Student Support Services

Inclusive education that embraces diversity and differences is supported by the United Nations as a matter of human rights and social justice. In the publication “Learning diversity and inclusion in IB programmes: Removing barriers to learning” (2016), the IB states: “Inclusion is an ongoing process that aims to increase access and engagement in learning for all students by identifying and removing barriers. Inclusion is facilitated in a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, support and problem-solving involving the whole school community.

Contact Information

Admissions policy

Reelika Herkel
Admissions Officer
office@ise.edu.ee

Student Support

Ethel Reesar
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
ethelr@ise.edu.ee

Special Educational Needs Coordinator

The Student Support Team is led by the Special Educational Needs Coordinator, who collaborates and organizes regular meetings with the students, teachers, and parents in order to make recommendations regarding the best support for students with diverse learning needs. Special Educational Needs Coordinator refers the students to specialists outside of school if necessary and, with parental permission, liaises with auxiliary service providers/specialists on how to best support the students. Special Educational Needs Coordinator provides academic and social/emotional support to the students or refers them to the School Psychologist if necessary.

Contact Information

Ethel Reesar
Special Educational Needs Coordinator
ethelr@ise.edu.ee
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School Psychologist

The School Psychologist supports the development of students in partnership with parents and staff, involving, when appropriate, other specialists. The School Psychologist evaluates the student’s psychological development and coping mechanisms, designs, manages and carries out interventions that meet the needs of the student, and shares the results of the evaluations with the SST and parents as required. In addition, the School Psychologist supports and counsels individual students in coping with personal lifestyle and mental health problems and communication skills. 

The ISE school psychologist’s work is guided by the student’s well-being and best interests, applicable through the laws of the Republic of Estonia and other legislation, the Code of Ethics, and the job description of the Estonian School Psychologists Association.

Contact Information

Heli Sõber
Psychologist
helis@ise.edu.ee
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Dean of Students

The Dean of Students develops a relationship based upon mutual trust and respect with students in order to anticipate possible social or behavioral difficulties. The Dean of Students (DoS) is responsible for investigating any incidents involving student behavior. The Dean of Students develops a functional anti-bullying protocol through the adoption of contemporary approaches. The DoS collaborates with the Student Support Team members, more specifically with the SEN Coordinator, on any aspects of student support as required. The DoS supports Principal Coordinators as required in the execution of their programmes.

Valerian Goguadze
Dean of Students
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English Acquisition Learners (EAL) Programme

EAL stands for English as an Additional Language – it refers to learners whose first language is not English. Learners may be fluent in several other languages even if they are attending schools in which the language of instruction is English. EAL learners receive support in an English class by an EAL teacher, instead of a language acquisition course. EAL needs, entry and exit from the programme, are determined using the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Model Screener and the WIDA Model Online summative assessment. The WIDA English Language Development Standards provide the framework for EAL instruction.

ISE recognizes that developing academic language proficiency can take up to 3-5 years, the level of English language competence required to have an access to the common curriculum.

Valerian Goguadze
English as a Additional Language Teacher
valeriang@ise.edu.ee
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University and Career Pathways Advisement

ISE is committed to guiding students toward successful futures. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, we will have a dedicated and experienced University Advisor who will work individually with our high school students. This personalized advisement will focus on exploring student passions and aptitudes to identify the best-fit career and university pathways. We recognize that navigating higher education and career options is a significant journey, and our advisor will provide tailored support to ensure each student is well-prepared for their next steps. Please see our dedicated University Guidance page for more details.