services (KG-12)
School of Modern Skills
2023.08 - 2025.06
Head of Department / Special Educational Needs Coordinator (PreK-8)
GEMS International School Cairo
2022.08 - 2023.06
Director of Special Education / District Special Education Teacher
North Park School District
2021.08 - 2022.06
Post-Graduate Diploma - Educational Leadership & Administration
Asian College of Teachers
Master of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
Fort Lewis College
Doctor of Education (EdD) - Special Education
Northcentral University
INSPECTION & COMPLIANCE EXPERIENCE
- KHDA and SPEA inspection frameworks
- Safeguarding and child protection compliance
- SEND program implementation and monitoring
- Policy development and institutional accountability
- Data-informed school improvement planning