Eal Academy Director

**POSITION REPORTS TO**: Deputy Head of School

**DIRECT REPORTS**: EAL Teacher(s)

**WORKS CLOSELY WITH**: Teaching Faculty, Lower, Middle & Upper School Directors, Director of Admissions & Marketing, Head of Department: Language Acquisition

**TEAMS & COMMITTEES**: None

**COMPENSATION**: Salary to be the equivalent of a full-time teacher. For SY 2024/25, this

role will include a significant EAL teaching assignment, while the

Director builds the EAL Academy Program to launch SY 2025/26.

Teaching responsibilities will be lessened as enrollment in the Academy

program grows, and additional EAL teaching staff are added to the team.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The EAL Academy Director plays a vital role in the success of the EAL Academy Program, focusing on empowering international students at targeted grade levels for achievement in an English-speaking academic environment. This position is responsible for coordinating language proficiency development, cultural integration, and academic support within the comprehensive EAL Academy curriculum. This EAL Academy Director will contribute significantly to the foundation and success of the EAL Academy Program, ensuring that students are well-prepared for integration into mainstream academic programs while fostering language proficiency, cultural awareness, and academic success. This role includes teaching, administrative responsibilities and supporting the admissions office in the recruitment, admission and ongoing support of international students.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

**Program Coordination**:
Collaborate with members of the School Leadership Team in the development, implementation, and management of the EAL Academy Program.

Coordinate language development sessions, cultural integration activities, and academic support initiatives as outlined in the program objectives.

Work closely with other teachers and staff to ensure a cohesive and supportive learning environment for EAL students, including ongoing professional development support for faculty.

**Curriculum Implementation**:
Oversee the delivery of language development sessions, including structured lessons in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing skills, listening, and speaking exercises.

Facilitate cultural integration and contextual learning activities, such as cultural awareness workshops, real-life scenario simulations, and media analysis sessions.

**Admissions and Assessment**:
Oversee the assessment of English Language Proficiency test scores to determine EAL student admissions to the Academy or recommend direct admission into the mainstream academic program.

Collaborate with the admissions team to ensure compliance with admissions requirements and support the enrollment process for EAL Academy students.

**Student Progress Monitoring**:
Implement a system for monitoring and assessing student progress in language proficiency, cultural integration, and academic achievement.

Provide regular updates to the School Leadership Team and other relevant stakeholders on student achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Bachelor’s degree in Education, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or a related field.

Certification in TESOL or equivalent qualification.

Strong understanding of language acquisition principles and strategies.

Familiarity with cultural integration and contextual learning methodologies.

Excellent organizational and coordination skills.

Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.

Fluency in Mandarin would be considered an asset.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum of 3 years of experience in ESL or EAL education.

Previous experience in curriculum development and program coordination.

Experience working with international students and an understanding of their unique needs.

Familiarity with standardized English Language Proficiency tests and admissions processes.

Knowledge of academic support strategies and resources.

How To Apply

Our Offer

Armbrae Academy offers a positive and inclusive workplace community that celebrates creativity and collaboration and is committed to ongoing professional development. Our salaries are competitive within the HRM (Halifax Regional Municipality) and include a defined contribution benefits plan, access to our RRSP matching programme and professional growth opportunities.

As a condition of employment a satisfactory Vulnerable Police Clearance must be provided. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Armbrae Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know the nature of any accommodation that you may require.