Director of Studies Irvine

Location and Dates:

St. John’s University (Queens, NY) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: June 12 - August 15, 2026
  

The University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: June 26 - August 2, 2026
  

Concordia University (Irvine, CA) - Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: June 25 - August 7, 2026
  

Stevens Institute (Hoboken, NJ) Housing Provided

• On-location camp dates: July 2 - August 2, 2026
  

Job Description

The DoS reports to the Center Director and will be responsible for planning the ESL program for international teenagers and young adults, ensuring its successful implementation by supervising and supporting a team of ESL teachers. In addition to the duties related to the academic program.

Your key tasks will consist of, but not be limited to:

Preparation for the Program

• Review and make necessary changes to the current YES USA curriculum.
  
• Design curriculum and materials for new YES USA courses.
  
• Score student placement tests and accurately place students into appropriate classes according to their language proficiency, nationality, age, and any other relevant consideration.
  
• Review, edit, and update the YES USA current Operations Manual for ESL Teachers with sufficient details.
  
• Review and update, if needed, teacher paperwork such as sample rosters, a record of work, student final evaluation forms, teacher observation forms, etc.
  
• Train the academic team before the program starts (includes going through the main duties and responsibilities, Operations Manual, and curriculum, etc.). Conduct any training sessions for the staff that will join the program later.
  

Academic Support

Preparation/First Study Day:

• Prepare weekly teaching schedules according to teachers’ strengths, weaknesses, experience, skills, and preferences and deliver them to teachers in a timely manner.
  
• Prepare class lists according to student levels, assign classrooms to each English group, and keep students/teachers informed.
  
• Prepare and distribute teaching supplies to all teachers and collect them at the end of their contract.
  

Before Classes:

• Assist teachers with lesson preparation, if needed.
  
• Make sure teachers have everything needed for each lesson.
  
• Assist teachers with technology in the classroom, if needed (e.g. audio-visual equipment).
  
• Address teacher absenteeism or lateness efficiently, resolving related issues and managing staff discipline effectively.
  

During Classes:

• Monitor student attendance and address absenteeism.
  
• Assist teachers with any questions, requests, or problems they may have during classes.
  
• Observe teachers and document observations.
  
• Ensure that teachers maintain student discipline, welfare, and safety during class time.
  
• Deal with chaperones regarding student lateness, absences, level changes, etc.
  
• Teach when necessary (e.g. when student numbers are low, when there is teacher absence, lateness, or shortage).
  

After Classes:

• Ensure that teachers are maintaining accurate records of work and student attendance.
  

Team Support and Supervision

• Supervise, guide, and monitor the teaching team.
  
• Supervise and assist teachers in writing student evaluations.
  
• Run brief daily teacher meetings before classes.
  
• Run weekly professional development workshops/meetings for teachers.
  
• Give feedback from class observations to teachers and arrange follow-up observations on matters of concern.
  
• Evaluate the performance of teachers on a weekly basis and report to the center director.
  
• Establish and maintain team discipline.
  
• Create a positive atmosphere and motivate effectively, offering praise and recognition whenever possible.
  
• Supervise admin staff in their duties related to academic support and evaluate their performance.
  

Student Supervision:

• Act in loco parentis to ensure and maintain student discipline, welfare, safety, and security whenever in contact with students.
  
• Supervise students during meals when on duty or in touch with students.
  

Program Quality Control and Client Service:

• Manage the delivery of the academic curriculum as prescribed.
  
• Set and maintain a high level of teaching by ensuring that students receive well-planned, professionally delivered, and relevant lessons.
  
• Review and make improvements in the current curriculum throughout the program based on teacher observations, and teacher/student/chaperone feedback.
  
• Deal with chaperones (or directly with students) to answer questions related to English classes, levels, teachers, student progress, and the like, and resolve issues and complaints.
  
• Interact with students and chaperons and ensure their happiness.
  
• Monitor and counsel students on academic matters.
  

General Admin:

• Assist in preparing for student arrival/departure days (e.g. room inspections, welcome packets, new student orientation, and campus tour, etc.).
  
• Help new students check in and settle in.
  
• Work with the Center Director to arrange and lead/co-lead student orientations for new arrivals and end-of-course ceremonies for departing students.
  
• Work the Center Director Liaise to ensure classrooms are booked for English lessons, end-of-course certificate giving ceremonies, etc.
  
• Works with Center Director to resolve any university issues or complaints in a positive manner.
  
• Maintain and protect YES USA teaching resources and equipment and make sure teachers return materials/supplies at the end of the program.
  
• Take pictures of students/teachers in class and send them to the intern daily.
  
• Ensure timely completion and submission of student final evaluations.
  
• Prepare and print end-of-course certificates.
  
• Complete additional administrative tasks assigned by the management team.
  

Miscellaneous:

• Assist and stand in for the center director/activity manager when needed.
  
• Help with non-academic duties (excursions, meals, student sicknesses, linen exchange, mid-stay cleaning, etc.), when needed.
  
• Make and answer calls and messages and assist with any questions, problems, etc.
  
• Assist the Center Director with any staffing issues (e.g. look for sub teachers, train new teachers, etc.)
  

Requirements

• DELTA certificate or MA in TESOL.
  
• 3-5 years minimum full-time experience teaching ESL.
  
• Native fluency in English.
  
• Previous academic management experience (preferably in summer camp).
  
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.
  

Qualities

• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others.
  
• Effective people management skills.
  
• High level of responsibility and authority.
  
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
  
• Independence and strong problem-solving skills.
  
• Strong customer service ethics.
  
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a positive, constructive demeanor in clients’ presence even when problems and emergencies arise.
  
• Flexibility in terms of work assignments.
  

Application Procedure

Prior to offering a job to selected candidates, YES USA will:

• Complete a reference check (names and contact details of three references are required).
  
• Run a background check.
  

Upon signing a job offer, successful candidates will be required to:

• Submit a copy of your university diploma and certificates along with other new hire paperwork.
  
• Attend orientation prior to employment.
  

Hours

The Director of Studies will work 60 hours per week and will have one day off per week.

Compensation

New York

$1,144 - $1,192 per week.

Miami

$988 - $1,036 per week.

California

$1,096 - $1,144 per week.