Director of Studies

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionLocation and Dates:

St. John”s University (Queens, NY) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: June 14 - August 16, 2025
  
  

The University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: July 4 - August 2, 2025
  
  

Concordia University (Irvine, CA) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: June 26 - August 9, 2025
  
  

The Director of Studies is required to complete preparatory tasks and engage in remote work at least two months before the official camp start date, with all terms open to negotiation.

Job Description

The DoS will be responsible for planning the ESL program for international teenagers and young adults, ensuring its successful implementation by supervising and supporting a team of ESL teachers. In addition to the duties related to the academic program, you will also be engaged in residential and administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of the camp.

Your key tasks will consist of, but not be limited to:

Preparation for the Program

• Review and make necessary changes to the current YES USA curriculum.
• Design curriculum and materials for new YES USA courses.
• Score student placement tests and accurately place students into appropriate classes according to their language proficiency, nationality, age, and any other relevant consideration.
• Review, edit, and update the YES USA current Operations Manual for ESL Teachers with sufficient details.
• Review and update, if needed, teacher paperwork such as sample rosters, a record of work, student final evaluation forms, teacher observation forms, etc.
• Train the academic team before the program starts (includes going through the main duties and responsibilities, Operations Manual, and curriculum, etc.). Conduct any training sessions for the staff that will join the program later.
  
  

Academic Support

Preparation/First Study Day

• Prepare weekly teaching schedules according to teachers” strengths, weaknesses, experience, skills, and preferences and deliver them to teachers in a timely manner.
• Prepare class lists according to student levels, assign classrooms to each English group, and keep students/teachers informed.
• Prepare and distribute teaching supplies to all teachers and collect them at the end of their contract.
  
  

Before Classes

• Assist teachers with lesson preparation, if needed.
• Make sure teachers have everything needed for each lesson.
• Assist teachers with technology in the classroom, if needed (e.g. audio-visual equipment).
• Address teacher absenteeism or lateness efficiently, resolving related issues and managing staff discipline effectively.
  
  

During Classes

• Monitor student attendance and address absenteeism.
• Assist teachers with any questions, requests, or problems they may have during classes.
• Observe teachers and document observations.
• Ensure that teachers maintain student discipline, welfare, and safety during class time.
• Deal with chaperones regarding student lateness, absences, level changes, etc.
• Teach when necessary (e.g. when student numbers are low, when there is teacher absence, lateness, or shortage).
  
  

After Classes

• Ensure that teachers are maintaining accurate records of work and student attendance.
  
  

Team Support and Supervision

• Supervise, guide, and monitor the teaching team.
• Supervise and assist teachers in writing student evaluations.
• Run brief daily teacher meetings before classes.
• Run weekly professional development workshops/meetings for teachers.
• Give feedback from class observations to teachers and arrange follow-up observations on matters of concern.
• Evaluate the performance of teachers on a weekly basis and report to the center director.
• Establish and maintain team discipline.
• Create a positive atmosphere and motivate effectively, offering praise and recognition whenever possible.
• Supervise admin staff in their duties related to academic support and evaluate their performance.
  
  

Student Supervision

• Act in loco parentis to ensure and maintain student discipline, welfare, safety, and security whenever in contact with students.
• Supervise students during meals when on duty or in touch with students.
  
  

Program Quality Control And Client Service

• Manage the delivery of the academic curriculum as prescribed.
• Set and maintain a high level of teaching by ensuring that students receive well-planned, professionally delivered, and relevant lessons.
• Review and make improvements in the current curriculum throughout the program based on teacher observations, and teacher/student/chaperone feedback.
• Deal with chaperones (or directly with students) to answer questions related to English classes, levels, teachers, student progress, and the like, and resolve issues and complaints.
• Interact with students and chaperons and ensure their happiness.
• Monitor and counsel students on academic matters.
  
  

General Admin

• Assist in preparing for student arrival/departure days (e.g. room inspections, welcome packets, new student orientation, and campus tour, etc.).
• Help new students check in and settle in.
• Arrange and lead/co-lead student orientations for new arrivals and end-of-course ceremonies for departing students.
• Liaise with the university and ensure we have classrooms booked for English lessons, end-of-course certificate giving ceremonies, etc.
• Deal with university representatives to solve any issues or complaints in a positive manner.
• Maintain and protect YES USA teaching resources and equipment and make sure teachers return materials/supplies at the end of the program.
• Take pictures of students/teachers in class and send them to the assistant and residence counselors daily.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of student final evaluations.
• Supervise the admin staff in preparing and printing end-of-course certificates.
• Complete additional administrative tasks assigned by the management team.
  
  

Residential Duties

• Supervise and assist the team with on-campus supervision of students.
• Help students and group leaders with questions and requests.
• Deal with student discipline and initiate appropriate disciplinary actions where necessary.
• Make sure that residence hallways and common areas are clean and report any problems.
• In case of an emergency, be accessible and available to help outside of regular working hours.
• Be available to assist with student bed checks, if needed, and help deal with emergencies.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Assist and stand in for the center director/activity manager when required.
• Help with non-academic duties (excursions, meals, student sicknesses, linen exchange, mid-stay cleaning, etc.), if required.
• Make and answer calls and messages and assist with any questions, problems, etc.
• Help the center director with any staffing issues (e.g. look for sub teachers, train new teachers, etc.)
  
  

Requirements

• DELTA certificate or MA in TESOL.
• 3-5 years minimum full-time experience teaching ESL.
• Native fluency in English.
• Previous academic management experience (preferably in summer camp).
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
  
  

Qualities

• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others.
• Effective people management skills.
• High level of responsibility and authority.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Independence and strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service ethics.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive, constructive demeanor in clients” presence even when problems and emergencies arise.
• Flexibility in terms of work assignments.
  
  

Application Procedure

Prior to offering a job to selected candidates, YES USA will:

• Complete a reference check (names and contact details of three references are required).
• Run a background check.
  
  

Upon signing a job offer, successful candidates will be required to:

• Submit a copy of your university diploma and certificates along with other new hire paperwork.
• Attend orientation prior to employment.
  
  

Hours

• Six working days per week
• 50 hours per week
  
  

Compensation and Benefits

• Housing in a single room in a shared university dorm is provided during the camp.
• $1,144 - $1,192 per week.