EFL Director of Studies - Toronto - Move Language Ahead

Description

Director of Studies (DoS) –MLA Canada at Toronto Metropolitan University

Job Type: Residential, Full-Time

Reports to: Academic Manager

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

Location: MLA Toronto Metropolitan University

350 Victoria Street
Toronto, ON
M5B 2K3, Canada

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.

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 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.

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
• Work 6 days per week
• Residential employment available from late June – end of July

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. The DoS is 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

• Right to work in Canada and satisfactory criminal background check; 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
• Proficient in the use of IT

Desirable

• ESL or English summer school teaching/managerial experience in Canada
• Teacher management experience
• Teacher training experience
• First aid qualification

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust while maintaining proper professional boundaries
• 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)
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development
• Team player
• Motivate and inspire teachers sensitively and constructively; challenge colleagues assertively when necessary
• Self‑motivated and passionate about driving up standards in management, teaching and learning
• Determined, well‑organised and extremely hard‑working
• Work accurately and calmly; show resilience when under pressure
• Support staff in the use of IT
• Provide creative ideas to supplement curriculum and facilitate learning
• 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

28th of June 2026 – 31st of July 2026* (contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program)

The Residential Director of Studies contract involves a 6‑day workweek, with one 24‑hour period off per week. Classes are typically taught from Monday through Saturday, with 90‑minute sections.

Class Schedule:
Morning lessons: 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Afternoon lessons: 1:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

You will not be required to participate in excursions outside your assigned duties. However, given the demanding nature of MLA programmes, you may occasionally be asked to assist outside your standard working hours to ensure the smooth operation of the centre.

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 accommodate their requests while ensuring procedures are followed
• Be flexible and aware of cultural differences when explaining academic decisions 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 the Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and programme; including assisting in staff induction and taking an active part in discussion and feedback
• Provide pastoral care when needed
• Be on call during the night if residential positions require it
• Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
• Complete all administrative tasks 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 the DoS 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
• Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material 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; record and monitor all absences
• Supervise the preparation of student reports within agreed deadlines
• Inform the Academic Manager of all CPD programmes and academic needs in the centre
• Delegate tasks to the DoS with necessary support and guidance

Training & CPD

• Support teachers in delivering the task‑based learning syllabus
• Work with the DoS in designing all CPD programmes
• Carry out inductions
• If TEFL complete 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 centre needs

Administrative

• Assist the Academic Manager with student admissions, monitoring and managing 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 MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
• Supervise the completion of up‑to‑date teaching records on MLA Boards and Teacher Zone
• Supervise the preparation of students' reports and course reports within agreed deadlines and ensure they are professional and free of typos
• Provide cover teaching when necessary

Equipment & Facilities

• Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises
• Ensure teachers' rooms and classrooms are left secure and tidy after use
• Ensure borrowed equipment has been returned
• Help develop, advance and expand teaching resources

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the 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 of CAD 750 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, colour, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, Vietnam‑era/disabled veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non‑job‑related criteria.

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