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Director of Studies (DoS) – MLA Florida International University. MLA (Move Language Ahead) is an industry leader in providing safe, educational, and cultural holidays to students from around the world. Each year thousands of students travel with MLA as part of our short-term English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. 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 center and plays a crucial role in whole-school strategy and development. You will inspire teachers to deliver high-quality, communicative Task-Based English lessons. DoSs are also responsible for communicating with the Center Director and Group Leaders about academic-related matters.
Job Responsibility:
Ensure the planning, delivery and smooth running of the academic program
Monitor effective completion of all tasks
Allocate students to classes and make changes if necessary
Assign level and material to classes
Organize inductions, and CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders
Represent MLA values
Report to the Academic Manager
6 days per week
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 center and request assistance from Head Office
Attend any management training or meetings as required
Support the Center Director and work collaboratively with Center Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the center and program when necessary
including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback
Provide pastoral care when needed
Residential positions may be on call during the night
Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently
Timetable teachers
Center 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
Organize certificates and run graduation ceremony
Lead and manage the Academic Team in the center by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers and ADoS 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 center
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 programs and academic needs in the center
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 programs
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 center needs
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
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 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 center
Requirements:
Must have right to work in the US and the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check is required
the completion of a satisfactory child abuse clearance may also be required
Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references
ESL or English teaching experience with teenagers
Be proficient in the use of IT
ESL or English Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in the US
Teacher Management experience
Teacher Training experience
First Aid Qualification
Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behavior and, at all times, to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children
Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
Be committed to continuous personal and professional development
Team player
Motivate and inspire teachers sensitively and constructively and, where necessary, challenge colleagues assertively.
Self-motivated and passionate about driving up standards in management, teaching and learning
Be determined, well-organized and extremely hard-working
Ability to work accurately and calmly and show resilience when under pressure.
Be supportive and help staff with the use of IT
Ability to provide creative ideas to supplement program curriculum to facilitate learning
Be willing and able to contribute to the wider extracurricular and pastoral life of a summer school.
Customer orientated approach: highly aware of cultural sensitivities. Communicate clearly and persuasively with Group Leaders and students to ensure procedures are followed.
Ready to initiate and manage change, where necessary.
Nice to have:
ESL or English Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in the US
Teacher Management experience
Teacher Training experience
First Aid Qualification
What we offer:
This position provides housing and full board.
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