Director of studies Job at Move Language Ahead (London King’s, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh)

Job Description

Director of Studies (DoS) Job Description. The post of Director of Studies is a senior position, and the successful candidate will be a member of the school’s management structure. The holder has the key task of leading and managing the academic life of the centre, and plays a crucial role in whole-school strategy and development. You will inspire teachers to deliver high-quality, communicative Task-Based EFL lessons promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy. DoSs are also responsible for communicating with the Centre Director and Group Leaders about academic related matters. Summer centres are very busy places and there may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed here.

Job Responsibility

Ensure the planning, delivery and smooth running of the academic programme
Monitor effective completion of all tasks
Allocate students to classes and make changes if necessary
Assign level and material to classes
Organise inductions, and CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders
Represent MLA values
Report to the Academic Manager
6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
Take overall responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning within the school
Develop and implement MLA’s educational philosophy and foster a culture of best practice
Manage the MLA Boards software and keep all records up-to-date
Be available to Group Leaders, listen carefully and respectfully, and accommodate their requests as much as possible while ensuring MLA procedures are followed
Be flexible and aware of cultural differences when explaining academic decisions/procedures to Group Leaders
Advise the Academic Manager on all academic matters in the centre and request assistance from Head Office
Attend any management training or meetings as required
Support the Centre Director and work collaboratively with Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and programme when necessary
including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback
Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently
Timetable teachers
Centre and classroom set-up
Manage student admissions and monitor arrangements for placement tests
Cover lessons when necessary and motivate students to improve their learning skills
Organise certificates and graduation ceremony
Lead and manage the Academic Team in the centre by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers and ADoSs to maintain MLA’s high academic standards
Ensure there is a clear communication channel with staff and have an open door policy
Monitor staff performance and teachers prompt completion of all administrative tasks required
Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material/stages to their class composition
Chair academic meetings in the centre
Be the first port of call for any teacher in need of advice or support
Cover for absent staff
Arrange cover for absent staff: record and monitor all absences
Supervise the preparation of student reports within agreed deadlines
Inform the Academic Manager of all Continuous Professional Development programmes and academic needs in the centre
Delegate tasks to the ADoS with necessary support and guidance
Support teachers in delivering the Task-Based learning syllabus
Work with the ADoS in designing all Continuous Professional Development programmes
Carry out inductions
If TEFLQ, carry out formal observations and appraisals in line with the MLA observation guidelines and rubric
Inspire and encourage teachers to deliver CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders in relation to the centre needs
Complete all required pre-employment training
Attend the in-person induction training and take an active part in discussions
Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process
Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook
Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA
Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills
Assist the Academic Manager with student admissions, monitor and manage arrangements for entrance testing and assessment
Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Academic Manager
Oversee the timetabling and administration of preparation
Monitor live updates of student attendance on the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
Supervise the completion of up-to-date teaching records on the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
Supervise the preparation of student’s reports and/or course reports within agreed deadlines and ensure they are professional and free of typos
Provide cover teaching when necessary
Develop a good business relationship with the college/university
Support the Centre Director/Academic Manager to ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to
Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary
Use company-provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone
Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders
Support the MLA Academic Team at other centres when required
Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises
Ensure teachers’ room and classrooms are left secure and tidy after use
Ensure borrowed equipment has been returned
Help develop, advance and expand teaching resources
Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the MLA Safeguarding Policy
Provide safety and welfare assistance to students
Be vigilant for possible welfare problems of students
Inform your DoS of any absences from classes immediately
Report any issues which may be affecting students’ safety, wellbeing and academic performance
Be aware of relevant fire, health and safety issues in the classroom and around the centre

Requirements

Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you’re based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check form your country of residence
Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references
EFL experience teaching teenagers
Be proficient in the use of IT
DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL / MA TESOL completed (or in progress if you have a TEFL Level 5 certificate)
PGCE/ PGCE PCET: Post Graduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL
PGCE in English/ Foreign Languages or DELTM plus a TEFL Level 5 certificate (CELTA / Trinity CertTESOL or equivalent Ofqual recognised standards)
Master’s degrees (MA/MSc etc) in ELT/TESOL or related subjects are also accepted but cannot be considered without a supervised teaching practice component

Nice to have

EFL Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in Ireland or the UK
Teacher Management experience
Teacher Training experience
Enhanced DBS/PVG registered on the Update Service
First Aid Qualification

What we offer

Residential rates include full board and lodging
Paid training and induction
Work as part of a strong team and gain experience
Opportunities for professional development e.g., observations, team teaching
Returning staff will receive a bonus of GBP 150 after completing their full contract
Travel expenses covered if required to move to another centre

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Director of studies

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