EFL Director of Studies Summer

Director of Studies (DoS) MLA California Claremont at Pitzer College

Job Type: Residential Full-Time

Reports to:Academic Manager

Responsible for:Assistant DoS Teachers Students and Group Leaders

Location:MLACalifornia at Pitzer College

Pitzer College

1050 N Mills Ave

Claremont CA 91711

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 WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children youngpeopleand vulnerable adults. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal program. The primary concernat all timesis the interests and safety of each student and the organization takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harmdiscriminationor 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 countrys 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 ourSafeguarding Policy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Ensure the planningdeliveryand 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

• 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 schools 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 also responsible for communicating with the Center Director and Group Leaders about academic-related matters. Summer centers arevery busyplaces 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 isrequired; the completion of a satisfactory child abuse clearance may also berequired

• 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 whilstmaintainingproper professional boundaries

• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behavior andat 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 managementteachingand 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 tofacilitatelearning

• 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 toinitiateand manage change where necessary.
  

SCHEDULE

June 29 2026 August 13 2026*
*Contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program

The Residential Director of Studies (DoS) contract involves a6-day workweek with one24-hour period offper week. Classes are typically taught fromMonday through Saturdaywith90-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 notbe requiredtoparticipatein excursions outside your assigned duties. However given the demanding nature of MLA programs you may occasionally be asked toassistoutside your standard working hours to ensure the smooth operation of the center.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

Academics in the center

• Take overall responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning within the school

• Develop and implement MLAs 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 requestassistancefrom Head Office

• Attend any management training or meetings asrequired

• 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 tasksrequiredefficiently

• Timetable teachers

• Center and classroom set-up

• Manage student admissions andmonitorarrangements for placement tests

• Cover lessons when necessary and motivate students to improve their learning skills

• Organize certificates and run graduation ceremony

Staff Management

• Lead and manage the Academic Team in the center by encouragingsupportingand challenging teachers andADoSstomaintainMLAs 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 tasksrequired

• 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 andmonitorall 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 theADoSwith necessary support and guidance

Training & CPD

• Support teachers in delivering the Task-Based learning syllabus

• Work with theADoSin 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

Administrative

• Assist the Academic Manager with student admissionsmonitorand 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 students 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 andmonitorteaching resources and premises

• Ensure teachers room and classrooms are left secure and tidy after use

• Ensure borrowed equipment has been returned

• Help developadvanceand expand teaching resources

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to andcomply withtheSafeguarding Policy.

• Provide safety and welfareassistanceto students

• Be vigilant forpossible welfareproblems of students

• Inform your DoS of any absences from classesimmediately

• Report any issues which may be affecting students safetywellbeingand academic performance

• Be aware of relevant firehealthand safety issues in the classroom and around the center

COMPENSATION

The Director of Studies position is classified as exempt and will receive a weekly salarycommensuratewith the successful candidates education and experience. The starting salary is$900per week. This position provides housing and full board.

• Residential rates include full board and lodging

• Paid training and induction

• Work as part ofa strong teamand 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 programs

• Provide courses that will support and enable the students to realize 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 walkingup stairsYes
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 racecolor religion national origin sex sexual orientation handicap/disability Vietnam-era/disabled veteran status gender identity or expression or any other non-job-related criteria.