Secondary Head of Department - EAL

The Head of Department for English as an Additional Language (EAL) is responsible for the leadership of teaching, learning and relevant resources for the English language acquisition subjects in the Middle Years Programme:

• English as an Additional Language (EAL) - Grades 6-8
• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Grades 9 and 10

As such, the Head of Department leads and oversees the learning and progress for all students within these subjects. The Head of Department leads the professional growth and development of a team of teachers for MYP English language acquisition. The Head Of Department is a member of the Secondary Head of Department Team and is, accordingly, responsible for positively supporting school change as outlined in the school’s strategic plan.

A Head of Department in the Secondary School needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to the school’s shared cultural competencies, such as maintaining a collaborative ethos within the school. In addition, he/she needs to embody an understanding of the social and emotional dimensions of learning as evidenced through their practice.

Please note - this is not a standalone leadership position. Successful applicants are expected to have a teaching component with relevance to English Language Acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and maintenance of a learner-centred approach to English language acquisition.
• Initiating and overseeing the curriculum development and the programme of support within the EAL Team as well as the development of a personalized approach to English language acquisition.
• Working with teachers, IB Coordinators and the Secondary Principal in maintaining a whole school philosophy for EAL / EAP. Liaise with the Primary EAL HOD to support this aim.
• Supporting the placement and transition of students as well as communicating with the Principal, Deputy Principal and IB Coordinators regarding class lists.
• Facilitating a strong understanding of the EAL model at ICS, including processes of transition and programmes of support, with classroom teachers, support teachers, Heads of Department, Grade Level Leaders and the Secondary Leadership Team.
• Promoting and modelling best practice in co-teaching, a learner-centred approach and a highly collaborative approach to team-planning (within and beyond the EAL team).
• Advocating for students who are involved in the EAL / EAP programme.
• Assisting members of the EAL team in promoting positive student behaviours.
• Involving all team members in the school’s strategic plan and the team’s associated goals and priorities.
• Ensuring that all Language Acquisition students experience common curriculum plans and common assessment frameworks as appropriate.
• Working with the Secondary Leadership Team, the Admissions Team, the Grade 6 Grade Level Leader and the Head of Learning Support on the transition between Primary and Secondary, including facilitating assessments as needed.
• Leading departmental meetings.
• Mentoring teachers in their professional development.
• Coordinating the co-teaching allocation in consultation with the HOD for Learning Support.
• Supporting teachers in communications with parents and students.
• Attending and contributing to Head of Department meetings and developing concepts from these meetings with the rest of the EAL team.
• Coordinating and attending parent workshops as needed.
• Planning and overseeing the EAL budget.
• Monitoring assessment across Grade Levels for accuracy, consistency and appropriate connections to the written and taught curriculum.
• Reviewing new student applicant profiles for the admissions process, facilitating preliminary language proficiency assessments and making recommendations. Communicating admissions needs with parents, the IB coordinators, the counsellors and the Secondary Principal. 
• Liaising with external professionals as needed to help develop a differentiated programme for students and to support teachers with understanding how best to meet the needs of EAL students.
• Maintaining an up-to-date EAL Register and communicating regularly with teachers regarding the needs of students.
• Overseeing and initiating virtual learning platforms for EAL.
• By invitation, engaging actively in Secondary Pastoral Leadership Team meetings.
• Working closely with the counselling and Learning Support teams.
• Coordinating EAL support after school and ensuring parents and students are aware of this support.
• Keeping up-to-date with current theory and best practice in relation to language acquisition.

Requirements

• Experience of the effective leadership of a curriculum-based team of teachers and of successfully leading the learning of EAL at Secondary school level.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Current classroom teacher qualification to teach EAL at Secondary School level.
• Minimum 4 years recent and relevant Secondary School classroom experience.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Competence in using technology for both learning and information management purposes.
• Strong organisational skills.
• A specialist, up-to-date knowledge of language acquisition pedagogy.
• A thorough understanding of IB Middle Years and IB Diploma programmes.
• A comprehensive understanding of effective teaching and assessment strategies.
• Practical knowledge of contemporary leadership practice.
• A commitment to holistic, learner centred education.
• Knowledge of the developmental needs of children of 12 - 18 years.
• Empathy, a high degree of emotional intelligence and effective interpersonal and social skills.

Terms and conditions

The initial contract is for two years and is renewable. The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

Next steps

Interested candidates should email a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, a detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be addressed to:

Ms. Mary-Lyn Campbell,

Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.