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. 

 
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 

• Ensure the planning, delivery and smooth running of the academic program 

• Monitor effective completion of all tasks 

• Allocate students to classes and make changes if necessary 

• Assign level and material to classes 

• Organize inductions, and CPD sessions for teachers and Group Leaders 

• Represent MLA values 

• Report to the Academic Manager 

• 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 center and plays a crucial role in whole-school strategy and development. You will inspire teachers to deliver high-quality, communicative Task-Based English lessons. DoSs are also responsible for communicating with the Center Director and Group Leaders about academic-related matters. Summer centers 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 Canada 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 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 whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries 

• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behavior 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 

• Be determined, 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 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 (DoS) 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 center. 

 
KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES 
 
Academics in the center 

• 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 respectfully, and accommodate their requests as much as possible while ensuring MLA procedures are followed 

• Be flexible and aware of cultural differences when explaining academic decisions/procedures to Group Leaders 

• Advise the Academic Manager on all academic matters in the center and request assistance from Head Office 

• Attend any management training or meetings as required 

• Support the Center Director and work collaboratively with Center Administrator and Activity Manager to ensure the successful running of the center and program when necessary; including assisting in the staff induction and take an active part in discussion and feedback 

• Provide pastoral care when needed 

• Residential positions may be on call during the night 

• Promote and develop the academic curriculum and academic life of the school 

• Complete all administrative tasks required efficiently 

• Timetable teachers 

• Center 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 

• Organize certificates and run graduation ceremony 

 

Staff Management 

• Lead and manage the Academic Team in the center by encouraging, supporting and challenging teachers and ADoSs 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 required 

• Ensure teachers prepare lessons and adapt material/stages to their class composition 

• Chair academic meetings in the center 

• Be the first port of call for any teacher in need of advice or support 

• Cover for absent staff 

• Arrange cover for absent staff: record and monitor all absences 

• Supervise the preparation of student reports within agreed deadlines 

• Inform the Academic Manager of all Continuous Professional Development programs and academic needs in the center 

• Delegate tasks to the ADoS with necessary support and guidance 

 

Training & CPD 

• Support teachers in delivering the Task-Based learning syllabus 

• Work with the ADoS in designing all Continuous Professional Development programs 

• Carry out inductions 

• If TEFLQ, carry out 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 the center needs 

 

Administrative 

• Assist the Academic Manager with student admissions, monitor and manage 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 the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone 

• Supervise the completion of up-to-date teaching records on the MLA Boards and Teacher Zone 

• Supervise the preparation of student’s reports and/or course reports within agreed deadlines and ensure they are professional and free of typos 

• Oversee the allocation of staff in consultation with the Academic Manager  

• Oversee the timetabling and administration of preparation  

• Provide cover teaching when necessary 

 

Equipment & Facilities 

• Maintain and monitor teaching resources and premises 

• Ensure teachers’ room and 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 
 
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 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, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, Vietnam-era/disabled veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other non-job-related criteria.