Move Language Ahead
Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) Job Description – MLA Florida International University
Job Type: Part‑Time
Reports to: Director of Studies
Responsible for: 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 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
Responsible for ensuring the planning and delivery of the academic program
Support teachers in their professional development
Assist the DoS in ensuring the smooth running of the academic program
Assist the DoS with all admin tasks
Represent MLA values
Report to Director of Studies
6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
The post of Assistant Director of Studies is a senior position, and the successful candidate will be a member of the school’s management structure inspiring the teachers to deliver high‑quality, communicative Task‑Based ESL lessons. ADoS should be ready to cover for any absent teachers, as well as support, lead and manage the academic life of the centre with the DoS. Summer centres are very busy places 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 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 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 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
Bedetermined, 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 to facilitate learning
Be willing and able to contribute to the wider extracurricular and pastoral life of a summer school
Customer oriented 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 29th of June 2026 – 30th of July 2026* (Contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program)
The Residential Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) 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. to 12:15 p.m.
Afternoon lessons: 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
You will not be required to participate in excursions outside your assigned duties. However, given the demanding nature of MLA programs, you may occasionally be asked to assist outside your standard working hours to ensure the smooth operation of the centre.
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES Assisting the DoS
Support the Director of Studies in managing the academic life of the school
Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
Develop and implement MLA’s educational philosophy and foster a culture of best practice
Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently
Assist the DoS with timetabling teachers
Assist the DoS with centre and classroom set‑up
Assist the DoS with student admissions and monitor arrangements for speaking placement tests
Attend any training sessions or meetings as required
Cover lessons when necessary and motivate students to improve their learning skills
Assist the Director of Studies with certificates and graduation ceremony
Support the Centre Director and work collaboratively with Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and program when necessary; including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback
Staff Management
Support the DoS in leading and managing all ESL teachers by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers to maintain MLA’s high academic standards
Monitor teachers’ prompt completion of all administrative tasks required
Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material/stages to their class composition
Attend and/or lead academic meetings
Monitor staff performance and 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
Training & CPD
Assist the Director of Studies with all Continuous Professional Development programs
Support teachers in delivering the Task‑Based learning syllabus
Carry out inductions for new teachers
If TEFLQ, carry out formal observations and appraisals in line with the MLA observation guidelines and rubric
Administrative
Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Director of Studies
Oversee the timetabling of teachers and classroom allocation
Monitor live updates of student attendance on the Teacher Zone
Provide cover teaching when necessary
Supervise the completion of up‑to‑date teaching records on the Teacher Zone
Equipment and Facilities
Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises
Ensure 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 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 center
COMPENSATION
Paid training and induction
Work as part of a strong team and gain experience
Opportunities for professional development e.g., observations, team teaching
The starting rate of pay for this position is $35.00/hour and will be paid on a bi‑weekly basis
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 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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Reports to: Director of Studies
Responsible for: 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 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
Responsible for ensuring the planning and delivery of the academic program
Support teachers in their professional development
Assist the DoS in ensuring the smooth running of the academic program
Assist the DoS with all admin tasks
Represent MLA values
Report to Director of Studies
6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
The post of Assistant Director of Studies is a senior position, and the successful candidate will be a member of the school’s management structure inspiring the teachers to deliver high‑quality, communicative Task‑Based ESL lessons. ADoS should be ready to cover for any absent teachers, as well as support, lead and manage the academic life of the centre with the DoS. Summer centres are very busy places 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 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 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 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
Bedetermined, 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 to facilitate learning
Be willing and able to contribute to the wider extracurricular and pastoral life of a summer school
Customer oriented 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 29th of June 2026 – 30th of July 2026* (Contract dates may vary to meet the needs of the program)
The Residential Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) 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. to 12:15 p.m.
Afternoon lessons: 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
You will not be required to participate in excursions outside your assigned duties. However, given the demanding nature of MLA programs, you may occasionally be asked to assist outside your standard working hours to ensure the smooth operation of the centre.
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES Assisting the DoS
Support the Director of Studies in managing the academic life of the school
Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school
Develop and implement MLA’s educational philosophy and foster a culture of best practice
Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently
Assist the DoS with timetabling teachers
Assist the DoS with centre and classroom set‑up
Assist the DoS with student admissions and monitor arrangements for speaking placement tests
Attend any training sessions or meetings as required
Cover lessons when necessary and motivate students to improve their learning skills
Assist the Director of Studies with certificates and graduation ceremony
Support the Centre Director and work collaboratively with Centre Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the centre and program when necessary; including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback
Staff Management
Support the DoS in leading and managing all ESL teachers by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers to maintain MLA’s high academic standards
Monitor teachers’ prompt completion of all administrative tasks required
Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material/stages to their class composition
Attend and/or lead academic meetings
Monitor staff performance and 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
Training & CPD
Assist the Director of Studies with all Continuous Professional Development programs
Support teachers in delivering the Task‑Based learning syllabus
Carry out inductions for new teachers
If TEFLQ, carry out formal observations and appraisals in line with the MLA observation guidelines and rubric
Administrative
Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Director of Studies
Oversee the timetabling of teachers and classroom allocation
Monitor live updates of student attendance on the Teacher Zone
Provide cover teaching when necessary
Supervise the completion of up‑to‑date teaching records on the Teacher Zone
Equipment and Facilities
Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises
Ensure 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 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 center
COMPENSATION
Paid training and induction
Work as part of a strong team and gain experience
Opportunities for professional development e.g., observations, team teaching
The starting rate of pay for this position is $35.00/hour and will be paid on a bi‑weekly basis
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 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr