Director of Education

Thames Valley Summer Schools, a long-time member of English UK and accredited by the British Council, has operated summer courses for teenagers for over 40 years and is one of the top two residential multi-centre summer schools in the UK*. The role is mainly office-based but will involve travel to the centres once the courses are running. Our Head Office is in Windsor and this is initially a fixed-term contract from February to July/August 2018.

*Based on British Council inspection results published by the EL Gazette 

Role description

As Director of Education (DOE) you will support the Vice-Principal in running the recruitment and academic departments. This includes: 

· the recruitment of all centre staff and English School Friends (ESFs) including associated administration.

· the efficient management of the educational programme including allocation of educational  materials and, potentially, syllabus writing. 

Once the centres are open, you will focus on the academic side of the courses and be involved in the training and debriefing of teaching staff and academic managers. You will visit the centres and be personally involved in providing educational support and guidance to the EFL staff including conducting initial teacher observations and emergency teaching cover if necessary.

Here’s what some of our 2017 teachers had to say about TVSS:

“I loved every minute of it. I would definitely apply again.”

“Thoroughly enjoyable three weeks! Excellent facilities, excellent staff and excellent kids! Would certainly love to be a part of another TVSS course in the future!”

“It's been a very good year, once again!”

“Excellent support from management and staff. Students seemed to have a really positive experience and it was really great fun and rewarding to teach them.”

Person Specification

You are organised, flexible and reliable with strong admin skills (including a very good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite) and excellent attention to detail. You have good interpersonal and communication skills as well as an ability to work independently and under pressure. You are meticulous with administration, confident in interviewing and able to handle academic management responsibilities effectively. You have a full, clean driving licence and are happy to drive. As with all senior personnel, you are able to work efficiently under pressure and respond decisively to situations as they develop

Ideally, we are looking for someone who has the potential to develop the role and to take on more responsibility. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who has relevant teaching experience, is looking to develop their career and who thrives in a challenging environment.

Qualifications & Knowledge

Essential 

a) A university degree

b) CELTA/CertTESOL or equivalent

c) DELTA/DipTESOL or equivalent

d) Native-level English

Desirable

a) Ability to speak another language in addition to English, at least conversationally 

Relevant Experience

Essential

a) a minimum of three years’ EFL teaching experience which includes Young Learners

b) working in a residential EFL summer school 

c) preparing students for Trinity GESE / FCE / IELTS

Desirable

a) interviewing teachers

b) Trinity examiner experience

c) conducting teacher observations

d) using technology in the EFL classroom

e) materials development and syllabus writing

f) recruitment and/or project management experience

Skills, Abilities and Attitude

Essential 

a) full, clean driving licence

b) good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel 

c) ability to work as a team and on own initiative

d) meticulous attention to detail

e) flexibility and willingness to work non-standard hours (when required) to meet the needs of the business, including evening and weekends, especially during the summer months 

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £26,000 p.a. (pro rata)

Holiday: 5.6 working weeks (28 working days) per annum, inclusive of bank/public holidays (pro rata)

Thames Valley Summer Schools is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. As part of our commitment:

· All references will be followed up

· Referees will be asked specifically if there is any reason why you should not be allowed to work with under 18-year olds

· Any gaps in your employment history will need to be explained satisfactorily

· Proof of identity and qualifications will be required and photocopies of the original certificate will be taken

· All candidates are required to hold or undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly CRB) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from their local police

The TVSS office is a non-smoking environment. 

Please note that we are only able to contact successful candidates. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permit visa applications. Thank you for your understanding.