Job Description

Director of Studies (DoS)

Title:

Director of Studies (DoS)

Job Type:

Residential, Full-Time

Reports to:

Academic Manager

Responsible for:

ADoS, Teachers, Students and Group Leaders

Country:

Scotland, United Kingdom

DATES:

June 28th to July 31st 2025

Location:

Edinburgh


MLA is currently recruiting a professional TEFLQ Director of Studies for our centre in Edinburgh. ACADEMICS ONLY: NO EXCURSIONS, NO ACTIVITIES, NO BEDTIME/WAKE UP DUTIES, NO AIRPORT TRANSFERS. Minimum 2 years experience in a Summer School setting in the UK essential. Salary from GBP 683 to GBP 784 per week based on qualifications and experience. Paid training and induction, work as part of a strong team and gain experience, opportunities for professional development, regular CPD sessions on a range of young learner topics.


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 Foreign Language (EFL) programmes. Along with our proprietary task-based EFL 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 (Monday to Saturday) 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 EFL 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 a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you're based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check form your country of residence Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references. EFL Summer School Teaching/Managerial experience in Ireland or the UK Teacher Management experience Teacher Training experience EFL experience teaching teenagers Be proficient in the use of IT DELTA / Trinity DipTESOL / MA TESOL completed PGCE/ PGCE PCET: Post Graduate Certificate in Education with ELT/TESOL PGCE in English/ Foreign Languages or DELTM plus a TEFL Level 5 certificate (CELTA / Trinity CertTESOL or equivalent Ofqual recognised standards) Master's degrees (MA/MSc etc) in ELT/TESOL or related subjects are also accepted but cannot be considered without a supervised teaching practice component
Desirable


Enhanced DBS/PVG registered on the Update Service 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 teachers 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.
SCHEDULE


Residential DoS contracts a 6-day week with one 24-hour period off per week are based on up to 42 working hours over a 7-day session with one day off per week. You will not be required to go on excursions, join activities or any pastoral care outside your duties. However, MLA programmes are hard work, and you might be requested to assist outside your working hours to ensure the smooth running of the centre. Please note that due to the logistics of the employment, you may be required to be moved to another centre where extra staff are required, in which case we will cover all the travel expenses that may be incurred.


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 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 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
From GBP 610 to GBP 700 per week, plus 12.07% holiday pay (from GBP 683 to GBP 784 per week) based on qualifications and experience.


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 Returning teachers will receive a bonus of GBP 150 after completing their full contract. Please note that due to the logistics of the employment, you may be required to move to another centre where extra staff are required. Only in this case will we cover all the travel expenses that may be incurred.
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 Comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner 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.
MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job-related criteria.


Work Location: In person