Head of English Department

Contract Length: 2 years

Number of Vacancies: 1

Eligible Candidates:

• University Graduate, Licensed Teacher
  

School Requirements:

• Education Required: Bachelor
  
• Minimum Teaching Experience: 5 years of teaching experience
  
• Major: Bachelor�s Degree in English, Education, TESOL, or a related field
  
• Required Certificates:
  

Teaching Credential/License

Additional School Requirements:

Experience teaching both primary and secondary students is an advantage

Strong knowledge of Cambridge curriculum and second language acquisition

Proven ability to lead literacy initiatives and reading improvement programmes

Job Benefits:

• Group Health Insurance, providing coverage for outpatient, inpatient, and emergency medical services.
  
• Entitled to a monthly transportation allowance, the amount of which will be determined based on their role and location.
  
• Visa expenses will be covered by the school.
  

Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

JOB TITLE: Head of English Department

REPORTS TO: Head of Academic Affairs

LOCATION: IMAS International School Kuala Lumpur

DEPARTMENT: (Primary & Secondary)

PURPOSE

The Head of English Department is responsible for leading and overseeing the English

curriculum across the Primary and Secondary schools at IMAS. The role ensures high

standards of literacy, language proficiency, and critical engagement with texts, in

alignment with IMAS’s motto of “Beyond Academic Excellenceâ€. The role includes

designing and managing intensive English programmes for non-native speakers,

promoting reading culture, and equipping students with the language skills necessary

for academic success, confident communication, and global citizenship.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Curriculum Design and Implementation

• Lead the planning, development, and review of the English curriculum for both
  

Primary and Secondary sections.

• Ensure alignment with international standards (e.g., Cambridge Primary,
  

Checkpoint, IGCSE, A-Level).

• Design progression of reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and
  

vocabulary across all grade levels.

• Oversee the delivery of the Intensive English Programme for non-native
  

speakers, including placement testing, instructional materials, and exit criteria.

• Promote integration of language learning across the curriculum and coordinate
  

with other subject heads to support English Language Learners (ELLs).

2. Reading and Literacy Development

• Develop and monitor a whole-school Reading Framework that includes guided
  

reading, shared reading, and independent reading strategies.

• Set ambitious benchmarks for reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
  

development.

• Oversee reading assessments, reading intervention plans, and the selection of
  

appropriate reading materials.

• Collaborate with class teachers and English staff to support differentiated
  

instruction in reading.

• Promote a culture of reading through initiatives such as reading corners, book
  

clubs, library programmes, and reading challenges.

3. Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance

• Lead a team of English teachers across both divisions, ensuring consistency in
  

teaching quality, assessment, and resource use.

• Conduct lesson observations, book reviews, and student work audits regularly.
  
• Ensure effective implementation of daily lesson procedures, marking policies, and
  

unit planning expectations.

• Provide feedback, coaching, and professional development to English teachers.
  
• Introduce innovative and engaging strategies in English teaching that cater to a
  

range of learners, including ELLs and high achievers.

4. Assessment and Data Use

• Design and monitor the department�s formative and summative assessment
  

practices.

• Track and analyse reading and writing performance data to identify gaps and
  

plan interventions.

• Prepare students for internal and external examinations, including Checkpoint
  

and IGCSE English papers.

• Maintain student performance tracking systems and provide regular progress
  

updates to the Head of Academic Affairs.

5. Programme Management and Development

• Oversee staffing, timetabling, and resource allocation for both Primary and
  

Secondary English programmes.

• Lead the planning of English-based events such as Reading Week, Speech
  

Competitions, Spelling Bees, and Literary Exhibitions.

• Collaborate with the Head of Academic Affairs in strategic planning, resource
  

procurement, and programme evaluation.

• Align department goals with IMAS�s values, including character development
  

through literature and reflective expression.

6. Support for English Language Learners (ELLs)

• Identify, assess, and monitor ELLs from admission through progression.
  
• Design differentiated lesson plans and materials for ELLs in both primary and
  

secondary.

• Provide professional development to staff in ELL instructional strategies.
  
• Support parents of ELL students in understanding their child�s language
  

development journey.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor�s Degree in English, Education, TESOL, or a related field (required)
  
• Minimum 3 years experience in Educational Leadership, English Literature,
  

Linguistics, or a related field (preferred)

• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience in English (at least 2 in a leadership role)
  
• Experience teaching both primary and secondary students is an advantage
  
• Strong knowledge of Cambridge curriculum and second language acquisition
  
• Proven ability to lead literacy initiatives and reading improvement programmes
  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Head of Academic Affairs
  
• Head of Primary and Secondary School
  
• Deputy Heads (Academic and Pastoral)
  
• English Teachers (Primary & Secondary)
  
• ELL Coordinators / Support Staff
  
• Parents and Guardians
  

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Passion for literacy and language development
  
• Strategic thinking and departmental leadership
  
• Data-driven instruction and intervention planning
  
• Strong organizational and communication skills
  
• Cultural sensitivity and understanding of multilingual learning environments
  
• Commitment to excellence, reflection, and continuous improvement
  

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Student progress in reading, writing, and language usage (internal and external
  

assessments)

• Effectiveness of the Intensive English Programme (measured through placement
  

outcomes and exit data)

• Departmental consistency in planning, instruction, and assessment
  
• Quality and engagement in reading-related initiatives
  
• Professional development impact and teacher performance in the department
  
• Student feedback and classroom observation outcomes
  
• Contribution to whole-school literacy and language goals