1:1 Teaching Assistant - Elementary School

About the school:

This is an exciting time to join The International School of Como, a recognised IB World school, authorised to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3-11), Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11-16) and Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16-18). We are also a candidate school for the Career-related Programme (CP, ages 16-18). In September 2024, new Executive Principal Philipa Smithson joined the school. An expansion project which has begun means that the school will grow over the coming years from 400 students to around 700, leading to several career development opportunities going forward.

The International School of Como is a vibrant, friendly and expanding school located in the beautiful Como area. ISC's mission is to empower all students to be active, reflective and responsible life-long learners who can make a positive difference in an ever-changing world. The school ethos is based on the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. Our staff are innovative and creative, putting students at the centre of all we do in a collaborative environment.

The International School of Como moved into its definitive purpose-built campus in the nearby village of Fino Mornasco, 6km south of beautiful lake Como. Our modern and spacious campus was designed to foster collaborative approaches to teaching and learning, benefiting from science laboratories fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, a well-stocked central library, studios for visual arts, drama and music, and sports facilities on-site and off-site. Our youngest students thrive in carefully designed on-site spaces supporting our Reggio-Inspired Early Years Curriculum. The expansion project is underway and will enhance our campus.

ISC currently has an enrolment of just under 400 students representing over 45 nationalities, with over 70 dedicated faculty and administration staff. Staff are supportive and welcoming, creating a close sense of community.

The school is one of several successful Italian schools belonging to ISE (International School of Europe), which is part of the Inspired group (www.inspirededu.co.uk), a worldwide network of premium schools offering global best practices and professional development.

Our teachers are international and certified through recognised institutions across the world; they are also trained to deliver the IB programmes.

More information about the school can be found on our website at

The Role:

We are seeking a 1:1 Teaching Assistant for a 7-year-old Elementary student. The role requires a compassionate, patient, and observant individual dedicated to helping students with specific learning needs reach their full potential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate empathy, adaptability, and an encouraging approach to ensure the student feels supported and understood. A positive attitude toward reinforcing small achievements and building confidence is essential to foster the student’s growth.

While experience supporting students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or attention challenges is highly desirable, this role offers scope for individuals newer to such targeted support but with experience working in a school setting. Key skills include the ability to help students remain focused, promote positive communication, and reinforce behavioural targets such as raising hands and following instructions.

Understanding phonics and numeracy at a foundational level would be advantageous, particularly knowledge of early literacy and numeracy programmes. Training in techniques such as multi-sensory learning and strategies for managing attention would be beneficial. Overall, the role demands flexibility, commitment, and a willingness to adapt learning approaches to meet the individual needs of the student effectively.

Suitable candidates will have:

• A compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach, fostering a supportive and positive learning environment for the student.
• Experience working with children in a school setting, ideally including support for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or attention-related challenges.
• Confidence in behaviour management, including strategies to help students remain focused and engage in tasks (training can be provided if needed).
• Knowledge or willingness to learn multi-sensory teaching methods to support literacy and numeracy skills.
• Familiarity or openness to using early literacy programmes and numeracy programmes that build foundational skills.
• An understanding of phonics, early reading skills, and phonemic awareness, along with the ability to guide the student in using decoding and spelling strategies.
• Skills in communication and building positive relationships, ensuring the student feels understood and supported.
• An encouraging and motivational attitude to boost the student’s confidence and celebrate progress.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with a willingness to adjust teaching approaches to meet the evolving needs of the student.
• Detail-oriented and organised, able to track the student’s progress and help reinforce specific academic and behavioural targets.

Candidate requirements:

• Experience working with students at Primary School age.
• Experience of working in teams and collaboration with others.
• Hold an EU passport or have already obtained the right to be employed in Italy.
• Knowledge and skills in ICT literacy.

The person appointed will be expected to begin work immediately, following the provision of a criminal records check, which will need to be completed as part of our safer recruitment and child safeguarding policies.

• International School of Como
• Via Adda 25, Fino Mornasco
• Como
• 22073
• Italy