Meet Tracy Dew

Imagine a job where your day might include having a tea party in one class, joining an expedition to space in another, or embarking on a mission to find a precious dou-dou. That’s just part of a typical day for Tracy, Learner Support Teacher and Grade Level Leader in the Early Years at ISL. With her dedication to inclusive education and her knack for creating magical, meaningful learning moments, Tracy plays an essential role in the vibrant Lower School community. Let’s dive into her story and the incredible work she does.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at ISL?

I am Tracy Dew and my current role at ISL is Learner Support Teacher and Grade Level Leader in the Early Years. This is a busy, exciting role which brings me into contact with students and parents across the Early Years as well as so many other people in our ISL family.

What inspired you to become a Learner Support Services teacher, and how long have you been part of the ISL community?

I have had a number of different roles in the 9 years I have been at ISL but Early Years has always been my main focus and passion.  We have an incredibly dedicated, experienced and knowledgeable learner support team at ISL and 4 years ago I was lucky enough to become part of this team. Drawing on my own experiences as an early years practitioner allows me to find creative ways to provide inclusive support for all of our students.

In addition to being a Learner Support Services teacher, you are also a Grade Level Leader. Can you tell us more about this role and how it complements your work in learner support?

My dual roles have so many shared and complimentary aspects. Early Years is a unique team of caring, creative and inspirational professionals, I am lucky enough to be able to support them by ensuring that they have everything they need to bring their teaching to life. Similarly for the students, I strive to provide the supports that every student needs to bring their learning to life.

What did you do prior to working at ISL, and what brought you to the school?

Prior to ISL I worked at another school in Luxembourg and before that I worked in Risk and Compliance – a very different set of skills! After having my own children I found I was less inspired by the corporate world and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to take on a role within another school here in Luxembourg. On day one I was hooked and have worked over the last 18 years to re-train, upskill and learn everything I need for a role that I feel so privileged and lucky to have.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Lower School Learner Support Services teacher and a Grade Level Leader?

My day starts early! Checking in that all the classes have what they need for the day - especially the all-important sweet treats to get everyone through those busy moments!! One of my favourite parts of the day is being around to welcome the parents and students as they come into school. At ISL we value our community like family, and we love saying "Good Morning" to our students and their families as they come into school. Catching up with older siblings who we may have taught previously or checking in with parents. Making these genuine connections with our families is very important to the Early Years team. The rest of the day is never the same. Going into classes, working with small groups or individual children, finding lost precious dou-dou’s, helping with snack or lunch, joining play during outdoor learning, meetings with colleagues, having a tea party in one class or joining an expedition to space in another – the day just flies by and once the children are gone, its time to connect to colleagues and plan how we can build on and support the amazing learning experiences we have observed that day.

What do you love most about your work, particularly in supporting students with diverse learning needs?

Its hard to highlight one thing but I think the most rewarding aspect is when, as a team, we can use the deep connections we have made with the students to create learning environments which represent every student and where every student feels they have equal place.

How do you collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure students receive the individualized support they need?

Sometimes this happens in the moment as we observe the children in their own authentic play experiences, or it can be more formally within a collaborative conversation where we reflect together on our shared observations. It really is a partnership.

Can you explain the role of Learner Support Services at ISL and how it helps students thrive academically and personally?

The role is really about recognising each students challenges and successes. Looking at our environment and ensuring that we are providing diverse opportunities to provoke learning in the most effective way for each student. Where we observe barriers to learning and growth, we aim to differentiate our teaching and the environment in order to remove those barriers.

How do you support students in developing confidence, independence, and a love of learning, especially those who may face difficulties in certain areas?

We always focus on strengths first and we always presume competence.  If a child feels safe, confident, seen and secure in our school then a love of learning is naturally occurring. 

What do you believe is the importance of providing inclusive education, and how does ISL’s approach to learner support embody these values?

At ISL, the approach to Learner Support focuses on individualised attention, collaboration and recognising the unique needs of each student. ISL has a deep culture of acceptance, where diverse learning needs are presumed and where diversity is considered a strength in our community.

How do you work with families to ensure they are actively involved in their child’s learning journey?

Parental connection is a very important part of my role and that of all of the Early Years team. No one knows a child better than their parents and we are grateful for the strong home school connections which we foster. Creating and building relationships with our parents through a simple morning greeting, by sharing children’s learning via Seesaw, displaying family photos in the classrooms, inviting parents to read in class or through our dedicated parent representatives, I hope ensure that all our parents feel they have an active involvement in their child's early learning journey.

What are some of the most important skills you aim to instill in the students you work with?

Our PYP learner profile focuses on characteristics such as inquirer, communicator, principled and risk-taker. Building these skills helps students to connect with their own strengths, encouraging even our youngest learners to feel empowered in their ability to meet their goals.

How do you define the success of a student, both in terms of overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential?

Success looks differently for every child, and part of my role is to recognise that. Understanding what a good day looks like for all our students and supporting them to build the resilience to keep striving for that, even when they face challenges, is key because it's in the joy and pride they take in their learning that our students truly share their success.

What do you think is unique about ISL?

The people! It is absolutely a cliché but I genuinely love every day I spend at ISL.

Describe ISL in five words.

Supportive, warm, growth, committed and community.