EFL Director of Studies - Summer

Director of Studies (DoS) 

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) programmes. Along with our proprietary task-based ESL curriculum, we also provide our students with great excursions featuring some of the most popular historical and tourist destinations across the globe. 

 
MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT 
MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights. 

MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to- face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy and Prevent Policy. 
 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

• 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 

• Residential employment available from late June – mid-August  

• Learn more by watching a two-minute video here

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 English lessons. 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. 
 
 
REQUIREMENTS  
Essential 

• 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 

 

Desirable 

• ESL or English Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in the US  

• Teacher Management experience 

• Teacher Training experience  

• First Aid Qualification 

 
Person Specification 

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries 

• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour 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-organised 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 programme 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.  

  

LOCATION

MLA New York  Ramapo College   505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

MLA Los Angeles Pitzer College 1050 N Mills Avenue Claremont, CA 91711

MLA Miami FIU - MCC  11200 SW 8th St  Miami, FL 33199

DATES
June 29, 2024 – August 15, 2024*
*Contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program

The Residential Director of Studies (DoS) contract involves a 6-day workweek, with one 24-hour period off per week. Classes are typically taught from Tuesday through Sunday, occasionally including Monday, with 90-minute sections. 

Class Schedule: 

• Morning lessons: 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

• Afternoon lessons: 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

You will not be required to participate in excursions outside your assigned duties. Given the demanding nature of MLA programs, however, standing office hours outside of class schedule are expected. 
 
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES 
Academics in the centre 

• 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 

• 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 

• 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 run graduation ceremony 

 

Staff Management 

• 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 

 

Training & CPD 

• 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 

 

Administrative 

• 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 

• Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Academic Manager  

• Oversee the timetabling and administration of preparation  

• Provide cover teaching when necessary 

 

Equipment & Facilities 

• 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 

 

Safeguarding & Welfare 

• 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 

 
COMPENSATION 
The Director of Studies position is classified as exempt and will receive a weekly salary commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and experience. 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 

 

MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT 

• Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes 

• Provide courses that will support and enable the students to realise their potential and achieve their academic targets 

• Be dressed in a presentable professional way  

• Start on time, if this is not possible you must inform your manager as early as possible 

• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible 

• Follow the code of conduct specifically detailed in your Handbook 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   
Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? No   
Do the essential functions of this job require standing? Yes 
Do the essential functions of this job require walking up stairs? Yes    
Do the essential functions of this job require stretching? No   
Do the essential functions of this job require bending? No 

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT    
MLA Move Language Ahead is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, Vietnam-era/disabled veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non-job-related criteria.