Fostering Inclusive Education at AIS | Judith Azran

When thinking about inclusive education, Judith Azran knows what it takes to create an environment conducive to learning. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education, her passion for advocating for student voices, agency and empowerment is something that remains at the core of her approach even today. 

After finishing her studies in Montreal, where she specialised in inclusive education, Ms Azran worked for years in both mainstream and at-risk schools, providing resources to meet the diverse needs of her students. 

“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about working with neurodivergent students, helping them recognise their potential and realise their dreams,” she said. “Times have changed, and we need to adapt.” 

We are proud to have Ms Azran on our staff at AIS for the past nine years. As the Learning Support Coordinator, she is the only person who oversees Grades K-12 and works closely with students in Grades 10-12. Judith also frequently attends seminars and workshops to stay informed and up to date as new solutions, trends and ideas are brought into the educational sector. This job includes working one-on-one with students who require different amounts of support. This could be anything from assisting students with organisation to ensuring accommodations are met during exams.

However, Ms Azran’s reach goes far beyond the walls of Antwerp International School. Five years ago, she founded a small group of Learning Support Coordinators to foster collaboration, support and feedback with others in her role in several international schools. This was the first time something like this had existed, and it was much needed. 

“I’m here on my own. There are other learning support teachers, but as a coordinator, I am one person. Sometimes I feel that I would benefit from speaking to someone else in my position.”

After participating in a job-alike in Paris, Ms Azran realised how important and beneficial it is to talk to other coordinators: “I had reached out to a few schools around here to see if there was anyone interested in collaborating, and the responses were extremely positive.”

This collective group serves as a platform for other educators to communicate and share questions about various challenges that they might face. As Ms Azran is the only person in her role, sometimes having others to speak to can make a difference when approaching problems and searching for creative solutions. 

“We’ve held online meetings, but in November I will host our first in-person workshop,” she said. This is a project that Ms Azran is incredibly enthusiastic about. 

Together, alongside other Learning Support Professionals from the International School of Luxembourg, Bonn International School, the International School of Dusseldorf, the International School of Stavanger, Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam and The International School of Paris, they will collaborate and bring valuable insights to their respective schools. The goal is to enhance the learning practices and embark on new ways to best support the needs of students. 

Future goals with Ms Azran’s work will hopefully include the introduction of a website that will offer resources to other educators. As education continues to evolve alongside the needs of students, we hope to foster a system that makes room for everyone.