EFL Director of Studies - Summer

Director of Studies (DoS) – MLA Florida International University

Job Type: Residential, Full-Time

Reports to:

Academic Manager

Responsible for:
Assistant DoS, Teachers, Students and Group Leaders

Location:

MLA, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199

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. 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 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 program. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organization 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.

• 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
• 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

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. Directors of Studies also are responsible for communicating with the Center 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.

Essential

• Must have the 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.

• 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 program curriculum to facilitate learning.
• Be willing and able to contribute to the wider extracurricular and pastoral life of a summer school.
• Customer‑orientated…