Director of Studies

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Director of Studies is responsible for aspects of the academic provision at EP Berlin. This includes but is not limited to; English Language Teaching and German Language course design, implementation and coordination; providing continued academic support and guidance to EP students and the day-to-day management of all EP Teachers. You will also assist with the recruitment of teachers as required. The following section outlines a more detailed description of the duties of this post.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ACADEMIC:

• Providing support, assistance and training to teaching staff on a range of different teaching strategies and effective classroom management strategies to meet the needs of a large range of learning styles.
• Providing continued academic support and guidance to students including tutorials; ensures the tutorials take place and are followed through by their teacher in a systematic way; offering every support to the student in their academic aims.
• Ensures that feedback from the tutorial sessions is disseminated to all relevant parties in a timely manner.
• Timetables classes, carrying out intake procedures, student placement and testing.
• Coordinates placement, progress and exit testing.
• Assisting with planning, preparing, and delivering of induction sessions.
• Maintains class averages at optimal levels with support of GHoA.
• Support other departments as needed (e.g. cooperate with the sales team, represent and promote the department favourably at every opportunity as directed).
• Oversees Library and Computer Suite if available: offering provision of digital and physical self-study materials to students after class. Develops self-access materials including reference materials, library books and offers advice on using materials to improve students’ English and German language.
• Resources development: ordering materials which are appropriate to the teachers’ and students’ needs on year-round courses as directed by the GHoA. Meet publishing representatives as necessary.
• Liaises with Exams centres to help co-ordinate examination entries and certificates.
• Liaises with Accommodation staff and other administrative staff on students’ pastoral care, where necessary.
• May be asked to deputise for the GHoA and other Director of Studies in their absence as necessary.
• Attends conferences and training days, mutually agreed upon with the GHoA.
• Meets with ad hoc walk-in enquiries/prospective students to check levels/discuss courses as required.
• Regularly check that classrooms have sufficient furniture, displays, heating, air conditioning and all technology is working.
• Ensures teachers are up to date with administrative procedures including registers and progress reporting. Ensures teachers produce Weekly Plans and Records of Work and that these are filed and referred to systematically to avoid repetition of work.
• Arranges teaching cover when teachers are absent from work; ensuring that teachers have instructions available on what is to be taught in their absence using the Record of Work. Briefs the cover teacher accurately to ensure students have continuity of class content.
• Carries out classroom teaching when required, according to number of enrolments at the school and projects being undertaken.
• Covering teachers in cases on sickness or holiday, according to number of enrolments at the school and projects being undertaken.
• Ensuring the centre runs smoothly, providing support to the wider team as and when needed.
• Assisting in the development of lesson materials, workbooks, syllabus design and all other related academic materials such as testing for the wider academic team.
• Updating existing material and contributing to the ongoing innovative process of development of new programmes.
• Gain an understanding of accreditation requirements and assist with accreditation where necessary and applicable.
• Co-writing teacher handbooks.
• Carries out online interviews and pre-course tests of prospective students to assess language level for visa application purposes (if required), exam preparation courses and pathway programmes.

RECRUITMENT AND HR:

• Assist in updating and controlling our database of staff.
• Check and submit timesheets for freelancers/hourly paid teaching staff.
• Check CVs and interview new teachers with the support of recruitment team
• Induct new teachers and maintain communication with HR regarding their onboarding status.

SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for promoting safeguarding within their venue and working with others to ensure a safe and inclusive environment is achieved.
• Help provide emotional and pastoral care for all students and always promote their mental and physical wellbeing.
• Effectively support the teachers with classroom management and student behaviour
• Be aware of prevent duty which aims to safeguard vulnerable individuals from being drawn into terrorism and report any concerns to the Prevent lead and or safeguarding lead.
• Make yourself aware of EPs safeguarding policy, attendance policy, safer recruitment policy and any other policies relating to welfare and safeguarding of students to ensure a clear and correct process is always followed to ensure children are safe and protected.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Eligibility to live and work in Germany.
• University Degree in German Studies, Linguistics, or a related field; DaF/DaZ certification essential.
• DELTA or equivalent for English teaching.
• DELTM or equivalent desirable
• Outstanding communication skills and native or near-native proficiency level in both written and verbal German and English (C2 level)
• Previous exposure to a HR/Recruitment environment desirable.
• Proven ability to effectively use database systems desirable.
• Previous experience of English and German language courses design for foreign learners.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively and accurately via email and telephone.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining effective academic administration systems and procedures.
• A thorough and meticulous approach to work.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritise a varied workload and work to deadlines under pressure.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to implement new developments, procedures, and courses.
• Ability to supervise and motivate staff.
• Have a positive and proactive attitude to work and demonstrate high levels of professionalism.
• A drive to work collaboratively with fun, likeminded people and contribute to team success.
• To be constantly aware of improving standards and adapt to them where possible.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience of teaching on in sessional, pre-sessional EAP or Pathway programmes.
• Experience of delivering presentations confidently and effectively.

OTHER INFORMATION:

The Director of Studies will also be expected to demonstrate their commitment:

• To EP values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.
• The EP’s Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities and minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of EP’s Environmental Policy.
• To their Health and Safety responsibilities to ensure their contribution to a safe and secure working environment for staff, students, and other visitors to the campus.

English Path is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support everyone at the school. Before interview, all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily and proof of identity and, where applicable, qualifications will be required. Appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of employment including a recent Police Conduct certificate.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned.