News | 13 March 2025
Supporting our students: Kevin Buckley
Our new series shines a light on the diverse and vital roles that support our students' well-being and success. From behaviour specialists to caretakers, we delve into the diverse roles that contribute to a positive and supportive school environment. First up is Kevin Buckley, academic coordinator at IES Tyresö.
Describe your work and what your role entails.
At IES Tyresö, we often describe the role of a coordinator as being like a ‘spider in its web’. When a student needs support, coordinators begin by investigating to better understand what the challenges may be, and then we work with the student care team to put a plan in place. Since effective support often requires collaboration between various parts of the school—teachers, parents, mentors, special educators counselors, student assistants, nurses, and more—my role is to oversee student support plans and ensure that all these different spheres are working together.
As an academic coordinator, I’m also thankful to teach a few year six mathematics classes each week. These lessons keep me connected to students and give me the opportunity to do something I love: teach. At the same time, my other responsibilities provide a deeper understanding of the school beyond the role of a teacher. Attending student care meetings each week allows me to see firsthand how different team members support students in unique ways, and I continue to learn from their expertise.
Finally, as part of the school’s extended leadership team, I have the opportunity to work closely with other coordinators, assistant principals, and the principal to help plan school-wide initiatives. Observing how they tackle problems and receiving their guidance when I face challenges has been invaluable. As a coordinator, no two days are the same, each one brings its unique challenges and opportunities.
Why did you choose to start working at IES, and how long have you been working here?
My wife and I wanted the experience of living abroad, so after months of searching for teaching jobs in Europe, I had a virtual interview with IES in Sweden—a country I had never set foot in. Ten years later, I have Swedish citizenship, two kids growing up here, and no plans to ever leave. I love Sweden and am so thankful to IES for bringing me here.
What would you say makes your school a great school?
We have a stable and effective leadership team alongside passionate and engaged staff. There is a strong sense of collaboration and support. We also have 61 different nationalities represented among our students. It is exciting to work with so many students who come from different cultures and backgrounds.
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"When a student needs extra support, our school does everything possible to provide the adaptations and resources they need."
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What is the best thing about your job?
Being a coordinator allows me to support both students and staff in reaching their full potential. I enjoy the challenge of piecing together solutions to help others. At the same time, I’m grateful to work alongside an experienced and supportive leadership team that provides the guidance I need to grow in my role.
What activity during the school year do you enjoy the most? Why?
Movember! Each November, some members of our staff grow mustaches to spark conversations around the topics of men’s mental health as well as prostate and testicular cancer. On the last day of the month, students who donate 10 kr to the Movember Foundation are given a fake mustache to wear for the day.
What are you most proud of when you think about your school?
When a student needs extra support, our school does everything possible to provide the adaptations and resources they need. Even when something doesn’t work, we collaborate, try new approaches, and search for the best way to help the student. We never give up on our students.